Healing Connection

Below are some frequently asked questions concerning massage therapy.  If you do
not see your questions listed here, please feel free to contact us with your individual
concerns.  Either call (937) 219-6335 or email your questions to: robinalbrightmassage@gmail.com.
 

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

2.      Should I get a massage or not?

3.      Why should I get a massage?

4.      Where will my massage take place?

5.      How do I know if the massage clinic I selected is legitimate?

6.      What do I wear during a massage?

7.      How does a massage feel?

8.      What if I fall asleep during my massage?

9.      Can massage hurt? Is there anything I can do to prevent it?

10.      How often should I get a massage?

11.      Should I talk during my massage?

12.      Should I tip my massage therapist?

13.      Is massage sexual in nature?

ANSWERS:

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

It is best to prepare for a massage by arriving freshly showered, if possible.  Try to only eat lightly prior to your massage or wait at least one hour after eating.    It is also a good idea to be well hydrated, so try to drink plenty of water during the 24 hours prior to your massage.  For the maximum benefit, it is recommended that you refrain from alcohol or drug use prior to a session.  Your massage will also be more comfortable if you remove jewelry, especially necklaces.  Cell phones should be turned off.

Prior to your first session, you will be asked to fill out a client health history form.  This is important for several reasons.  With the information on this form, we can determine if you have any conditions that may affect how the massage is given, check to see if you are on any medications that may influence how your body reacts to the massage and discuss areas of your body where you experience more pain.  All of the information on this form is kept in strictest
confidence and is designed to help your therapist choose which type of massage best fits your needs.

Typically, massage creams, lotions or oils are used.  Please inform your therapist of any sensitivities/allergies you may have.  

During your massage, you just relax and de-stress! You may be given instructions by your therapists to adjust your position or to take a deep breath in/out to facilitate stretches.  The therapist may stretch or rotate muscles/joints…..just relax and don’t try to help!

Some people prefer to just close their eyes and relax during a massage, others prefer to talk.  It is totally up to you.  Feel free to ask your therapist questions at any time.  Do not hesitate to tell us if we are using too much pressure, not enough pressure or if you are uncomfortable in any way.  We want your massage experience to be relaxing and beneficial.

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Get up from the chair or table slowly.  Feel free to get a cup of water to help increase circulation to muscles and help prevent soreness.  
Payment is made at the conclusion of your massage.


2.        Should I get a massage or not?

There are some medical conditions that would make receiving a massage inappropriate.  That is why it is so important that you fill out your medical history forms completely and discuss any conditions and medications with your therapist before your session begins.  If you are under the care of a doctor, it is strongly recommended that you get your doctor’s approval before undergoing a massage treatment.  In some situations, you may be required to have written approval from your doctor.

Massage should be avoided if you have any of these conditions:
•        Infections and diseases including colds or flu
•        Fever
•        High-risk pregnancy
•        Immediately following chemotherapy or radiation (instead, choose to have your massage BEFORE receiving chemotherapy or radiation)
•        Liver or kidney disease
•        Blood clots or clotting disorders
•        Heart disease
•        High Blood Pressure (unless under control w/ medication)
•        Bleeding, burns or acute injuries.
•        Fractures, sprains or strains that are in the acute phase (after the injury is no longer in the acute phase, massage may help increase mobility, reduce
          scar tissue formation and swelling. Please check with your doctor.)
•        Rashes or contagious skin conditions

Some conditions only require that a certain area of the body be avoided.  Please inform your massage therapist if you have any of the following conditions so that the appropriate steps may be taken:

•        Warts, small sores/wounds/burns
•        Varicose veins (therapist will only be able to massage above the varicosity to avoid releasing a blood clot)

If you are in doubt as to whether it is appropriate to receive a massage, please feel free to discuss this with your massage therapist prior to booking an appointment. You may contact Robin at (937) 219-6335 with any questions.


