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Do I need to shower before or after my session?

 

While a shower prior to your massage would be a good idea for hygiene reasons. Please make sure that you are relatively clean when you show up to your massage. Try to have clean feet, nails, hair, and skin in general. I care about good hygiene and cleanliness especially in my work area. In addition, feeling clean will mean less body insecurities. Plus, the therapist will appreciate your cleanliness — for obvious reasons.

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How about my current health?

 

As part of your therapeutic massage treatment, it is critical that you disclose any and all health conditions you may have to your therapist. While some conditions may seem minor to you, the condition could be exacerbated by massage. Even if you get therapeutic massages on a regular basis, you need to disclose any old/new health conditions to your therapist. If you are currently sick, try to reschedule asap.

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What should I wear during my massage?

The most common choice is to take everything off and get comfortable. You will be draped professionally during your treatment. Of course, you can leave underwear, however, it will in some cases interfere with your treatment slightly. Regardless of how clothed you are during your session, the only portion of your body that will be exposed is the one being worked on.

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How long before my session should I arrive?

You should arrive no later than 5-10 minutes prior to your session to ensure a timely start. Therapists generally have 15 minutes in between sessions and they must start and end sessions on time so that they can be ready for their next appointment.
 

Should I drink water before and after my massage?

Yes. Before your session you should only drink moderate amounts of water so that you can be comfortable while in session with no immediate need to go to the rest room. After your session, you should drink plenty of fluids as water aids in the removal of toxins from your system.
 

Will the massage hurt?

The pressure applied during your massage can be as light or as deep as you are comfortable with. In order to ensure that you are getting the pressure you need, communication between you and your therapist is essential during your session as it will enable your therapist to apply the adequate amount of pressure.
 

Will I be cold during my massage?

The room temperature is kept between 70 & 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to keep you comfortable, the therapists have access to:

Sheets and towels
Therapy room heaters

Blanket [optional]
 

What is a full body massage?

A full body massage consists of work on your scalp, face, neck, shoulders, back, gluteus, legs and feet (the work is not done in this order.) Generally speaking, 90 minutes need to be allocated for a full body massage as it will allow the therapist to devote enough time to all areas of your body. Your therapist will use long flowing light, medium to deep (pressure will be adjusted for your needs) strokes that will run the entire length of your body from head to toe in one continuous motion, working both the upper and under sides of your body. Your therapist’s arms will embrace you as the rhythmic waves of motion send deeply relaxing sensations to your brain.
 

Can a child receive a massage?

Yes. Children can benefit from massage and we recommend a 60 minute session. Some of our clients reward their children with a massage for a good report card, good behavior, etc. Massage helps with muscular growing pains and encourages good posture. It is also a wonderful tool for helping a child "become more in touch with their body" and good health practices. Body Conscious requires that children under the age of 18 are accompanied by an adult relative or guardian who must be present in the therapy room during the massage.
 

Proper Massage Etiquette

Checking in & out: Before starting your session, the therapist will discuss with you what kind of massage work you are interested in receiving. Based on your input, the therapist will customize the massage to suit your needs. Once the type of work has been determined, the therapist will walk you into your therapy room and provide you with instructions as to how to lay on the table. The therapist will give you a few minutes to get undressed/comfortable. Be respectful with the room and other equipment as well. Before going back in the room, the therapist will knock on the door to ensure you are ready. When the session is over, the therapist will leave the therapy room so that you can get dressed and ready to go. Generally speaking, you should be ready within 5-10 minutes after your session is over.

Talking During Session: While in session, it is best to keep communications between the client and therapist only for consultation/indication purposes (i.e. to apply less/more pressure, use more towels, etc.) In this manner, you'll be able to relax and forget about everything else.

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What to Expect after a Massage.

After your massage, you’ll be feeling relaxed, your blood will be flowing and your muscles should feel like jello. Your massage therapist will mention why it’s important to drink plenty of water after a massage but you might be so relaxed at that moment that you won’t completely take it all in. You’ll want to hang onto that wonderful post massage feeling as long as possible.

 

HERE ARE SOME USEFUL ‘AFTER A MASSAGE’ TIPS AND FACTS TO KNOW THAT WILL ENSURE EXTENDED BENEFITS FROM YOUR MASSAGE SESSION.

 

1. SKIP YOUR LATTE, GRAB YOUR WATER BOTTLE

Massage gets your blood circulating and begins to release built-up toxins. As your therapists loosens your muscles those toxins loosen up and start making their way toward your liver and other organs. Staying hydrated prior to and after a massage will help flush out the toxins and waste products your now improved circulation has moving through your body. Caffeine after a massage can be counterproductive to the muscles that were just worked on. So – if you are a coffee drinker, get your caffeine fix in prior to your massage. Water (or Herbal tea) will help keep your newly energized circulation moving at an appropriate pace, and help you hold onto that ‘fresh massage’ feeling longer. Drink more water after a massage than you normally would, to provide the hydration your body will need to flush the newly moving toxins out.

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2. FEELING SORE? ADD ICE

Your massage therapist just released your tight muscles. Deep-rooted muscle tension often requires some deep muscle work that might leave you feeling a little tender or sore after a massage. Stay away from icy-hot or other products that produce heat, the muscles are already inflamed after the deep massage session, heat will only inflame the muscles more. The best way to treat sore muscles, post massage, is to apply some ice to the area for a quick 10-15 minutes to decrease soreness.

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3. FUEL YOUR BODY

A massage session is like jump starting your car – only you are jump starting some of your body’s primary systems. After a massage your body will be firing on all cylinders and you’ll want to provide the necessary fuel. Massage. The release of the ‘feel good’ endorphins will have you feeling a natural high. You may also be feeling a bit tired, and maybe a little light headed, grab a snack to give yourself an added energy boost.

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4. POSTPONE YOUR WORKOUT

You took the time out of your busy schedule find relief. You’re feeling relaxed, your muscles feel loose. It’s best to let your body enjoy how it feels by giving it a chance to rest. Sometime heading back to work or out to dinner with friends is unavoidable. I highly recommend you give your body and mind some down time after a massage . You’re muscles were just worked and loosened, to avoid risk of injury or overworking a muscle, I suggest you avoid any physical activity for the remainder of the day.

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5. EPSOM SALT BATH

The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years and, unlike other salts, it has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind, and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating colds and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom salt. Some of the notable benefits of Epsom salt include: eases stress and relaxes the body, relieves pain and muscle cramps, helps muscles and nerves function properly, helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots, makes insulin more effective, relieves constipation, and eliminates toxins from the body.

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If you have any additional questions about what to expect after a massage, your therapist will be happy to answer them. When massage is a regular part of your life, you are guaranteed to feel the benefits.

 

Certified Massage Therapist Verification:

California Massage Therapy Council: CAMTC # 46610

American Massage Therapy Association: https://www.amtamassage.org/famt/ramerdaco