Massage Therapy FAQs

  1. What should I expect the first massage therapy visit?
  2. Where will my massage session take place?
  3. What should I wear during the massage?
  4. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
  5. How will a massage feel?
  6. Will the massage oils used make me break-out?
  7. Is a massage always appropriate?
  8. How long will a massage treatment last?
  9. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?

1. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a health history form. Afterwards the therapist 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 what massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition, and to see if you have any presenting complaints. 

2. Where will my massage session take place?

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in the privacy of your own home, on a warm, comfortable massage table or Thai yoga mat. Soft music may be played to help you relax. 

 

3. What do I wear during the massage?

Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.

4. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he 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. 

5. How will a massage feel?

This will greatly depend on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. Others may use more Deep Tissue styles, or Advanced Lomi Lomi to give you an entirely different massage experience. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique. 

 

6. Will the massage oils used make me break-out?

The therapists at Massage Genesis use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as we have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand. 

7. Is a massage always appropriate?

No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms and before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner 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 prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

8. How long will a massage treatment last?

The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. At Massage Genesis we offer a full 30, 60 or 90 minutes of Hands-On therapy for all of our On-Site massage sessions.  A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, 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. Drink plenty of water.. 

 

 

9. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?

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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.

 

 

What is massage therapy?

The term “massage therapy” encompasses many different techniques. In general, therapists press, rub and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. They most often use their hands and fingers but may use their forearms, elbows or feet.

What does the research say about massage for pain?

Although scientific research on massage therapy — whether it works and, if so, how — is limited, there is evidence that massage may benefit some patients with chronic low back pain, neck pain, and pain due to cancer.. Conclusions generally cannot be drawn about its effectiveness for specific health conditions. However, recent studies suggest that massage may be beneficial for people with pain.

There are numerous theories about how massage therapy may affect the body. For example, the “gate control theory” suggests that massage may provide stimulation that helps to block pain signals sent to the brain. Other theories suggest that massage might stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the body, such as serotonin or endorphins, or cause beneficial mechanical changes in the body. However, additional studies are needed to test the various theories.

 

What are the side effects, risks and other safety concerns?

Massage therapy appears to have few serious risks — if it is performed by a properly trained therapist and if appropriate cautions are followed. The number of serious injuries reported is very small. Side effects of massage therapy are quite rare but may include temporary pain or discomfort, bruising, swelling and a sensitivity or allergy to massage oils.

 

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Therapeutic Massage is the systematic manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxing the muscles, relief from pain, and the restoration of metabolic balance. Any one particular technique, or a combination of several techniques can be used.


Which technique is used most?

Swedish massage is the most widely known modality. The technique includes long strokes (effleurage), kneading movements (pettrissage), friction both superficial and deep, vibration and percussion. Oils, lotions and lubricants are usually applied. This technique is often used in combination with other techniques.

 


Who can benefit from receiving massage/bodywork?

Simply put, every one can benefit from massage therapy. Individuals in all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of massage/bodywork. If you are a stressed-out executive, a student, a laborer, a stay-at-home mom, or an ill and home bound person, massage/bodywork may be an option to aid you on the road to recovery, well-being or maintaining your level of health. Massage/bodywork can help release muscular tension and pain, reduce mental and physical fatigue, reduce stress, and promote faster healing.

 


Is it safe to have a massage during pregnancy?

Experts say that massage can be effective in relieving tension during pregnancy, helping to prepare for labor and making the postpartum period less difficult. Certain massage movements also may be unwise at different stages of pregnancy.

 

Do I need to undress completely before a massage session?

You are asked to undress to whatever point you are comfortable. This means you may remain fully clothed, you may undress completely, or anything in between. The massage therapist leaves the room and gives you sufficient time to undress. You get onto the table under a sheet or towel or some such covering.

During the massage, only the part of your body currently being worked on is uncovered. Those parts of your body generally considered private are not uncovered or worked on. If you have any particular preferences about parts of your body to be exposed and worked on or not exposed and not worked on, you should discuss this with the massage therapist before the session.

In the case of pain relief work, the matter of undressing and covering will depend primarily on two factors: what and where the problem is and what approach, modalities and techniques the particular therapist uses. The therapist will generally let you know where and how he or she intends to work on you, and ask you to undress to whatever degree is necessary for effective work to take place.

 


Does massage hurt?

In the course of a massage, the therapist will probably find areas of tenderness or pain. The level of pain will depend entirely on the therapist’s techniques. Receiving massage strokes in tender areas often creates a very satisfying sensation of "good pain." If, however, a client has to hold their breath, furrow their brow, or tense their body to endure the pain, they need to ask the therapist to decrease the pressure or try a different technique. Severe pain triggers the release of stress hormones into the bloodstream, which is hardly the goal of massage therapy.

 

Q: How does massage benefit you?

A: Massage can do wonders for your body. No longer considered an indulgence, therapeutic massage is recognized as an effective part of a wellness program. Benefits include:

  • Relief from pain and stress
  • Increase blood circulation and immune function
  • Evolve the body to a place of more integrated alignment and authenticity
  • Evoke awareness of body/mind/spirit connection

 

Massage is part of an integrative care approach to many medical conditions which include:

Arthritis                                                                   Back Pain

Headaches                                                             Carpal Tunnel

Fibromaylgia & Myofascial Pain                             TMJ


The goal of life is not mere survival, nor should that be the goal of our health care. massage is a health modality with a whole body approach. 

Massage and bodywork gifts us with new levels of body/spirit/mind integration, allowing individuals to find their way past stress and pain. 

By clearing away past conditioning, we find a way to our authentic selves and stay connected more of the time.

 

Massage is great for peace of body, mind and soul

Massage Genesis

Relaxing At Home All Over Austin!!