Frequently Asked Questions About Massage
What can I expect during my first massage?
It is helpful if you arrive to your first session 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. You will be given forms to complete including general intake questions, health history, client responsibilities and informed consent. (Forms may also be printed ahead of time from the website and filled out in advance.) Your therapist will discuss your concerns and goals for massage with you.
Once in the treatment room, you will receive instructions about where to place your personal belongings and how to properly position yourself on the massage table. Your therapist will leave you to get settled in and will knock before re-entering the room. You will be appropriately draped at all times during your massage.
Please communicate with your therapist any questions or concerns you have related to your comfort, such as temperature (in the room or on the table), pressure, or any discomfort you may experience during your massage. Massage therapy is a client/therapist partnership.
What type of massage should I ask for?
We employ a variety of modalities at Fusion Massage Therapy and your therapist will typically work in an integrated fashion for best results. There is no need to ask for a specific “type” of massage, however, please express your goals to your therapist so that she may ascertain the appropriate techniques to use during your session. Every session is tailored to your needs.
Can massage help with chronic pain?
Massage is one of the best and least invasive ways to help alleviate chronic pain. Depending on the type of pain, causes, and longevity, it may take several sessions before notable, lasting changes may be achieved. Using a combination of therapeutic techniques, your therapist will address both deep and superficial layers of soft tissue (muscle and fascia) to help guide the body into its natural, pain-free state.
If the condition is something of a structural nature or otherwise beyond the reach of massage, you may need to seek additional treatment from alternative care providers, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist. Massage therapy will still be helpful in tandem with other such therapies and may optimize your overall healing process.
Are there risks or side-effects to massage?
Typically, massage is a safe and minimally invasive form of natural treatment that most people can benefit from without risk. However, there are contraindications to massage (reasons that massage may not be recommended) and this is why it is important to disclose your health history with your therapist. Your initial intake forms are designed to assist your therapist in determining whether any such contraindications may exist for you.
It is also important to keep your therapist informed of any changes to your health history that may arise. If you are being treated for a health condition by a physician or other medical professional, it is best to ask them if massage would be appropriate for your circumstances. When in doubt, ask!
Side-effects of massage are usually positive, such as extreme relaxation, elevated mood, or a good night’s rest. However, it is possible to experience drowsiness, light-headedness or a minor headache following any type of bodywork. Take your time getting off of the table and re-dressing after your massage and feel free to sit for a moment in our lobby or in your car before you drive home.
Are your massage oils safe if I have a nut allergy?
Yes! All of our massage oils blends are made with organic, paraben and nut-free carrier oils that are highly moisturizing and nourishing for the skin. Be sure to discuss any botanical allergies with your therapist if you are interested in enhancing your massage session with aromatherapy.
How often should I receive massage?
Frequency of massage for best results will depend on the level of dysfunction presented and/or your goals. For general wellness, stress relief, and maintenance, we recommend massage once or twice per month. If there is a specific issue to be addressed, it may be recommended that you come in more frequently initially and then taper down as the issue improves.
You may want to consider your personal, daily routine. A high-stress or highly physical job, for example, may warrant more frequent sessions for best results. Feel free to discuss this with your therapist and together you can create a wellness plans that works best for you.
Can I receive massage if I am pregnant or have specific health concerns?
Always discuss any health concerns with your therapist prior to scheduling your massage to ensure your safety.
If you are pregnant, yes massage is typically wonderful to include during your pregnancy and can be performed in each trimester. However, it is best to consult with your primary prenatal care provider to be sure they have no concerns about you receiving massage (such as with a “high-risk” pregnancy). Be sure to let your massage therapist know of any conditions or concerning changes that may occur as your pregnancy progresses.
What if I still have pain/discomfort after I receive massage?
Some pain/discomfort after massage, although not always typical, can occur and should be relatively short in duration (24-48 hours).
Following any post-massage instructions from your therapist and staying well hydrated will help minimize potential discomfort.
If you are experiencing discomfort in one area, chances are good that there are other areas of dysfunction that you may not yet be aware of. As one source is discovered and released, another may take center stage. This is sometimes referred to as “chasing the pain”.
Your highly trained therapist will do her best to ensure best results in every session, but you may need to be patient with the process. Often, several sessions are needed to create lasting change in the body.
Can massage be helpful if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well and might be coming down with something, massage is not recommended. Although it may seem like a nice and comforting idea, massage could actually make you feel worse as it may over stimulate your system. Additionally, it is not in line with safe health practices to expose your therapist to whatever you may be carrying. If you have an appointment scheduled and are not feeling well, kindly contact your therapist to reschedule.
Why does my therapist need to know my medical history before I can receive a massage?
It is important that you disclose your health history to the best of your ability so that your therapist may determine if there are any contraindications for massage as well as to develop a better understanding of contributing factors to your current physical state. Past and present traumas or health issues are related to your body today. Old scars, for example, can have created adhesions that are currently affecting your posture or mobility.
If you are not sure if something is relevant, ask your therapist. It is our aim at Fusion Massage Therapy to provide the best possible care and keep our clients’ health and safety at the forefront.
Can a minor child receive massage?
Yes. A minor child can receive massage with parent/guardian permission. An intake form for Minor Child must be completed by the parent/guardian prior to the session along with our policies and informed consent forms. It is best to speak to the therapist ahead of scheduling to discuss issues/goals for the child.
We recommend shorter sessions for children under the age of 15 and require parent/guardian accompany the child into the treatment room. Children will be appropriately clothed and draped at all times.
How does aromatherapy enhance my massage experience?
Aromatherapy enhances your massage with the soothing power of therapeutic & aromatic essential oils. Allow nature to elevate your relaxation, help reduce stress, soothe aching muscles, and support overall emotional and physical well-being.
We offer a selection of handcrafted, aromatic & therapeutic massage oil blends as well as pure, organic essential oils for inhalation during your session to further enhance your experience.
All of our massage oil blends are crafted to support relaxation, soothe aches, and/or promote overall well-being. Additionally, placed under your headrest for inhalation, pure essential oils can offer a variety of benefits, such as to help elevate relaxation, calm the nervous system, soothe a headache, lift the spirits, or help alleviate that stuffy nose so commonly acquired while face down on the table.
*Please be sure to discuss any botanical allergies you may have with your therapist prior to your session if opting for aromatherapy.
Can anyone receive massage?
The short answer is [mostly] yes! Properly performed massage offers benefits in every stage and phase of a person’s life. However, there are times when massage is not appropriate, such as when a person is sick or has a health condition or medication that contraindicates massage. This makes it imperative that you discuss any health concerns with your therapist prior to scheduling an appointment.
What if I have trouble getting on or off of a massage table? (Or other issues like not being able to lay flat on a table, etc.)
At Fusion Massage Therapy, we use a fully adjustable electric table for treatment. Our table can be lowered to ADA standards, inclined for a comfortable semi-reclined position during treatment or for ease of getting off of the table from a more seated position, and elevated to support the legs.
We also offer bolsters and pillows if needed for added comfort. Pregnant clients are appropriately positioned side-lying or semi-reclined and supported with pillows and bolsters for additional comfort. Your therapist can guide you in determining what may work best to provide you the safest, most comfortable massage experience and can assist you on or off the table if needed.
Should I talk to my therapist during my massage?
The amount of conversation during your massage is entirely up to you. We encourage communicating information that may affect your comfort (such as regarding temperature or pressure applied), or which may impact the outcome of your massage (such as making your therapist aware of areas of discomfort that arise). However, keeping other conversation to a minimum will enhance your relaxation and overall experience.