West Island Massage Therapy is currently CLOSED due to Covid-19
FAQs
What is massage therapy?
Therapeutic massage is a systematic manual approach to releasing tension and waste products from the soft tissues of the human body, which include the muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue and joints. Massage benefits include relief from muscular pain, increased range of motion and flexibility, improved circulation, and psychological stress reduction. All of these elements combined help to achieve an overall feeling of well-being.
I've never had a massage. What should I expect?
Once you arrive at my office, your first step is to take a really deep breath and relax ... life just seems easier here. After spending a few minutes providing me with some details of your health history and preferences for the massage, I will customize the session for you and to your specific needs. Techniques and methods will be determined as to what kind of session you would most benefit from based on your objectives. I will then leave you in privacy to disrobe to your level of comfort and to get onto the massage table. From there, you can completely relax and enjoy the calming music and therapeutic benefits of the massage.
Will I be covered up?
Yes, regardless of whether you choose to completely disrobe or leave some clothing on, you will always be professionally draped, except the area that I am working on. You are only asked to disrobe to your level of comfort.
What should I wear?
Most people prefer to receive massage either wearing their bottom underwear or unclothed, as you are covered the entire session. Some clients also find that dressing in comfy clothes before and/or after their session helps them ease into and out of their treatment.
Does massage hurt?
Typically, massage does not produce pain. If you are treating yourself to a deeper form of massage that focuses on specific areas of discomfort in your body, you may feel a sensation that many clients describe as "hurts so good." Another way to describe this is "good pain." This sensation happens when I locate a tender or tight area within your muscle. Otherwise, your massage will feel very comforting and relaxing if you are here to simply unwind.
Will I be sore after my massage?
If you are receiving a deeper form of massage, there may be a form of mild residual soreness after your treatment depending upon the current state of your muscle tissue. This sensation feels similar to post-workout soreness and usually lasts about a day. If this occurs, it means that your body and muscles responded to the techniques performed during the session. To minimize this effect, drink a lot of water after your massage, take a hot bath with Epsom salts, and do some gentle stretching.
How does massage therapy work?
Massage therapy affects the body as a whole, primarily your soft tissues, nervous system and circulation. Massage helps to loosen contracted, shortened muscles and stimulate weak, flaccid ones. This muscle balancing helps restore posture and promote more efficient movement. Massage also provides a gentle stretching action to both the muscles and connective tissues that surround and support the body, helping to keep these tissues soft and elastic. All forms of massage help to deactivate the sympathetic nervous system, thereby relieving stress while improving digestion, sleep, and immune function. Massage also increases the circulation of both blood and lymph, supplying fresh oxygen and nutrients that assist in eliminating toxins and waste products.
When should I avoid receiving massage?
The list below are guidelines, so when in doubt, please phone your doctor. Massage should not be given if you have congestive heart failure, liver or kidney failure, infection of the superficial veins (phlebitis) or soft tissue, blood clots, varicose veins, bleeding disorders, high fever or any type of contagious condition.
Should I be silent or engage in conversation during my massage?
You may talk as little or as much as you like. Most people are comfortable remaining quiet as they drift into a deep state of relaxation while others find that chatting helps them calm down. Feel free to do what comes naturally, including falling asleep. Certain types of massage require occasional feedback regarding pressure and technique, but most people achieve the greatest therapeutic benefits by limiting their conversation and quieting their mind so that they may completely focus on their body.
What if I am self-conscious about my body?
As a professionally trained Massage Therapist, I have worked on every type of body, from young to old, to large and small. Your session is based completely on your preferences, so feel free to let me know if you would rather me work through specific areas of clothing, or avoid an area all together.
What areas of my body will be massaged?
For a typical full body treatment, your back, front and back arms, front and back legs, and neck and shoulders are massaged. Depending on areas of tightness and your goals for the session, your upper pectorals, stomach and glute muscles can be included. Additional areas based on your post-massage activities are your facial area and scalp.
Do I need to shower before my massage?
A warm shower helps to relax tense muscles if you have been exercising or doing strenuous activity prior to you massage; otherwise, showering is recommended but not necessary.
Do I have to shave before a treatment?
