Q: How did you get started in massage?
A: My aunt is a massage therapist, actually! She has always told me that I have a great energy. When I was in high school, friends and I in drama club would exchange back rubs during class and I thought it was great! I decided it would be a really great way to help people, so I went to school for it.
Q: What are your regular office hours?
A: I am available by appointment only, but I do not keep regular hours. Generally, I like to work from 10:00am until 6:00pm Monday through Friday, but I can accomodate weekend appointments and slightly later appointments as necessary.
Q: Do you provide Swedish or relaxation massage?
A: Unfortunately, I do not provide this type of massage any longer, but I’d be happy to refer you to some very talented therapists who do!
Q: Do I need to be fully undressed for our session?
A: It is advisable that you remove all of your clothing prior to our session. This allows me to work on nearly every muscle of your body. Many clients do not realize how much tension they carry in their gluteal muscles and hips, and are amazed at how much better they feel after having them worked on. I can assure you that you will not be exposed in any way during our session as you will be covered by a sheet. However, if you are not comfortable completely disrobing for your session, you will not be pressured or asked to do so.
Q: Will the massage hurt?
A: For deep-tissue massage, I try to be as gentle as possible, but there is generally some discomfort during a deep-tissue session. This is necessary to relieve the tension, but you will feel much better after your session. Often, it is a satisfying feeling like stretching a tight muscle and many clients enjoy the sensation. There will never be more discomfort than you can handle and I will check in with you often to make sure you are doing well and adjust accordingly. Also, with most of my work, you will likely not feel sore afterwards or need to “recover” from the massage. However, some clients prefer to use ice after their sessions if it was particularly deep. This is encouraged, of course!
Q: Can I go right from your studio to the gym and work out?
A: I strongly recommend against being intensely physical for twelve to eighteen hours following your deep-tissue session. Walking, driving and swimming are fine (though I sometimes advise against swimming depending on the kind of work you receive), but bicycling, running and lifting weights should be avoided for at least half a day. Because I often make drastic improvements to your range of motion, your body needs time to get acclimated to its new shape and position. If you do not wait the recommended amount of time, it is very possible that you could injure yourself during the course of your activity.
Q: What else do you recommend following the massage?
A: I recommend that every person drinks at least a half-gallon of water per day, especially following a massage session. Massage can stimulate your body to expel fluids to your kidney and those must be replenished. In addition, I recommend stretching the areas that were worked on during the massage. I try to show clients some stretches that they can do at home to maintain the state of their muscles.
Q: Does everyone get the same massage?
A: Each individual has a different body, a different way they carry tension and a different medical history. I always spend a few minutes at the beginning of the session asking questions about prior injuries, health concerns, reasons for visiting etc. Your deep-tissue massage session will be tailored to your unique needs.
Q: Do you use any scented oils?
A: For deep-tissue work, I do not use any oil at all. If your skin is too dry, some clean water may be applied to help me to make better contact with your tissues. Occasionally, aromatherapy oils may be used, but not applied to the skin.
Q: Is it okay to talk during the massage?
A: Absolutely! Part of the therapeutic environment is a freedom to relax in the way you feel most comfortable. Some clients prefer to enjoy the session in silence while others prefer to carry on a conversation. Either is encouraged!
Q: What are “myofascia” and “myofascial therapy”?
A: Myofascia (or just “fascia”) is the name of the connective tissue that holds the muscle together. As the muscles are held in a position, the fascia tightens over time to allow the muscle to remain in that position easily, but restricts opposite motions and distorts the body’s natural balance. With myofascial therapy, I am able to break up the fascia to allow the muscle to relax and lengthen.
Q: What is neuromuscular therapy?
A: Nuromuscular therapy (NMT) is the process of isolating and treating pockets of lactic-acid buildup (trigger points) in the muscles and myofascia. These trigger points contribute to muscle tension, pain and what is known as “referred pain,” where the pain is actually felt on a different location on the body as the trigger point. For example, you may have chronic headaches that result from a trigger point in your neck.
Q: Why do you ask what kind of music I like to listen to?
A: While relaxation/spa music is plentiful and generic, it does not quite fit the kind of treatment I provide for deep-tissue work. With this kind of massage, clients do not generally fall asleep and it is better if you remain awake for the session because many parts of it will be active. You won’t get a work out on my table, but you will be using your muscles. I use internet radio to make stations for all of my clients if they desire. Any type of music is fine as long as it’s not “cardio music” like dance music and metal. I often listen to reggae during my sessions if the client is okay with that!
Q: Do you have any interests aside from massage?
A: Yes! I am a performer, writer and musician, and amateur foodie/chef. Feel free to ask me about that in person!