FAQ

We want you to relax & enjoy the benefits of your wellness session, so we want to answer your questions prior to your visit, so you can come prepared & ready to melt the world away.

+ When should I get a massage?

Any day is a great time to get a massage. Massage is also a wonderful form of preventative therapy to help avoid or minimize injury & pain caused by stress; physical or mental.  It is a lot easier to keep yourself pain-free with preventative massage.  Regular massage is a great way to cope with the mental and physical stresses of life and to help keep your body running the way it should. If you have sore muscles,an injury or pain condition, or if you are under a lot of stress, please contact us to see how we can NurtureU.

+ What Should I Wear?

We recommended wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothes to ensure comfort, ease of movement and flexibility. Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.

+ Should I avoid eating and drinking before my massage?

Massage stimulates digestion, so we recommend that you eat a light meal if any before your massage. It is best to eat after your massage.  Also, we suggest you don’t drink excessive amounts of water before your session, otherwise you’ll interrupt your session for frequent bathroom breaks.

+ What will happen during my first visit

You will be asked to fill out a health history form. Afterwards your therapist will begin by facilitating a consultation to determine which massage service is best for you on that day. It is very important to inform your therapist if you are under a doctor’s care, have any health conditions or medications you are taking.  

+ Would there be any reason to prevent massage

There are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection.

There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn’t mean you can’t get massage, however its always better to err on the side of caution.  Call our office @ 347-727-7014 and a therapist will be happy to answer any questions.

+ General benefits of massage therapy

Scientific study has now proven many of the healing aspects of massage. The different types of massage have specific benefits.  Here are just a few of the general benefits a therapeutic massage offers:

  • Assists lymphatic and venous flow
  • Helps to break up and loosen subcutaneous scar tissue
  • Increases nutrition to the cells and skin
  • Can help reduce certain types of edema
  • Increases respiration to the skin
  • Stimulates the sensory receptors (nerves) of the skin and deeper tissue
  • Relieves joint ache and pain
  • Promotes good posture and self-esteem
  • Improves tone and texture of the skin
  • Assists digestion
  • Causes release of natural endorphins and promotes relaxation

+ How will my massage feel?

It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapy sessions start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.

+ How will I feel after my massage therapy treatment?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity which can last for days.

 

PREGNANCY MASSAGE FAQ

What are the benefits of Pre-Natal Pregnancy Massage

Due to the changing posture during pregnancy, low back pain is one of the primary complaints we here about from our moms-to-be. As the weight in the front of the body increases, the lower back typically gets a bit “crunched” in an attempt to compensate for that change. Prenatal Pregnancy Therapeutic Massage will help relieve stress and pain; we will also provide some tips on posture to alleviate some of the pressure. Some of the benefits of massage during pregnancy include:

  • decreased lower back and hip pain
  • suppression of the “stress” hormones
  • relief of minor aches and pains associated with pregnancy
  • better sleep the night following a massage
  • relief of pregnancy related swelling in lower legs and arms
  • prevention of calf cramps

+ How Will I Be Positioned During the Massage?

During the first trimester you can still be face up or face down during your massage, however, accommodations can be made if you are experiencing any early pregnancy symptoms that might make you uncomfortable (such as breast tenderness or nausea). In that case, your therapist may work on you from a side-lying position, or simply place a pillow under your stomach to take pressure off of the chest. Once you are into your second trimester, the safest way to be positioned is on your side, bolstered with pillows to make you more comfortable.  This will be the position used throughout the rest of your pregnancy as well, as it is the safest way to get to your back and legs. We may also put you face up in a semi-reclined position. We will make absolutely sure that you are completely comfortable during your entire session.

+ Is massage therapy safe during the first trimester?

Getting a massage during your first trimester is safe. The only thing that is necessary to avoid completely is any work over the abdomen . You can still receive a massage in the usual positions (face down or face up) and you can still receive deep tissue in any areas that need it, although deeper work should be used sparingly and avoided in the legs.  There is no medical reason why massage should be avoided during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you have any doubts about your personal care, or have been labeled as “high risk” for any reason, definitely consult with your doctor before booking your appointment.

+ As I approach my due date, is it still safe to get a massage?

It is ok and highly recommended.  The end of the third trimester is likely the time that you will be the most uncomfortable and in need of some massage. It is perfectly safe to get a massage during this time, even in the early stages of labor.  The techniques we use can help with your low back/sacrum pain and reduce swelling in the legs and feet. Again, if you have a high risk pregnancy, double check with your doctor before coming in for an appointment.