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Buncrana - Co.Donegal
Heal - Renew
FAQ - Massage Treatment
Massage therapy is a recognized health care option that positively contributes to one’s general health and wellness and also works the body’s soft tissue to help relieve pain and stiffness associated with stress, tension, injury and other conditions. It brings many benefits to our muscles, connective tissues, tendons and ligaments—in terms of managing pain, injury, stress and tension levels.
While it is a great way to promote relaxation, massage therapy is so much more. Massage helps manage pain, reduce stress, improve circulation, decrease muscle tension, ease breathing difficulties, lower blood pressure, reduce headaches, improve mobility, promote sleep, manage anxiety & depression and helps improve your overall wellness.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will always be properly and fully covered by a blanket at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. When that area is completed, it will be re-covered again and then the next area to be worked on will be exposed. Genital area (men and women) and breasts (women) will never be exposed. Maintaining client privacy and dignity is very important. For Reiki treatments, it is not required to remove any clothing.
Must I be completely undressed?
It is important for all clothing to be removed except for the lower underwear. If trousers are left on, it makes it difficult for the therapist to gain proper access to the lower back area. You will undress and dress alone in the privacy of your massage room and will be securely covered by a blanket during your massage session. For Reiki treatments, it is not required to remove any clothing.
What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a health history form. Afterward the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints. It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.
What is included in the session time?
You will be given an extra 5-10 minutes for dressing time and health assessment to ensure a safe, personalized massage. Dressing and assessment times can vary.
What If I Don’t Want a Massage Therapist to Work on a Certain Part of My Body?
Before your massage, let your therapist know which parts of your body you want them to avoid. For example, many clients aren’t comfortable with having their abdominal area massaged. Your massage therapist will know how to avoid any sensitive areas you identify and still give you a therapeutic experience.
Is It Okay to Talk During a Massage Session?
You should always feel free to express any discomfort when undergoing a massage. However, avoid chatting with your massage therapist during your session; this can lead to increased muscular tension and limit the effectiveness of your massage experience.
If you want a relaxing massage, talk as little as necessary and let your mind and body enter a meditative state. You can even practice mindful breathing, which lowers muscular tension and increases the benefits of your massage. Be sure to give your practitioner regular feedback on the amount of pressure you need and which specific areas feel painful or tight.
What Happens If I Fall Asleep during My Massage?
It’s quite common for people to fall asleep during relaxing massages. Therapists typically take this as a compliment and a sign that they’re providing maximum relaxation to their clients. Enjoy your massage experience and don’t expect yourself to stay awake and alert at all times. Many clients allow their bodies and minds to “reset” in deeply relaxing states.
What If My Stomach Growls During a Massage—or Worse?
Massage therapists create “judgment-free zones” with their clients and understand that massages can sometimes lead to clients making strange noises, passing gas, or even have deeply emotional experiences. If you feel the need to laugh, cry, or even tremble, your practitioner will understand and may ask you if you want to continue the massage or take a break.
Can I Stop a Massage If I Feel Uncomfortable?
Absolutely! You are always in control of your massage therapy session. Feel free to ask your practitioner to pause or stop your massage if you’re uncomfortable with any aspect of this treatment.
Remember, by discussing potential issues with your therapist before they arise, you can help ensure a positive experience. Take some time to share any and all concerns you have, including any shyness about your body, worries about privacy and procedure, and—of course—your goals for the session.
How often should I get a massage?
"Some is better than none."
What does that mean? Well, it varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you.
However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.
Frequency of sessions should be discussed after your treatment when the therapist has a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues.
What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
People get massages for many reasons:
Relaxation
Injury recovery
Pain reduction
Stress relief
Physical therapy
Migraine headache
Improved digestion
Fibromyalgia treatment
Insomnia prevention
When Should I Avoid Massage Therapy?
Sometimes, massage isn’t for everyone. People with heart conditions, cancer, pregnancy, high blood pressure, deep-vein thrombosis, and certain skin conditions should check with a doctor before getting a massage. If you have a fever, feel dizzy, cold/flu, contagious skin condition or have recently been in an accident, you may want to postpone your massage appointment.
With the appropriate pressure, massage can have a direct effect on the circulatory system, which helps reduce inflammation and helps relieve pain. You are encouraged to communicate with your therapist about your pain/comfort level at any time during your massage.
It’s not uncommon to feel some muscle soreness after a massage. Massage triggers a release of lactic acid stored in tight muscles, which can create a temporary feeling of soreness. The good news? Many people enjoy post-massage heightened energy levels and an increased range of motion.
Will the massage hurt?
This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that doesn't probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn't hurt.
Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it.
How will I feel after the 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. It is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. A hot Epsom salt bath further encourages the relaxation of muscles post massage.
How many sessions will I need?
Honestly, its hard to say. Every person is unique and every condition is unique to each person. It may take one session or it may take several. You will be able to talk more specifically about this after your first session when your therapist has had a chance to evaluate your body's tissues.
What is a home care advice for?
Giving appropriate home care advice after a treatment is part of a holistic approach to massage. It helps improve well-being and facilitate reviewing progress – It also allows clients to take a more pro-active responsibility in the healing process that follows each treatment. Some recommendations include:
Water intake
Sleeping pattern
Exercise
Healthy eating
Reducing stress and improve relaxation
Breathing technique
What is a healing crisis?
Where there are waste products or toxins to be cleared from the body, you may experience a healing reaction that can take the form of a runny nose, increased perspiration or increase bowel movements.
Examples of conditions that may occur in the first 24-48 hours:
Intensified emotional reactions
Tiredness
Aching muscles
Disturbed sleep
A healing crisis where symptoms become worse before beginning to improve
Those reactions represent a loosening of body tensions and can be evidence of improved functioning. In general, after getting a massage, clients feel relaxed, rejuvenated and uplifted.
How do you ensure hygiene and cleanliness in your practice?
We take care of own personal hygiene and health at all time and ensure that correct hygiene procedures for a massage treatment are respected.
- Washing our hands before and after each treatment and use anti-bacterial gel and wipes.
- Use clean towels for each client.
- Worktops and professional equipment are cleaned with the use of appropriate chemicals.
- Disposable items are opted for as often as possible.
If you are under 16, we are happy to treat you with the parents signed consent and presence in the treatment room. If you are aged between 16 and 18, we are happy to treat you with signed parents consent and presence in the treatment room is optional.
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