What to Expect & How to Prepare
Trigger Points
Trigger points, simply described, are a protective mechanism in the body. Where they form in each muscle and their effects on the body are highly predictable.
Reactions to trigger point massage vary greatly from person to person and from point to point. During the work, there is often sensation felt in other parts of the body, discomfort to varying degrees at the site of the trigger point, and very often there is an emotional release and a sense of returning blood circulation to the area once the point has been released. Afterward, there is commonly tenderness to the touch for one or two days and sometimes there is residual emotional release. The long-term effects of successful trigger point release are decreased pain and/or discomfort and greatly increased range and ease of motion.
Trigger point massage is greatly useful in decreasing pain and discomfort, decreasing the effects of repetitive stress, assisting in recovery from injury, and improving range of motion. It is often used in conjunction with deep tissue massage.
Trigger point and deep tissue massage are the centerpieces of my practice.
Sports Massage
While I am not a sports massage therapist, the work I do is very useful to athletes. The specific and results-oriented approach I take in my everyday work helps to nip injury in the bud or can help speed recovery once injury has happened. I occasionally work with in-season athletes, my preference is to work with you in your off-season.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue work is more than just firm pressure. It involves identifying where muscles are stuck to one another, where tendons are not moving freely, and where other connective tissue of the body is restricting muscular range of motion. While not usually painful, deep tissue work can cause some discomfort while the restrictions are being released.
This modality is commonly useful during recovery from injury, for chronically tense muscles, and for lessening the effects of repetitive stress. It is often used in conjunction with other neuromuscular therapies and trigger point massage.
Pregnancy Massage
Though I don't offer full-body therapy, I am happy to work with women who are pregnant. Because of the nature of the work, I require that you be in your second trimester before receiving trigger point or deep tissue work. Once your belly has begun to grow, I use reclining seated or bolstered sidelying positions to keep you comfortable and stable. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Keep in Mind . . .
Finding ways to create mental and emotional balance in your life along with regular exercise and full breathing are the foundations that will allow bodywork to have its most profound effect.
Our bodies are constantly changing and so it is important to remember that every body is different and every session is different. A client who in one session needs trigger point therapy and deep tissue work may need hot stone massage in the next session. You know your body best; it is my goal to integrate your needs and preferences with my knowledge to provide you with the best possible care in every session. If you ever have any questions, please ask.
How to Prepare
Part I: What to Bring
If you are pregnant (or have any reason to believe you may be), are under the care of a physician for any reason, or have had recent or major surgery, please bring a note from your treating physician stating that it is safe for you to receive massage. If you do not provide this, I can not work on you. Also, if you are asthmatic, diabetic, or may otherwise need emergency medication, please be sure to bring the medication with you.If you are trying to resolve a specific issue in your body, our work will generally be most easily done with you fully clothed. This allows more ease with the frequent turning and stretching common in area-specific bodywork. Please bring or wear comfortable, soft clothing such as what you would wear for pajamas or to work out or to do stretching/yoga type activities.
For your very first session, you will also need to download the questionnaire from the main navigation bar and fill that out ahead of time. This is important information for me to be able to determine how best to procede with your session.
I accept cash or check as payment.
Part II: During Your Session
If it is your first session, we will review your intake form and discuss your goals for your body and what you want out of your session. I will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. After the intake is complete, I will exit the room and give you time to get on the table. Once you are comfortable, we will begin the session and our agreed-upon plan for the work.
In subsequent sessions, the intake will focus on any changes you have experienced since the last session and any new requests you have.
Giving feedback to your therapist can be difficult. If my nail is accidentally jabbing you, if the pressure is too deep, or not deep enough, please try to say something. I won't ever take your feedback the wrong way. Remember, this session is about making you feel better, and that's hard to do if I keep surprising you with my Vulcan death grip. If you need to end the session for any reason, at any time, please just let me know. I understand that it can be hard to communicate fully while on the table and I will make an effort to check in with you often.
Part III: After Your Session
I will exit the room and give you time to get off of the table. Simply crack the door open when you are ready for me to come in. We will discuss possible reactions to the treatment and I will generally give you some homework to do, for example, stretches, exercises, etc. to help prolong the effects of your massage.
Always remember to increase your water intake after a massage in order to flush toxins. Gentle movement and stretching after a massage are generally recommended. Reactions to bodywork vary greatly; be aware that it can take as long as a week for your body to integrate the changes that can take place in a session. Also remember that bodywork often brings out emotional reactions in the recipient, so be aware of any mood changes or stirred-up feelings and be patient with yourself.