What to Expect
For a full body massage, you may undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear if you are more comfortable doing so. You will be given the privacy to undress while I am in an adjacent room, and will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being addressed at that time.
Your appointment will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room with yourself and the therapist (A parent must be in the room if the client is under the age of 18). Music of your choosing will be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table specifically designed for your comfort.
The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. Some prefer a 75 to 105 minute session for optimal time to address the full body plus focused work in specific areas. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
It usually depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a lotion and oil combination is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that I may use another approach or technique.
Most feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. A hot Epsom salt bath is sometimes recommended following a massage. The bath encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.