Swedish Spa Massage

Q: What is the difference between Swedish and Deep Tissue?

A: Swedish massage concentrates on relaxing the body in a more general manner. Specific areas can be focused on, but Swedish is about relaxing the whole body. Typically, the strokes bring more circulation to an area. On the other hand, Deep Tissue massage approaches the body more precisely and use different techniques to reduce muscle tension (knots), pain and inflammation. Whole areas can be worked in Deep Tissue, but the approach is more specific.

Q: What are the side effects of this type of massage?

A: You will feel relaxed. Some people feel foggy or have “massage brain” afterwards. You may also experience a decrease in blood pressure, so if you have low blood pressure already, you may feel a little dizzy when you first get up from the table. These effects all pass relatively quickly. We encourage you to rest and slowly come back to yourself in our lobby or our sitting room upstairs and hydrate as you incorporate this new, relaxed self.

Prenatal Relaxing Massage

Q: What is the difference between the Prenatal Relaxing Massage and the Prenatal Therapeutic Massage?

A: The Relaxing Massage will help relax the whole body and treats the aches and pains that generally come with pregnancy. The Therapeutic Massage is better suited for an expectant mother who has specific medical issues that should be taken into account when getting the massage. Examples of these issues might be gestational diabetes, extreme swelling or lymphedema, or any other underlying medical issues that predate the pregnancy.

Q: Can I get a massage during my first trimester?

A: Yes. It can be helpful with fatigue, anxiety or the effects of morning sickness. However, please be aware that this is a delicate time for the body and the massage will be about relaxing you and will not include deeper pressure. During the first trimester, it is all about supporting the body so it can support the growing fetus. If you have had miscarriages or are at all unsure, please ask your doctor their recommendation. Please let the front desk know how far along you are when booking the appointment so we can make any necessary adjustments for the massage.

Q: Is there any time it isn’t safe to have a massage when you’re pregnant?

A: The only time that you want to check with your doctor before having a prenatal massage is if you have certain medical conditions, whether they are pre-existing or a result of the pregnancy. You should not come in for a massage when you typically feel the effects of morning sickness. If you have cramping, bleeding, pre-term contractions, sudden severe headaches or preeclampsia, see a doctor before coming for a massage. If you have a history of blood clots, please check with your doctor and inform the therapist before the massage. Finally, if you have experienced a placental abruption, massage is not indicated.

Deep Tissue

Q: What is the difference between Deep Tissue, Swedish and Hot Stone massage?

A: Swedish massage concentrates on relaxing the body in a more general manner. On the other hand, Deep Tissue massage approaches the body more precisely and use different techniques to reduce muscle tension (knots), pain and inflammation. It targets specific points of pain or tension to relieve it and relax the muscles. Often you'll feel the “good pain” throughout the massage, like something is releasing or something is being worked out of the body. Hot Stone massage can use techniques from either massage. It will use the heat and pressure of the stones to relax you and improve circulation or to target specific points of pain or tension. Hot Stones help relieve pain without the sensation of going as deep or with the “good pain” associated with that depth.

Therapeutic Medical Massage

Q: Why would I need a Therapeutic Medical massage instead of a Deep Tissue massage?

A: If you have recently had surgery, or have an illness or medical condition that you wish to treat with massage, then Therapeutic Medical ,assage is the best modality. There is a long list of conditions we treat but here are a couple that benefit from Therapeutic Medical massage: replacement surgery (hip, knee, etc), tear surgery (rotator cuff, meniscus, etc), whiplash, Fibromyalgia/RA, or heart or circulatory conditions. If you are experiencing edema/swelling, lymphatic drainage may be a more appropriate massage for you. Also, if you have a wellness spending account, insurance companies will want to see that you have had a Therapeutic Medical massage before reimbursing you.

Q: Do I need a doctor’s note to have a Medical Massage?

A: You do not need a doctor’s note to have this massage, but if you have any questions about whether this massage is appropriate, give your physician a call. We typically ask that you wait 6 weeks after surgery or a muscle tear before we work directly on the site. However, there is always work to be done around the site or muscle imbalances that need to be corrected as you heal, so you can still come for a medical massage during this time.

Q: Will insurance cover a Therapeutic Medical massage?

A: Not always. Insurance may cover some no-fault claims when a doctor has recommended massage. Also some insurance or benefit plans offer wellness accounts that want to see that your massage was for a medical reason. Please call your insurance company for details. If you need to provide the insurance company with detailed notes of your treatment, please let us know and we are happy to provide them.

Q: Will this massage fix my health problem?

