1. Do I need to do anything to prepare for my massage? Arrive 5 to 10 min before your appointment to fill out your client information form. It is best NOT to eat directly before a massage or to drink alcohol. However, you should have something to eat in the previous 3 hours prior to your massage especially if you have low blood sugar to low blood pressure.
2. What should I expect in my 1st massage visit? We will review the information you provide on your form and go through those details with you. We will discuss problem areas, what kind of pressure you preferand your massage history. I will explain what kinds of massage treatments we will be giving you and explain clearly any things we need you to do in the session. When we are ready to start, I will leave the room while you get undressed and lay on the tablet under a sheet.
3. Do I need to undress completely or can I keep my clothes on for my massage? You disrobe to your comfort level. You will be draped at all times to ensure that you feel safe and secure.
4. Will my hair and clothes get oily during my massage? No. Absolutely not. I wipe all oils and creams away with the sheet in your treatment. If I know you are going back to work, shopping, etc … I will cover your hair with a towel.
5. Do I or should I talk in the massage? It is completely up to you if you want to talk, however we recommend that beyond giving the therapist feedback when asked that you let your mind relax. Massage slows brain waves and this can’t happen effectively if you are talking and therefore concentrating. This may mean you miss out on some of the wonderful benefits massage has to offer.
6. What kind of massage should I ask for? This depends on why you are getting a massage and what kind of pressure you like. If you are new to massage you may want to go with a general relaxation with some deep tissue on problem areas. If you are having a massage because of excessive stress, anxiety or depression you may also opt for a more relaxation approach. Discuss the different styles with the therapist to determine what you would like.
7. Will the massage be painful? Only if you want it to be. I don’t believe in the ‘no pain no gain’ philosophy. People tend to think that massage has to be hard and painful to be effective when actually this is not true. Muscles that are tight and in spasm often contract more to hard pressure. Massage can be deep without being excrutiating by warming up and using specific techniques to encourage muscles to relax. For some hard pressure is relaxing and for others it is pure pain so we are always guided by you. If we think that hard pressure will be detrimental I will let you know.
8. What if I have an injury or illness, can I still get a massage? Some conditions are contraindicated for massage which means you either should not be massaged at all or a specific area of your body needs to be avoided. Please discuss your issues with your therapist at your treatment. If you wish you can call and have a chat before you come in for a massage.
9. How long is a massage treatment and what is included? The treatment includes the time I spend speaking to you about your needs to the time it takes you to change and exit the room after the treatment. I ask that new clients come 5 to 10 minutes early for their appointment to fill out paperwork so this does ot eat in to your massage time. Typically a session can vary from 30 min to 1 1/2 hours. For example, a typical relaxational, deep tissue or therapeutic massage is generally 30 min to one hour in length. A ‘hot stone’ massage IS GENERALLY 1 hour but can run to 1 1/2 hours in length.
10. What to expect after a massage? It is important to note that different people feel different and not all massages are the same. Obviously this can also vary on the type of massage you have received. The next day you may feel achy or sore or with a slight tender feeling in places that have been worked deeply. You may also experience some lethargy and emotional feelings tht can surface. These will pass within a day or so. It is important to drink plenty of water and to rest if possible.
11. How often should I get a massage? This depends on many factors such as what your problems are, finances and what kind of work you do. Initially you may need a weekly massage for each muscle issue and get things moving. If you are highly stressed this is a good option for you. Once your issues are more manageable then dropping back to a monthly then quarterly maintenance might be best. For re-occurring issues it is probably best to book regular ‘preventative’ sessions so that your issues do not worsen to the point of weekly sessions being needed. Of course the benefits of massage cannot be understated as they positively affect every system of your body as well as your mental and emotional state so listen to your body and book as you can afford it.
12. Are gift certificates available? Yes. We can send you one via Canada Post or your can pick up a gift certificate from our office. There is a $2.00 postage and handling fee for mailing gift certificates.
13. Are the treatments covered under my Health Care plan? You are eligible for reimbursement by MOST insurers as long as you have the necessary coverage under your plan.
14. How far in advance do I have to book? If you want the lunch time or after work periods then book as far in advance as you can because these spots book up faster. You can send an email requesting a booking and someone will get back to you within 24 hours by emailing kourntey_needamassage@live.ca.
15. What if I need to CANCEL or RESCHEDULE? The last thing we want to do is add to your stress so we will always do our best to reschedule for you if you let us know within 24 hours of an appointment at ‘no charge’. A 24 hour cancellation notice is required for all massage services. If notification is not received withing this time requirement, you will be charged the appropriate ‘cancellation fee’ for your appointment. In the case of a gift certificate, the value of the ‘cancellatoin fee’ will be deducted from the certificate.
16. Is massage suitable for everyone? Generally yes. If you are suffering from any pain or suffering – please let your therapist know as not all things can be treated without some natural healing. Please let me know if you suffer from any of the following at the time of booking: a cold or contagious disease, a high temperature or an infection, a heart condition, a skin infection, acute inflammation or bruising, any inflammatory condition such as phlebitis or thrombosis, pregnancy or cancer, acute back pain accompanied by shooting pain down the legs or arms when the back is massaged.
17. Do I tell my therapist about any physical restrictions? Yes, please notify me of any physical ailment, disabilities, allergies, pregnancy or if you are taking any medicationType your paragraph here.