This is my first massage, how long should I book?
Where will my massage take place?
Do I take all of my clothes off?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What are some of the benefits of massage?
I can't seem to relax, even while getting a massage. What should I do?
What should I do during the massage?
How will I feel after the massage?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
What if I have sensitive allergies?
This is my first massage, how long should I book?
A one-hour massage is recommended for clients who have never experienced massage because it will be relaxing for you and it will give me time to work on problem areas so you feel like you have had an energizing and therapeutic session. It will also give you time to experience different techniques and tools so you can decide what felt most beneficial, comfortable, and/or relaxing for future visits.
*If you ONLY have one area that you need worked on (with the exception of back, neck and shoulders as a general region, for which an hour is still recommended), like one rotator cuff, just your knees, sciatica on ONE SIDE, etc., then a half hour massage can usually be effective.
You can also call or text 607-269-5020, email frontdesk@atimetohealmt.com, contact us through our Facebook page messenger, or download the MindBody app on your phone or tablet and book through there.
*If you are booking the appointment on your own, either online or through the app, it will ask for a credit card number. This is solely to hold the appointment. You will not be charged at the time of booking.
Where will my massage take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable room. Soft music will be played to help you relax. You will lie on a massage table between the sheets, and settle in for your bodywork.
Do I take all of my clothes off?
You should disrobe to your level of comfort. I will leave the room and allow you time to get on the table and you may or may not disrobe then. I can give a therapeutic massage whether you are fully clothed, fully undressed, or anywhere in between. You should feel comfortable so that you can be fully relaxed. When you are relaxed, your brain will relax, and your muscles will relax.
*Legally, I am not allowed to be in the room while you disrobe, even if that means you are only removing your sweatshirt and leaving your tee shirt on. When I enter the room, you should be on the table, between the sheets.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
We will discuss this upon your arrival. Depending on your body's needs for the day, we may work in a specific area, we may decide a full-body massage is what you need, or a general region worked on with some specific work. This is a customized session, meant to meet your needs. I will check with you before we start our session to make sure you are comfortable with everything we have planned. I will also check in to find out if there any areas I need to avoid for any reason (ticklish, sunburn, bruise, TOO sore, just plain uncomfortable, etc.).
What are some of the benefits of massage?
Massage can:
manage chronic pain
rehabilitate injuries old and new
ease the path to recovery from surgeries
increase range of motion
increase circulation
increase immune response
increase relaxation
renew and relax stretched, tight, and atrophied muscles
decrease fatigue
prepare athletes for physical events
promote tissue regeneration for less scarring
increase body awareness
improve posture or other structural holds
help balance body systems (digestive, circulatory, endocrine)
release endorphins and enkephalins to reduce pain
release serotonin, oxytocin, anandamides, and dopamine to increase a feeling of bliss and relaxation
...and do so much more based on what your body needs specifically.
I can't seem to relax, even while getting a massage. What should I do?
Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting. Try to relax your muscles. If you find it difficult to do, take a few long, deep breaths and let them out slowly. Focus on relaxing the muscles in your face. Learn what areas tend to make you more relaxed so we can start there next time. Is it your scalp, your face, your feet, your hands, your back, your legs? Try focusing on the sound of the music or the rhythm of your breath. Practice relaxing fully when you sit down to read or watch tv. Sometimes, all you can do is try. If nothing works, stop thinking about it and let your body do what it will. It may take several sessions for you to inherently trust the work that I will be doing and then your body tissue may unconsciously let go and trust me, too. And that's okay.
What should I do during the massage?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask. I will try to check in with you a few times during the session to make sure your needs are being met, but always know that you should speak up if anything (temperature, pressure, need the bathroom) comes up and we can make adjustments to ensure it is your best session yet.
How will I feel after the massage?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days. Some people are a little sore within the next 48 hours (though not necessarily all of that time), if having received deep tissue specific to one area, particularly for the bulk of the session's time. It may feel similar to a post-workout soreness, and that can be a normal response. If it is too uncomfortable, we can adjust the pressure and techniques during your next session. In the meantime, try icing and stretching to alleviate the soreness.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, I will ask general health questions. It is very important that you fill out the intake form so I am aware of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
Systemic issues, like a fever, require that you wait until it is gone before you receive massage. If you are sick, please stay home, so as not to spread it.
If you are pregnant, you can definitely get a massage! From trying to conceive right through labor, including your first trimester. We will adjust a few things depending on how far along you are.
What if I have sensitive allergies?
A Time to Heal Massage Therapy uses only unscented products, including cremes, oils, lotions, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets. I do not smoke and will take the utmost care to keep the space comfortable and scent-free.