3.        Why should I get a massage?

There are many healthy benefits to receiving massage therapy on a regular basis.
Here are just a few that may be experienced:
*Relieves stress & promotes relaxation
*Improves circulation and lymph flow
*Helps manage pain
*Improves flexibility and range of motion
*Manage muscle soreness after exercise
*Improves posture
*Relief from headache pain
*Improves rehabilitation after injury

For more information & research concerning the benefits of massage therapy, please visit the Touch Research Institute at www6.miami.edu/touch-research.  They have conducted research into the benefits of massage as it pertains to the following conditions, and many more:
*Anxiety
*Back Pain
*Blood Pressure
*Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
*Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
*Depression
*Diabetes
*Fibromyalgia Syndrome
*Hypertension
*Job Performance and Stress
*Migraine Headaches
*Multiple Sclerosis
*Parkinson’s Disease

4.       Where will my massage take place?



5.        How do I know if the massage clinic I selected is legitimate?

When you are selecting a massage clinic or spa, it is important to ask the following questions:

* Do you offer therapeutic massage?
*Have your massage therapists graduated from an accredited medical massage school?
*Are your massage therapists licensed by the State of Ohio Medical Board?  
to verify the licensure of a massage therapist, you can check the Ohio
Medical Boards website:
https://elicense.ohio.gov/OH_HomePage    
* Do your massage therapists belong to a professional organization such as the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association  www.amtamassage.org)  

Robin Albright, LMT graduated from the Dayton School of Medical Massage in April 2007.  She has been a member of the AMTA since 2007.
Ohio License # 33.016125 (Roberta Albright)


6.        What do I wear during a massage?

We instruct our clients to undress to their level of comfort.  Some clients prefer to leave their underwear on, some do not.  Regardless of what articles of clothing you decide to leave on, the only part of your body that is uncovered is the specific area that is being massaged.  Please feel free to discuss any concerns with your massage therapist.

For your comfort, it is best that you remove all jewelry and tie long hair back so that it is out of the way.  All cell phones should be turned off or placed in vibration mode.

7.        How does a massage feel?

How a massage feels usually depends on the techniques being used.  In general, most massages begin with a basic Swedish massage stroke called “effleurage”.  This is usually a simple gliding stroke done with a flat open palm or loose fist.  It is used to help spread the massage lotion, to prepare the tissue and to get the blood flowing.  As your body relaxes, the pressure will be increased to relax specific areas of muscular tension.  Massage cream, oil or lotions are used so that the massage does not cause excessive friction on the skin.  Please do not hesitate to tell the therapist if you feel any discomfort or if the pressure being used is too deep.


8.        What if I fall asleep during my massage?

Sometimes clients get so relaxed during a massage that they fall asleep.  Do not be embarrassed, it happens quite frequently.  You will still receive all the benefits of massage!

9.        Can massage hurt? Is there anything I can do to prevent it?

Although it is common to feel some discomfort when receiving massage, especially in the areas where you carry the most tension, we do not want to cause pain!  If what you are experiencing crosses the line from “hurts so good” into actual pain, please let your therapist know immediately.

It is common for clients to be sore the day after their massage, especially if it is their first massage.  This usually feels different than your usual muscle pain.  Most clients describe it as feeling more like a slight bruise or ache.  This usually goes away after a day.  You can help prevent this by drinking water before and after your massage.  Drinking water prior to a massage means that you are starting your massage with muscles that are hydrated.  Drinking plenty of water after your massage helps you “flush out” toxins that have been released from the tissues during your massage.  


10.        How often should I get a massage?

Every individual is different and it depends on what issues you  need to have addressed.  Here is a quick guideline:

Once a month:  This is ideal for maintenance once specific issues have been resolved or if you are wanting basic relaxation.  Generally, if you wait longer than a month between massages, you are starting over each time and much progress is lost.

Every Two weeks:  If you have specific issues or stresses in your life, getting a massage every two weeks helps alleviate your aches and pains before they get too serious.

Every week:  If you have chronic pain or are going through periods of unusual stress, massage once a week may help get things under control more quickly.  


11.        Should I talk during my massage?

It is important that your massage experience be a positive one.  Most people close their eyes and “zone out”, while  others prefer to talk. It is totally up to you.  We want you to feel that you may ask questions at any time. Let us know if anything is uncomfortable or painful, if your are too warm or too cold, if you prefer different music, if the  pressure we are using is too deep or too light or if you have any other questions or concerns.

12.        Should I tip my massage therapist?

Tipping is not required but is always appreciated!

13.        Is massage sexual in nature?

Absolutely not!  Even though some people equate touch with sex, massage therapy is strictly non-sexual!  Do not ask and do not make an appointment if that is what you are looking for.

If you make any sort of sexual suggestions, your massage will be terminated immediately and you will be charged the full cost for the massage.  We are licensed medical professionals and we treat only non-sexual disorders of the body.