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General Questions
What is therapeutic massage? Therapeutic massage therapy is a style of massage that focuses on achieving results rather than just relaxation. Using this term indicates that the purpose of the massage is to bring about structural changes or therapeutic benefits in the body. It involves the massage therapist mobilizing your soft tissue (muscles, tendons, fascia, etc.) to restore normal functional use. You should expect to feel great long after your therapeutic massage session ends, rather than just enjoying relaxation for an hour.
Is the session really a full 30, 60 or 90 minute session? Yes, it is! I feel it is important to take my time and give you the time you are paying for!
I woke up with a cold or am not feeling well today. Should I come in? A massage will likely just make you feel worse. If you are sick, you may get your therapist sick and pass it on to other clients that day. Even if you are giving less than a 24 hour notice, I prefer you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell, so let me know as soon as possible.
What if I am late to my appointment? Please arrive on time for your appointment. Time for your appointment has been specially arranged for you. If you arrive late your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. I will do my best to provide you with the services you have booked, but I cannot guarantee the full time if you arrive late. Full payment for your scheduled services will be expected.
What products do you use? Soothing Touch Basics Massage Cream Essential Oils: Staples: - Chill Pill by Aura Acacia - Clear the Air by NOW - Cheer Up Buttercup by NOW - Peaceful Sleep by NOW Seasonal - Unicorn by Simply Earth - Tropical Paradise by Plant Therapy - Mulled Cider (my own mix) - Winter Spice by Simply Earth
Before, During, and After your session Questions
What should I expect for my first session? You will need to arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to go over your intake form and what your goals are. I will then discuss my plan for the session. I will then leave the room and allow you to disrobe and get on the table under the sheets in private. Once you are ready I will return and begin your session. During your session please do not hesitate to speak up if you are at all uncomfortable. This is your session, do you want more or less pressure, different music, more or less talking? Let me know. After the session is over I will leave and allow you to take your time getting off the table and to get dressed. After you are done I will go over what I noticed and if there are any stretches that could help you in areas that are uncomfortable for you.
Do I need to shower before my massage? You don't need to necessarily shower right before your massage, but do ask that you come to your appointments clean.
What should I do after I receive a massage? It's a great idea to give yourself some additional time after your massage to continue relaxing and to allow your body to fully absorb the benefits of massage. I leave plenty of time in between appointments so that you never feel hurried and can take your time before you head out the door.
Is it ok to exercise right after a massage? Yes, it's ok to exercise after a massage, but most people prefer to stay relaxed.
Prenatal Questions
Is prenatal massage safe? Absolutely! Massage is safe for mom and unborn child from the time of conception to the day of birth.
What are the benefits to prenatal massage? Some of the benefits of prenatal massage are reduced stress, lowers blood pressure, assists in headaches and nausea, and can minimize the discomfort of pregnancy.
What positions do you offer for prenatal? At Loto Therapeutic Massage I offer both side-lying positioning as well as on your belly, as I have a specialized table to allow space for the growing belly.
Postpartum Questions
What are the benefits to postpartum massage? Some of the benefits of postpartum massage include pain relief, sleep improvement, reduced swelling, and stress reduction.
How soon can I receive a massage postpartum? You may receive a massage postpartum as soon as 24 hours after giving birth.
How is postpartum different than a regular massage? Booking a postpartum session alerts me that you have recently given birth and may need more assistance to allow for relaxation or problem solving depending on a vaginal or cesarean birth. Postpartum sessions can include breast massage to reduce pain, blockages (mastitis) and other lactation issues if desired
What positions are safe postpartum? Any position is safe for postpartum, however your body and your recovery will dictate how I set up the table for maximum comfort on the day of your session. I will work with you and our multiple cushions and pillows to insure the best massage possible.
Am I able to bring baby with me? Absolutely! I have a baby swing to accommodate, or if you prefer I can position you both on table. This also allows for you to feed if needed.
Stretching Questions
How is therapeutic stretching different from massage? While massage focuses on the soft tissues, therapeutic stretching focuses on improving mobility, flexibility, and movement patterns.
Is Therapeutic Stretching right for everyone? Therapeutic Stretching may not be appropriate for certain conditions, including hypermobility, some recent injuries, or certain stages of pregnancy. If you are unsure whether this service is right for you, please reach out before scheduling.
