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What is a massage?

Massage is a term describing a variety of techniques using the hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus to stimulate or soothe soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes. The term "soft tissues" primarily refers to muscles, tendons, ligaments, as well as other fascia of the body.

How does massage work?

Massage works by kneading, mobilizing, and stretching muscles to relax them, and uses friction to stimulate soft tissues. This therapy can increase blood and lymph circulation while breaking up scar tissue between muscle fibers.

Why is massage used?

Massage is useful in many conditions in which body relaxation, the reduction of swelling, and muscle mobilization is desired. Massage can be helpful in overcoming the swelling and pooling of fluids at the site of recent injury or trauma.

Will the massage be painful?

Deep Tissue massages can potentially be a little painful, especially in spots where you are very tight. Just make sure that you tell me if the pressure is more than you are comfortable with.

Why are some areas of my body tender during massage?

Areas of muscles that are tight tend to also be tender to the touch. The tighter the area is and the longer that it has been tight, the more tender that area tends to be. The tenderness is in part due to a buildup of metabolic waste in the tissues (the body can not effectively clean up muscle tissues that are tight). It's also thought to be caused by the release of stress chemicals by the muscle tissue. These stress chemicals increase the sensitivity of local nociceptors (pain receptors). This causes the affected area to feel painful even with light pressure.

I had a Deep Tissue massage yesterday.  Why am i sore today?

The muscles likely had accumulated a lot of metabolic waste that has now been released into your body. This is an important part of the process, but your body needs time to process and get rid of the waste products. It may take a day or two for the soreness to go away. Just drink plenty of water after the massage and for the next day or two, and this will speed up the process. If you see any bruising or feel sore for more than two days, then the therapist probably used more pressure than was right for you. During your next massage, ask your therapist to use less pressure and see how your body reacts.

Will I ever be naked during the massage?

No. During the massage the client is always covered with a sheet. Any area being worked on is temporarily uncovered, except the groin and the chest (female clients). If you ever feel uncomfortable with any area of your body being worked on, just tell me. I can avoid that area during the massage.

Do I wear anything during the massage?

For the most common types of massage, the client is undressed under a sheet. Bras are usually not worn as they get in the way of shoulder and back work. Underwear is optional, depending on what is comfortable for the client. Just remember that you are always covered with a sheet. Try to wear as little jewelry as possible. Necklaces get in the way of neck work and have to be removed. If you are uncomfortable being undressed, I can work through light clothing.

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