A: If your condition is purely musculoskeletal, massage is very helpful in reducing or relieving pain and returning range of motion. However, most health issues need to be approached from many different angles. Massage is a very important part of a healing process but will not “fix” most issues on its own. Things like nutrition, exercise, daily stretching routines, ergonomics, medication and changing habits all play an important part in your recovery.

Prenatal Therapeutic massage

Q: Why would I need a Prenatal Therapeutic massage?

A: The Therapeutic Massage is suited for an expectant who has specific medical issues that would affect the massage or should be taken into account when getting the massage. Examples of these might be gestational diabetes, extreme swelling or lymphedema, or any other underlying medical issues you had before the pregnancy. Please inform us of any conditions that make therapeutic massage the best massage for you so we can be prepared to accommodate your needs.

Q: Do I need a doctor’s note?

A: You do not need a doctor’s note but it is always a good idea when you have a medical condition to ask you doctor if massage is appropriate.

Q: Do I have to lay on my stomach?

A: Prenatal massages are given in many ways. Typically, the therapist will have you lay on your side with a body pillow to support you. We have pregnancy pads and a special table with a cut out for your belly and breast area, both of which allow you to be face down if you wish. Please let the front desk know which your prefer when you book the appointment so we can ensure your needs are met.

Q: Are there any medical issues that can’t be worked on?

A: You should not come in for a massage when you typically feel the effects (vomit, etc) of morning sickness. Also if you have cramping, bleeding, pre-term contractions, sudden severe headaches or preeclampsia, see a doctor before coming for a massage. If you have a history of blood clots, please check with your doctor and inform the therapist before the massage. Finally, if you have experienced a placental abruption, massage is not indicated.

Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage

Q: Do they really walk on your back with all their weight?

A: The therapist will adjust the amount of weight they use to match your depth preference. That is one of the reasons for the bars attached to the ceiling, so the therapist can hold his or her own weight off of your body. The sensation is less like feet walking on your back and more like a massage with very broad pressure point.

Q: Is the pressure really deep?

A: Typically the massage is a deep one but as with all massages each therapist can adjust their pressure to work within your range of comfort.

Q: What is the difference between Thai Yoga massage and Ashiatsu?

A: In Thai Yoga massage, the therapist palms and thumbs the sen lines which are similar to the meridians used in acupressure or acupuncture. There is a lot of stretching in Thai Yoga massage, whereas and in Ashiatsu there is very little stretching. Finally, in Thai Yoga massage, the therapist will use all different parts of their body to return your body to alignment whereas the therapist will primarily use their feet in Ashiatsu.

Q: Do the therapists clean their feet?

A: Yes, all therapists practice the highest levels of sanitization for the feet and the room. They clean their feet just prior to and just after the massage and put a sanitizing spray on their feet before getting on and off the table. Just as any massage therapist cares for their hands to ensure they are ready to use, Ashiatsu massage therapists care for their feet.

Thai Yoga Massage

Q: Will I be naked for this massage?

A: No. Please wear loose fitting workout clothes for this massage so that you will be comfortable and the therapist can easily take you into the stretches.

Q: Do I need to have taken a yoga class to get this massage?

A: No, the therapist will place your body as needed for this massage so you will not need to know any yoga poses in order to see the benefits. The stretching may feel a lot like yoga poses, but you will not need to know them for the massage to feel amazing.

Sports Massage

Q: Why would I get a Sports massage instead of a Deep Tissue or Medical massage?

A: If you would like your massage to concentrate on relieving sore or aching muscles from your workouts, with an added emphasis on stretching, then Sports massage is for you. If you are about to do an event or have just finished one, a Sports massage can help in your recovery. If you have a sports injury you are rehabilitating, then a Medical massage is more appropriate. If you have groups of muscles that are very sore and you want relief without much stretching, then Deep Tissue is most appropriate. Sports massage is an up-tempo massage and Deep Tissue can be slower.

Q: I have an event/race coming up. Is it better to get a massage before or afterwards?

A: Both can be very beneficial. A pre-event Sports massage is a good way to warm up the key muscle groups you're going to need for the event and make sure there aren’t any adhesions or trigger points that could prevent you from doing your best. A post-event Sports massage is more about treating those muscles groups which have been pushed to their limit. It can relieve the soreness and fatigue they feel and make sure they are ready to go for the next training you take on.

CranioSacral Therapy

Q: Why would I want to get CranioSacral Therapy (CST)?

A: Most people get CST when they need deep, holistic work on their body but don't want or can't have deep pressure. Some people like CST when they believe there is an underlying emotional or spiritual cause for the condition of the body. Anyone can benefit from the subtle work of CST, as it keeps your spinal fluid moving and helps unwind fascia throughout the body while allowing for deep relaxation.

Q: I’ve heard that the therapist just lays their hands on me. How is this beneficial?