Shaving is optional for a massage.
What is massage therapy?
Therapeutic massage is a systematic manual approach to releasing tension and waste products from the soft tissues of the human body, which include the muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue and joints. Massage benefits include relief from muscular pain, increased range of motion and flexibility, improved circulation, and psychological stress reduction. All of these elements combined help to achieve an overall feeling of well-being.
I've never had a massage. What should I expect?
Once you arrive at my office, your first step is to take a really deep breath and relax ... life just seems easier here. After spending a few minutes providing me with some details of your health history and preferences for the massage, I will customize the session for you and to your specific needs. Techniques and methods will be determined as to what kind of session you would most benefit from based on your objectives. I will then leave you in privacy to disrobe to your level of comfort and to get onto the massage table. From there, you can completely relax and enjoy the calming music and therapeutic benefits of the massage.
Will I be covered up?
Yes, regardless of whether you choose to completely disrobe or leave some clothing on, you will always be professionally draped, except the area that I am working on. You are only asked to disrobe to your level of comfort.
What should I wear?
Most people prefer to receive massage either wearing their bottom underwear or unclothed, as you are covered the entire session. Some clients also find that dressing in comfy clothes before and/or after their session helps them ease into and out of their treatment.
Does massage hurt?
Typically, massage does not produce pain. If you are treating yourself to a deeper form of massage that focuses on specific areas of discomfort in your body, you may feel a sensation that many clients describe as "hurts so good." Another way to describe this is "good pain." This sensation happens when I locate a tender or tight area within your muscle. Otherwise, your massage will feel very comforting and relaxing if you are here to simply unwind.
Will I be sore after my massage?
If you are receiving a deeper form of massage, there may be a form of mild residual soreness after your treatment depending upon the current state of your muscle tissue. This sensation feels similar to post-workout soreness and usually lasts about a day. If this occurs, it means that your body and muscles responded to the techniques performed during the session. To minimize this effect, drink a lot of water after your massage, take a hot bath with Epsom salts, and do some gentle stretching.
How does massage therapy work?
Massage therapy affects the body as a whole, primarily your soft tissues, nervous system and circulation. Massage helps to loosen contracted, shortened muscles and stimulate weak, flaccid ones. This muscle balancing helps restore posture and promote more efficient movement. Massage also provides a gentle stretching action to both the muscles and connective tissues that surround and support the body, helping to keep these tissues soft and elastic. All forms of massage help to deactivate the sympathetic nervous system, thereby relieving stress while improving digestion, sleep, and immune function. Massage also increases the circulation of both blood and lymph, supplying fresh oxygen and nutrients that assist in eliminating toxins and waste products.
When should I avoid receiving massage?
The list below are guidelines, so when in doubt, please phone your doctor. Massage should not be given if you have congestive heart failure, liver or kidney failure, infection of the superficial veins (phlebitis) or soft tissue, blood clots, varicose veins, bleeding disorders, high fever or any type of contagious condition.
Should I be silent or engage in conversation during my massage?
You may talk as little or as much as you like. Most people are comfortable remaining quiet as they drift into a deep state of relaxation while others find that chatting helps them calm down. Feel free to do what comes naturally, including falling asleep. Certain types of massage require occasional feedback regarding pressure and technique, but most people achieve the greatest therapeutic benefits by limiting their conversation and quieting their mind so that they may completely focus on their body.
What if I am self-conscious about my body?
As a professionally trained Massage Therapist, I have worked on every type of body, from young to old, to large and small. Your session is based completely on your preferences, so feel free to let me know if you would rather me work through specific areas of clothing, or avoid an area all together.
What areas of my body will be massaged?
For a typical full body treatment, your back, front and back arms, front and back legs, and neck and shoulders are massaged. Depending on areas of tightness and your goals for the session, your upper pectorals, stomach and glute muscles can be included. Additional areas based on your post-massage activities are your facial area and scalp.
Do I need to shower before my massage?
A warm shower helps to relax tense muscles if you have been exercising or doing strenuous activity prior to you massage; otherwise, showering is recommended but not necessary.
Do I have to shave before a treatment?
Shaving is optional for a massage.
