FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage that involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to promote health and wellness. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) defines Massage as, “a manual soft tissue manipulation that includes holding, causing movement, and/or applying pressure to the body.”

How does Massage Therapy work?

Massage Therapy improves circulation by bringing oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues. It relieves muscle tension and pain, increases flexibility and mobility, and helps clear lactic acid and other waste, which reduces pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.

What are the benefits of Massage?

Massage can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. For more information please refer to the Benefits of Massage Section.

Why do people get Massage Therapy?

There are a wide variety of reasons why people are looking to Massage Therapy and getting massages on a regular basis. The most common reason for massage is to relieve stress and to relax. People have much higher levels of stress today, because of face paced jobs or lifestyles, then they did 10 years ago and with that the body is more negatively impacted as well. People also get Massage Therapy for a variety of health conditions such as:

• Back pain
• Inflammatory conditions as arthritis and tendinitis
• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Circulatory and respiratory problems
• Post-injury and/or post surgical rehabilitation

Who is Massage Therapy good for?

Massage is beneficial to almost everyone. There are some medical conditions that Massage Therapy should not be done with; therefore, it is important to speak with your doctor and get approval before scheduling a massage. There are many different types of massage techniques so that the Massage Therapists can customize the massage sessions to best fit your needs. Great care and special attention are given to everyone but particularly to those with injuries, the elderly and pregnant women to make sure that they are cared for properly and safely.

Are there any medical conditions that would make Massage inadvisable?

Yes, there are medical conditions in which Massage Therapy should not be done. All locations in which Massage Therapy is performed should have Intake Forms for you to complete so that the Massage Therapist is informed of any health problems you have and any medications that you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

How do I find a Massage Therapist that is right for me?

Every Massage Therapist specializes in different types of Massage. Most Massage Therapists tend to specialize in the types of Massage that they enjoy receiving themselves. Please refer to My Massage Types section for more information on if I would be a good fit for what your body needs.

How do I know if a Massage Therapist is legitimate?

All Massage Therapists in the State of Wisconsin have to be licensed. The license of each Massage Therapist should be displayed at the location in which the Massage is performed, if not in the Massage Room itself. Each Massage Therapy License has its own license number and that number can be used to validate that the Massage Therapist is a professional.

Am I supposed to tip my Massage Therapist?

Yes, a 15% to 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with your Massage. Besides tipping, you can also show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers to the Massage Therapist.

I’m self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don’t want the Massage Therapist to see me. What can I do?

People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some of the more common concerns are:
• I’m overweight.
• I have excessive hair growth on my body.
• I’ve got acne on my face or back.
• My feet are ugly.
• I have scars.

Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it’s visiting your doctor or seeing a Massage Therapist. If you’re self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area or you can opt for a therapy that is done through clothing, because no massage oil or lotion is used, so you remain fully clothed during the session.

Why should I drink water before and after the Massage?

It is recommended that you drink plenty of water before and after your Massage Therapy session. By doing this, you make it easier for your muscles to hydrate and give the body plenty of fluids to wash out toxins that are pushed out of the muscles during the massage.

Where do Massages take place?

Massages take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music is played to help you relax and the lighting will be dimmed. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort and a bolster (which is a round pillow) will be under your knees or ankles depending on which side of the body that you are laying on.

Must I be completely undressed?

No, you should undress to your comfort level. However, there are benefit of being undressed as much as possible because not all of the traditional massage techniques are able to be performed while clothed and deeper layers of tissues are not as easy to address if clothed.

Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a Massage?

Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a Massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It’s up to you. if you do remove your underwear, Licensed Massage Therapists ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.

Will the Massage Therapist be present when I undress?

No, the Massage Therapist will leave the room to wash her hands while you undress, lay on the table, and cover yourself with the sheet and blanket.

Will I be covered during the Massage Session?

Yes, you will be properly draped by a sheet and blanket at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area that is being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be Massaged?

A typical full-body massage includes working on your shoulders, back, legs, feet, arms, hands, head and neck. Additional areas that can be worked on are your rib cage, abdomen, gluts, chest (non breast areas), and face.

What will the Massage feel like?

The massage starts with broad, flowing strokes that help calm the nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As the body relaxes, pressure will gradually be increased to relax and relieve specific areas of muscular tension. Oil or lotion is used on the skin to allow muscles and tissues to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lotion also helps to exfoliate and hydrate your skin. If any discomfort is felt, it should be communicated immediately to the Massage Therapist because massage is most. effective when the body is not resisting.

Will Massage Therapy hurt?

Massage Therapy shouldn’t hurt. Occasionally there is mild aching when the Massage Therapist applies pressure over “knots” and other areas of muscle tension. If the pressure is too strong for you, let the Massage Therapist know.

What if I drool and/or fall asleep during the Massage?

Drooling and/or falling asleep during a Massage is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the Massage Table. A Client who drools and/or falls asleep during the Massage is viewed as a complement to the Massage Therapist because they were able to relax you and make you feel comfortable enough to fall asleep.

Is getting a stuffy nose normal when I get a Massage?

Yes, getting a stuffy nose is very common when laying face down on a Massage Table. Many Massage Therapists will have you start your massage laying face down for this reason because the stuffy nose will go away once you lay on your back. Don’t be afraid to ask the Massage Therapist for a tissue if needed.

Should I talk during the Massage?

Many people just close their eyes and completely relax while others like to talk during their session; do what feels right to you. Feel free to ask questions about Massage in general or about the particular technique that you are receiving but don’t feel like you have to make conversation with the Massage Therapist. Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage are two types of Massage that require more feedback because the Massage Therapist works on deeper layers of muscle and wants to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. Be sure to speak up if the room is too hot or too cold, if you experience pain or if there’s anything you forgot to mention to the Massage Therapist that would impact your Massage.

