Frequently Asked Questions
About Massage Therapy
Here are some frequently asked questions about massage therapy. If you have any more please contact me.
Massage therapy is a treatment option provided by a registered massage therapist to manipulate soft tissues in the body using different amounts of pressure and massage techniques applied using hands, fingers, thumbs, forearms or elbows. The purpose of massage therapy is generally to relax – stress relief and to decrease or eliminate pain and tension.
Massage helps to relieve pain, tension, recover from and help prevent injuries. Improve circulation, become more relaxed, lower blood pressure, promote better sleep, reduce headaches and migraines, increase range of motion and help with posture issues.
Depends on the reason for getting a massage. If you’re getting massages for maintenance, preventative care or to manage stress – one massage per month is recommended. More frequent massages may be recommended for injuries or chronic pain, tension or to help improve mobility. As you feel better and see more improvement, the more time in between massages will be recommended.
It’s common to feel some temporary muscle soreness for 24 to 72 hours after a massage. If you received any cupping or more aggressive techniques, it’s possible to experience some bruising. This will be explained before use of these techniques.
You only undress to your comfort level. If you decide to leave all your clothes on, that’s up to you. I will modify your treatment based on your comfort level. If you decide to remove any or all clothing, you will be covered with sheets and only the treatment areas will be uncovered. Before and after the massage, you will be able to undress and get dressed in private.
Massage times can vary. I offer between 30 minute massages to 2 hour massages. For every new client, you will receive a free 15 minute consultation to go over your health history information, reason for visit and any testing.
Talking during the massage is up to you, it’s your treatment. If you prefer to be quiet and enjoy a more relaxing massage. Just let me know, I will check in with you a few times during the treatment to make sure the pressure is good and everything is ok. Some people prefer to talk more during the massage, that’s very common as well, it’s completely up to you.
No, it’s your choice. As a massage therapist, we don’t care if you have hair or not, we get all types of clients.. some have hair, some don’t. If you have lots of hair, we can use more oil / lotion / gel. This will prevent any pulling on your hair.
If you’re just going to get a massage, you’re better off not putting on any makeup as there’s a very good chance it will get messed up while your face is in the face cradle. So to prevent having to fix or reapply it, just go without it. If you’re already wearing makeup then it’s no big deal, just know that it’s going to get messed up.
Deciding whether to wear your hair up or down during a massage is up to you. As a massage therapist, we can work around your hair regardless what option you choose. I find a lot of my clients with long hair wear it up while laying face down. After they turn over, I request them to let it down so they aren’t laying on it and it makes it easier for some neck techniques or if you want a scalp massage. If you don’t want any oil getting in your hair, please mention that ahead of time.
Avoid a large meal before your massage, any pressure on your stomach or back can cause uncomfortableness in your stomach. Snacks are ok. Try not to drink too much that will cause you to need to use the washroom during the massage, pressure near your stomach could also cause you to need the washroom. Also it’s recommended to use the washroom before your massage.
If you’re uncomfortable with a specific area being treated, please don’t be embarrassed to tell me. Any areas can be avoided. Your comfort is very important and I will try to make every effort to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Please do not wear any strong scents if possible. I don’t have any allergies but some other clients may have problems with these scents. If you want to wear perfume or cologne you can apply it after your massage.
Medavie Blue Cross, Greenshield Canada, Manulife, CanadaLife, Sun Life Financial, Johnson, Johnston Group, ClaimSecure (Assumption Life), Desjardins Insurance, Cowan, IA Financial Group, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Group Health, Group Source, Manion, Maximum Benefit, Standard Life
Tipping is never expected.
Yes, available in office or online
No, as a Registered Massage Therapist in New Brunswick, we are not allowed giving discounts on massage.
There are some clinics that are not owned by a Registered Massage Therapist and are allowed due to a current loop hole is the CMTNB policies. (2021)