What should I wear? When doing a stretching session only, I ask that you please wear comfortable, form-fitting athletic clothing that allows for movement. Clothing such as leggings, athletic shorts, sports bras, t-shirts, or workout attire works best.
Do I need to be flexible to benefit from Therapeutic Stretching? Not at all. In fact, many clients seek stretching because they feel stiff, restricted, or have difficulty moving comfortably.
Scar Tissue Questions
What is scar tissue massage? Scar tissue massage uses specialized techniques to improve tissue mobility, reduce restrictions, and support healthy movement in and around a scar. Treatment is customized based on the age, location, and condition of the scar.
Can old scars still be treated? Yes. Even scars that are years or decades old may respond to treatment. While older scars often require more time and consistency, improvements in mobility and comfort are still possible.
What types of scars and injuries can be treated? Scar tissue treatment may be beneficial for both visible scars and internal scar tissue. Restrictions can develop following surgeries, burns, sprains, strains, injuries, and other tissue damage—even when there is no visible scar on the skin.
What can scar tissue massage help with? Scar tissue massage may help improve tissue mobility, reduce feelings of tightness or pulling, improve movement, decrease discomfort, and support overall function in the affected area.
Why does a scar affect movement? Scar tissue can sometimes create adhesions between layers of tissue. These adhesions may limit normal tissue movement and contribute to tightness, discomfort, altered posture, or movement restrictions.
Lymphatic Questions
What is lymphatic massage? Lymphatic massage is a very gentle and light touch technique designed to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. It may help reduce swelling, support circulation, and promote the body's natural recovery processes.
How will I feel after a lymphatic massage? Many clients report feeling lighter, less swollen, more relaxed, and more comfortable in their bodies following treatment. Because lymphatic massage encourages movement of fluid throughout the body, some clients may temporarily experience fatigue, mild flu-like symptoms, increased thirst, more frequent urination, or a temporary flare-up of existing symptoms as the body adjusts.
What conditions can lymphatic massage help with? Lymphatic massage may be beneficial for swelling, fluid retention, post-surgical recovery, scar tissue, injury recovery, and general wellness.
Is lymphatic massage right for everyone? Lymphatic massage may not be appropriate for certain medical conditions, including some heart, kidney, circulatory, or active infection-related conditions. If you have questions, please consult your healthcare provider before scheduling.
"Touchy" Topics
Should I take off my underwear when I get a massage? This depends on your comfort level and the type of massage you are going to receive. For Sports Massage & Stretching or Light Touch Massage you may be asked to leave some or all of you clothing on. For Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Prenatal Massage, or Postpartum Massage many people prefer to be completely nude when they receive a massage, while others prefer to keep their undergarments on. It's completely up to you, and you are encouraged to undress to your level of comfort. Tight-fitting or bulky undergarments can sometimes get in the way of the massage, especially if your problem areas are the low-back, buttocks, or hips. Women usually remove their bras so no straps are in the way of back and shoulder massage. Licensed massage therapists must ensure that clients are always properly covered by a sheet or towel, genitals will never be exposed, and only the specific areas being massaged will be uncovered.
Can I blow my nose, itch, or get up and go to the bathroom during a session? Of course! I don’t want you lying there uncomfortable and preoccupied, so feel free to let me know so that you may take care of it. I have a robe you may use to slip on to leave the room and use the restroom.
What if I’ve experienced a trauma (or abuse) that is still triggered by touch? Should I let my massage therapist know? Yes, absolutely let your massage therapist know if you do not want to be touched in a specific area or in a certain way. You don’t have to give us any details, and you have the right to ask to take a break or end your massage all together at any time, for any reason.
What if I fall asleep, snore, or drool during my massage? This happens often during a massage and is nothing to be embarrassed about. Just take it as a sign you are enjoying the relaxation!
What if I forgot to shave? No problem!
What if I get aroused or get an erection during my massage? Arousal is a natural parasympathetic response, so don’t feel guilty. However, understand that it was not your massage therapist’s intention to arouse you. Our professional ethical code of conduct that requires us to make sure boundaries are clear. If there is a distracting technique or motion (i.e. rocking the prone torso) that aroused you, it is okay to tell your therapist to stop that motion. Just to be clear, I have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.
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