The pressure is too light or too much, but I don’t want to insult the Massage Therapist. What should I do?

Communicate openly with the Massage Therapist. A Professional Massage Therapist would rather know that you would like more or less pressure then to have you leave your Massage Session disappointed. However, there are certain areas of your body and some types of massage techniques that using more pressure would prove to have negative consequences on your body. If this were the case, the Massage Therapist would indicate this to you. Massage Therapy does not have to hurt to be effective. Some of the most effective types of Massage Therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up. A good rule of thumb that is used by Massage Therapists is to use a pain scale from 1 to 10, where 1 indicates no pain and 10 indicates extreme, unbearable painful. A Massage Therapist’s goal is to keep the pressure of the massage so that the pain you feel should always be less a 7.

Are there different types of Massage?

Yes, there are many types of massages and there are a variety of massage techniques that can be used during a massage. The most common type of massage is Swedish Massage and it uses massage techniques that are designed to promote relaxation. For more types of massage and what benefits they produce please go to the Types of Massage section.

What should I do before the Massage?

Prior to going in for a massage, you should drink a lot of water so you are well hydrated, wear relaxing clothing and take off any jewelry that may interfere with the areas of the body that you want massaged. Arrive to the location of the massage 10-15 minutes before the massage is scheduled to start so that you have time to fill out any forms and use the restroom. Before the massage, ask the Massage Therapist any questions that you have regarding massage and inform the Massage Therapist of any specific areas that you want them to address during the massage session. The Massage Therapist will inform you which side of your body to lay on before they leave the room to wash their hands. When the Massage Therapist leaves the room undress to your comfort level, get onto the massage table and make yourself comfortable.

What should I do during the Massage?

During the massage, make yourself as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Most people keep their eyes closed to help themselves get and stay relaxed. The Massage Therapist will keep at least one hand on you at all times during the massage so that you are aware of where they are in the room. The Therapist will tell you what is needed or what parts of the body that they are going to move (such as lifting your arm). You should communicate with the Massage Therapist if you need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the massage session. If you have any questions throughout the massage, feel free to ask. However, don’t feel obligated to talk during the session if you do not feel comfortable or if you don’t have any questions.

What should I do after the Massage?

After the massage, you should take a few minutes before you get up to continue relaxing and to prepare yourself to get up. When you do get up, it should be done slowly because you may be dizzy or a little groggy. Redress and come out of the massage room when you are ready. The Massage Therapist will be waiting for you outside the room with some water. The Therapist will ask you how you are feeling and they will provide you with feedback on any areas that may need additional massage sessions. You will walk to the front desk with the Massage Therapist to make your payment, if you didn’t prepay and to schedule another appointment if you are interested. Most Massage Therapists will give you a discount if you sign up for an additional massage before you leave, so make sure you take advantage of the savings and know or bring your schedule with you. Before you leave, make sure to tip your Massage Therapist if you enjoyed your service. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated by the Therapist because most Massage Therapist only get a percentage of what you pay for the service. Another way that you can show the Therapist that you enjoyed your massage is to refer others to them. Most Massage Therapists have Referral Programs that will provide you with additional savings if the person you referred signs up for a massage.

When do I pay for the Massage?

Payment is expected at the time of service. Cash or check are accepted. You may pay before the session or after; it’s up to you. Tips are appreciated, but not required.

How will I feel after the Massage?

Most people feel calm and relaxed after a massage. Occasionally, some people feel sore or a mild temporary aching for a day or two after the massage. To decrease your chances of feeling sore make sure to drink plenty of water the day before and after the massage. Being well hydrated before and after the massage will allow the toxins that are released from your muscles and soft tissues during the massage to exit your body quickly. Some people who suffer from long-term aches and pains from tension, past injury, or repetitive activity will experience a temporary freedom from those aches and pains. After the initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Massage can both stimulate and relax your body/mind. You may experience a variety of sensations, both emotional and physical. Allow yourself to simply be with whatever sensations arise.

How long is a typical Massage Therapy Session?

A typical Massage Therapy Session is 30 to 90 minutes long. Each Massage will begin with a brief review of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle so that every Massage is customized to meet your current needs. The amount of time needed for this review will vary depending on the amount of change in your life that has happened since your last Massage. The amount of time needed for undressing and dressing for the Massage will vary by the seasons of the year. Therefore, the exact amount of time for the Massage portion of your session will vary by person and by session.

How long should I schedule my Massage for?

The length of the Massage should be scheduled based on the amount of work you want or need on your body. For instance, if you want a full-body massage for relaxation a 60 Minute Massage should be sufficient. However, if you want a full-body massage with a specific area (like the back) worked more in depth then a 90 Minute Massage should be scheduled. If there is a specific area (like your neck) that is uncomfortable a 30 Minute Massage should allow for enough time.

Do you offer weekend or evening appointments?

Yes, evening appointments are available Monday through Friday. For more information on times that are available please see the Home Page.

How do I cancel a Massage?

There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. If it is more than 24 hours before your scheduled Massage there will be no charge for cancelling your Massage. If it is less than 24 hours before your scheduled Massage you will be charged 50% of the regular price of the Massage. If you do not show up or call to cancel your scheduled Massage you will be charge the full price of a regular Massage. For more information please see the Policies and Procedures section.

How do I schedule a Massage?

To schedule a massage, please call or text myself at (608) 492-CALM (2256), email massage@cmsmassage.com or request an appointment online.