A: Initially it may feel like the therapist is just laying their hands on you but as you relax, you can feel the therapist subtly moving their hands with your body’s natural rhythms and then holding positions to allow the body to unwind or let go of unnecessary contractions, thus taking away pain and tension throughout the body. This modality effects the body very deeply but is felt subtly.

Q: What are the side effects of this massage?

A: Due to the depth of relaxation in the body, you will probably want to take a lot of time getting off the table. It can also bring up a lot of emotions that may be held in the tension of the body. The therapist is there to help you move through those emotions and wants to listen and be informed as to how the CST is affecting your body, so please share what you feel comfortable sharing when experiencing CST. Also, if you have any questions about how you or your body feels after any bodywork, you should feel free to call or email us and the therapist will be happy to get back to you.

Eastern Energy

Q: Why do you call this massage Eastern Energy?

A: Typically Swedish massage or Deep Tissue is considered a western modality as it was originally developed in Europe. Eastern Energy originated in Japan and is based on traditional Chinese medicine, so it is considered an eastern modality. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the path to health is through the easy flow of Ki or energy throughout the body. This work uses the fingers, hands and arms to encourage this flow and clear any blocks to the Ki that exist.

Q: Does this include chakras, reiki, or polarity work?

A: It can include work with the chakras or polarity work. Reiki can also be incorporated into any of our massages as an add-on. Not all of our therapists practice chakra or polarity work or reiki, so please let us know that you are interested in that when you make the appointment so we can match you with the appropriate person.

Lymphatic Drainage

Q: Why would I want to get Lymphatic Drainage?

A: If you are experiencing swelling in any area of your body that lasts 6 weeks or more past your initial trauma or surgery, it may be a sign that your body is struggling to reabsorb fluid. This modality is specifically created to address that issue. It is also appropriate for anyone who has had lymph nodes removed and is experiencing swelling . Some doctors recommend this work after abdominal surgery but it is important to wait 6 months after that kind of surgery before receiving this work.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: Lymphatic drainage work is very light, should not hurt, and is safe for almost everyone to receive. It aims to stretch the skin just enough to help lymph through the system, as well as pumping the lymph nodes to encourage the fluid’s reabsorption. The only time this work shouldn’t be performed is if your doctor believes it’s not appropriate, if you have a fever, active cancer, untreated congestive heart failure, acute untreated phlebitis or acute untreated thrombosis.

Reflexology

Q: What is the benefit of reflexology?

A: For one, it is a delicious foot or hand massage and can be very relaxing. This relaxation permeates the whole body and can be beneficial every part. According to the theory of reflexology, the body is represented on the feet, hands and ears, and working on specific points there can release tension, adhesions and blocks throughout the body. As a result, it can also address issues that should not or cannot be touched directly, such as recent surgery sites or organs within the body.

Q: How does it work if you only work on my feet or hands?

A: According to the theory of reflexology developed by Eunice D. Ingham, the nervous system represents the whole body on the hands, feet and ears. Therefore, according to this theory, change can be affected by stimulating the nervous system in this way. It is also important to acknowledge the effect that deep relaxation, which is possible through this modality, can have on the body and its healing processes.

Hot Stone Massage

Q: How hot are the stones?

A: We heat our stones to between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The therapist will cool down or heat up the stones to your comfort level but always uses their own ability to hold the stones as a gauge for appropriate heat for your skin.

Q: How are the stones used in a Hot Stone Massage?

A: Each therapist will create a massage based on your preferences. However, some therapists typically use the stones to massage the muscles and others place the stones on key points to help relax muscle tension first and then massage the area. Let your therapist know which you prefer.

Couples Massage

Q: How many people will be in the same room?

A: For a couples massage, there are two clients and two therapists in the room for the duration of the massage. You will get undressed and re-dressed in the room with just your partner; the therapists will not be present during this time.

Q: Is this a good idea for a date?

A: Couples often enjoy sharing the experience of getting a massage with their partner. There will be a level of undress that is necessary in order to get on the table. The therapists will not be in the room, but you may want to consider how comfortable you are with undressing in front of each other when creating the date.

Q: Can we talk during the massage?

A: This is your experience and you should do whatever feels most comfortable in the moment. The therapists will follow your lead either way. Even if you decide to be quiet throughout the massage, the therapist will have to speak quietly and briefly with you during the massage about pressure preferences, how comfortable you are on the table and to give directions to turn over.

Q: Why is this a more expensive massage than two individual massages?

A: Coordinating two therapists' schedules, as well as the availability of two rooms (the couples room and the therapists' single room) is the reason for the extra cost. Sometimes people also want to go from two individual massages to a couples massage last minute and there is a lot of extra set-up and time involved in this maneuver.