Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect in my sessions Massage Frequency Treatment Format
What to expect:
What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
What do I do during a massage treatment?
Can I talk during my session?
Do I have to listen to whale calls or flutes during my massage?
How long will a massage treatment last?
Draping:
Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?
Do I have to be completely undressed?
What will I feel like after my massage:
Will the massage hurt?
How will I feel after my massage treatment?
When should I not get a massage?
How many sessions will I need?
How often should I get a massage?
What if I get an erection during my massage?
What is the protocol when we need to work on deeper muscles around genitalia areas?
If I want a really deep massage shouldn't I see a male therapist?
What are so unique about S.T.M's advanced techniques?
Note: This is YOUR session.
Why is this so important? If you want anything changed: pressure, areas worked, position or if you are too hot or too cold ... speak up!
You will not hurt my feelings by asking for something that will make you more comfortable. I want this to be the best experience for you to relax and enjoy.
Also, what you requested in one session may be different in another. If you had a full body massage last time you had a session, but this time you only want your back/neck/shoulders/arms worked, it's perfectly fine to ask.
You will enjoy your sessions so much more!
What To Expect:
What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
Victoria will ask you to fill out a health history form for her records, as you are a new client. Afterwards I will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. I will perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.
It is important to list all health concerns and medications so that I can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so that I am aware if I needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.
Can I talk during my session?
Sure, if you'd like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many therapists discourage talking in hopes that you will relax, let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss.
In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation.
The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. If I am doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let me know immediately. Also, let me know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you - speak up! It's okay!
What do I do during a massage treatment?
Make yourself comfortable. If I need you to adjust your position, I will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
I are here to help your relaxation, I also love to share my knowledge to help educate you about the body and what muscularly is happening for you, if you are interested.
How long will a massage treatment last?
The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial thorough full body massage session or work on specifics, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60 to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
Do I have to listen to whale calls or flutes during my massage?
No. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
While many therapists play slower, quieter, 'new age' type music, you can choose to have different music of our selection or no music at all. Studies have shown that music at under 60 beats-per-minute has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and therefore can enhance your experience.
However, while this may be true, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be listened to while you get a massage. If it relaxes you and you enjoy it at home, why wouldn't it do the same during your treatment? Ask me about what music I have to offer or if it is okay to bring your own from home.
Draping:
Do I have to be completely undressed?
You should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session if you leave your undergarments on, that's fine. I will work around the clothes you left on as best as I can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session.
I will give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table.
If you prefer to stay fully clothed, then wear thin fabrics so that you can still receive the most benefit from your treatment.
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Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?
This is known as draping and it depends on your temperature (Cold nature or Warm nature). If you feel cold you will be draped with a sheet and a blanket. If you are warm, I will remove the top blanket, leaving you under a sheet and I will turn on a fan to keep you cool and comfortable. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, I will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.
The genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) will not be uncovered. If I am going to work on a woman's abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts, so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen.
What will I feel like after my massage:
How will I feel after my massage treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days.
If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day - much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower, or a cool soak in the tub can ease this soreness.
After your session you should increase your water intake a bit. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy.
Will the massage hurt?
I focus on therapy that is non-painful. However, this depends on the depth I am able to access in the strokes for individual persons. A light, relaxing massage that doesn't probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn't hurt. With that being said, there is a 'feels good' hurt and an 'ouch, stop it' hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the 'feels good' hurt range.
Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it.
Massage Frequency:
How many sessions will I need?
Honestly, its hard to say. Every person is unique and every condition is unique to each person. It may take one session or it may take several. You and I will be able to talk more specifically about this after your first session and Ihave had a chance to evaluate your body's tissues.
How often should I get a massage?
"Some is better than none."
What does that mean? Well, it varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you.
However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.
Frequency of sessions should be discussed, after your treatment when I have a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues.
Treatments:
If I want a really deep massage shouldn't I see a male therapist?
The answer is NO. There is a perception that men give deeper massages than women. This is a myth. While some men do give a deeper massage, there are men who prefer to not work so deep. The same holds true for women.
I specialize in this area, however, when the fascia is wound up tightly, it absorbs my pressure. That is why I focus on opening the fascial layer prior to introducing my deeper work. If you are looking for a deep massage, it is best to simply ask me to increase my pressure and I will keep you updated on my progress of opening the tissue so your neuroreceptors can feel it. And of course, during your session it is perfectly fine to give me feedback, if you would like a lighter/deeper pressure. It's your session!
And remember, massage does not have to hurt to be effective.
What are your services and there prices?
My service price is by time and specialty focus. This is my focus, the time and the prices.
Restoration - Pain Reduction: re-conducting the fibers, resetting the muscles back to their resting length, reducing chronic discomforts, possibly getting rid of them in time. 70 minutes = $100 90 minutes = $120
What is included in the Restoration sessions?
Specialized Sports can include any or all of the following techniques: Swedish, Deep tissue, Myofascial release, Oncology, Medical massage, Fascial Re-conduction Neural Reset Therapy, Scar Release Therapy and Motor Point Stimulation. Hot or cold stones and Ice therapy can be requested. Aromatherapy is included.
Special Situation:
When should I not get a massage?
In my opinion there are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection.
There are many other conditions in which I may need to adapt my techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, high risk pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get massage. But its always better to err on the side of caution.
I can advise you about your specific needs.
What if I get an erection during my massage?
Sometimes it happens. Yet, most men avoid massage for fear this will happen to them. Or, they get a massage, but are unable to relax because of this fear. But there is no reason to be embarrassed.
Sometimes men get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic, full body massage. Touch administered to any part of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can result in a partial or complete erection.
An educated, professional massage therapist, such as myself, understands this and it will not be an issue. If you are still concerned, I recommend wearing more fitted underwear (briefs or boxer briefs) which provide more support than traditional boxers.
Note: If I feel that the session has turned sexual for the client, male or female, I will stop the session to clarify the client's intent, and may decide to end the session immediately.
What is the protocol when we need to work on deeper muscles around genitalia areas?
My protocol for when it is necessary to use more focused and deep level work that happen to be near or close to the genitalia. I will be very clear about my actions before beginning. Your clear honest communication is required for this treatment. Slight stretches my be needed in order to reach the correct muscular, I will explain everything before proceeding.
In the case of working at the hips with a male or a female that is undressed and under the sheets. I will perform a "Diaper Drape". This is where the sheet uncovers your leg and the outer excess of the sheet is put underneath the leg and pull up toward your hips, with a snug fit for your comfort and security. You will hold the tail of the sheet to control your security of the drape at all times.
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For male clients, when working on the hips and inner thigh you will be asked to hold your genitalia away from where I am working, this enables a safe treatment.
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For female clients, when we are working on the chest or side of the torso, you will be asked to hold your breasts away from the area receiving work. When working on the hips and inner thigh, though the drape is secure if you would feel safer to place your hand over your genitalia as well, that is perfectly acceptable or we can use a side lying position that may be more suitable for your comfort. Feel free to ask questions always.
The pelvic girdle muscles rarely get worked on, so don't be afraid to ask for lighter pressure or anything that would increase your comfort during your treatment..