6 Things you want to ask your Massage therapist but dont!

I get the same questions about massage therapy, so I thought I would answer a couple of them for you here. (This is especially for those that do not ask….)

1) Why the health questions and forms??

Now this is important for you to understand because we are not just being nosey for G.P.

Health concerns do exist that can contradict the positive outcomes of massage therapy (meaning a massage may worsen your condition). Pregnancy, high blood pressure and recent surgeries are a few well-known concerns. We will also ask about recent changes in health, accidents, falls, concussions, easy bruising, allergies and varicose veins–all which can be complicated, cause flair-ups, or worsened if too much pressure, the wrong product, or heat is applied during your session. Please don’t leave anything out on your form! We want to increase your health, that’s why we do what we do.

2) Do I have to get naked??

Each state has its guidelines on what can be said to a client here, and some counties may even have rules about what you HAVE to keep on. However, the general rule of thumb is that you can wear whatever works for you! I tell my clients to undress to their level of comfort. And yes, some people do stay completely dressed. As long as you are on the table, I’m happy to work on you!! No worries! We want you to feel as comfortable, relaxed and safe as possible.

3) What will you see??

Again… I need you comfy! What is exposed, is just the areas that are being worked on. Nothing more or less. If its your leg, that’s all I am going to uncover. We tuck you in (called draping) so that you stay warm covered and not exposed.

4) Can you work on my butt??

Yes we can. And because that is one of those sensitive areas, we will do draping, minimal exposure, and/or can work through the covers! Lots of issues stem from overly tight glutes, flexers and fascia that cross over or are attached in that area.

5) Do you have to work on my feet, face, neck, scalp. (insert your area of concern here).

Firstly… the extremely private areas are out-of-bounds, so, no, we don’t touch them. Secondly… If you are overly ticklish ( I know someone who got a finger broken being kicked!) or hyper sensitive to touch, or in general DONT like, say your feet touched.. Please let us know! As much as I love to give a good foot rub, if it disturbs you out, I would much rather spend that time somewhere else! 🙂

6) Can I have different pressure? OFCOURSE!! Even if you are signed up for one style of massage and it’s not working. You asked for Swedish but more pressure sounds good! Or as you are getting worked on and it’s too much… Please let your practitioner know!! Don’t suffer through something that isn’t working. Hot stones.. sounded good… hate it! Tell us. The more we know about what you are feeling, not feeling, comfortable with, the better the session is for you.

And in the end… better sessions for you are the goal.. Right? That’s my blurb for the day! Now .. STAY CALM & GET A MASSAGE!!

Prenatal Massage – Is it worth it?

 

My name is Kymberly. I have been a practicing prenatal massage therapist for several years. It has become a passion and focus of my practice. I have been afforded the opportunity to work with lots of types of mothers to be in their second and third trimesters. With prenatal training and work, here are some of the things I have come to know.

Every woman experiences pregnancy in her own way. Each pregnancy is different from the next. But there are some common factors. Your body is going to go through similar changes. As the baby grows and gains weight, your body mechanics are going to change. Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the extra weight you’re carrying and you may find you’ve got a low back pain situation. Some experience leg cramping, shooting pains in the hip or down the legs and/or general physical discomfort as the pregnancy progresses.

Here is where massage comes in. Once you have crossed into your second trimester, the baby is well and developing and your doctor has given you the clear for massage, come get worked on! Yes, it can be soothing, relaxing and will lower your stress level. Wonderful things! But on a more physical level, massage can help to relieve some of the pain and discomfort associated with your changing body. Low back and abdominal muscles begin to stretch and shift to accommodate the change in posture and growing baby. First, I will ask you questions… I know.. you hate that part. How are you feeling? How far along are you? Are you experiencing pain (new or old)? How is your back/hip pain. Are you cramping (Braxton-Hicks or otherwise)? How are you sleeping (ARE you sleeping)? And several other questions to assess the situation. Here is where you get to do some venting! Tell me how you are feeling! The more I know, the more I can try to assist.

How is the massage done? There is NO baby surfing! (smile). You will be in a sideline position, which just means on your side, using pillows under your head, under the baby and under your elevated knee. This cradling position is actually a great way for you to sleep! The pillows hold the baby up so that little-one isn’t pressuring the hips and low back. The knee is in a more natural alignment with your hips. With any luck and pillow placement, you should be able to relax and breathe in comfort. Once one side of the body is done, I move the pillows, you SLOWLY turn over, and we get you comfy on the other side. Through different pressures, release points, some stretching and the occasional giggle, I will work with your body to ease some of the sore and plagued muscle groups.

And there you have it–Mommy Massage!