Frequently Asked Questions ***NOTE: the Question/Answer links are currently broken, please be patient while we fix them ... in the meantime, you can scroll to the answers. Thank you! It's all about YOU! What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit? Do I have to be completely undressed? Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel? What do I do during a massage treatment? How long will a massage treatment last? Will the massage hurt? How often should I get a massage? Can I talk during my session? Do I have to listen to "New Age" music during my massage? How will I feel after my massage treatment? How many sessions will I need? When should I not get a massage? What is Reiki? Does my therapist have to use Essential Oils? What kind of Essential Oils do you use? What is the AromaTouch Technique? What is an iTOVi Bioscan? It's all about YOU! This is YOUR session. If you want anything changed: pressure, areas worked, position, music choices, or if you are too hot or too cold ... speak up! You will not hurt your therapist's feelings by asking for something that will make you more comfortable. Your therapist wants this to be the best experience for you to relax and enjoy. Also, what you requested in one session may be different in another. If you had a full body massage last time you had a session, but this time you only want your back/neck/shoulders/arms worked, it's perfectly fine to ask. You will enjoy your sessions so much more! What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit? Your massage therapist will ask you to fill out a health history form. Your therapist will ask 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 she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session. Return to Top of Page Do I have to be completely undressed? You should disrobe to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most clients get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session if you leave your underwear on, that's fine. Your therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best she can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session. Your massage therapist willgive you privacy to disrobe and get comfortable on the table. Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel? This is known as draping and once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, your therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on at any given time. Return to Top of Page What do I do during a massage treatment? Make yourself comfortable! If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. This is YOUR session, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time. How long will a massage treatment last? The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour to two hours. A half-hour appointment allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60, 90 or 120 minute session for optimal relaxation. At Essentials Plus Massage & Bodywork, your session length is the total "hands on" time. As long as you arrive on time for your session, you will receive your full length session. Return to Top of Page Will the massage hurt? The types of massages I provide should never hurt. You know your body and will know the difference between "Ooh! That muscle hasn't been worked in a while!" and "OUCH!" At any time you can request more or less pressure. I will be listening to your body as well as to what you say. A good massage from me, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay away from the "OUCH!" range. 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 often should I get a massage? 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 with your massage therapist after your treatment when she has a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues. Return to Top of Page Can I talk during my session? Sure, if you'd like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Sometimes with less talk you will relax, let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss. In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation. The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. If your therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her know immediately. Also, let her know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you - speak up! It's OK! Do I have to listen to "New Age" music during my massage? No. (Not that there's anything wrong with that). While your therapist has a relaxing playlist, you can choose to have different music or no music at all. Studies have shown that music at under 60 beats-per-minute has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and therefore can enhance your experience. However, while this may be true, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be listened to while you get a massage. If it relaxes you and you enjoy it at home, why wouldn't it do the same during your treatment? Ask your therapist what music he/she has to offer or if it is ok to play music from your own phone or iPad. Return to Top of Page How will I feel after my massage treatment? Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days. After your session you should increase your water intake a bit. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy. If you do feel achy at all after a session, the increased water intake should alleviate any minor discomfort. How many sessions will I need? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Every person is unique and every condition is unique to each person. It may take one session or it may take several to reach your intended results. You and your therapist will be able to talk more specifically about this after your first session and she has had a chance to evaluate your body's tissues. Return to Top of Page When should I not get a 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. That's it. There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt 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). This doesn't mean you can't get massage. But its always better to err on the side of caution. Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs. NOTE: Essentials Plus Massage & Bodywork does not offer pre-natal massage. What is Reiki? Probably the most known and practiced energy healing art. Reiki means 'universal life energy' or 'universal life force'. The practitioner places her hands on or over the recipient in various positions. The practitioner then offers healing universal energy to flow through her to be received by you. Your body may accept this energy and use it to enhance its natural healing abilities. Return to Top of Page Does my therapist have to use Essential Oils? Nope! While the use of Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils at no additional charge is a part of what makes Essentials Plus Massage & Bodywork different from the other spas and salons, if you would rather no oils be used, please just let your therapist know. What kind of Essential Oils do you use? Your therapist at Essentials Plus Massage & Bodywork uses doTERRA Essential Oils exclusively. After 11 years of searching for a line of oils that she could trust to be pure and effective, doTERRA is the brand that she chose and uses for herself, too! Return to Top of Page What is the AromaTouch Technique? The AromaTouch Technique isn't a traditional massage. Rather than a focus of tissue manipulation, this session focuses on 8 particular doTERRA Essential Oils applied in a specific order, using measured, specific hand movements. The "ATT" is a powerful reset for many of the body systems! Some people choose to receive ATT sessions every week for ongoing health and balance. What is an iTOVi Bioscan? An iTOVi Bioscan is done with a small scanner held in the palm of your hand. Working on biofeedback, similar to a FitBit or some medical devices, it sends frequencies to your body and your body sends back answers. In less than 3 minutes, a report is generated from the results and we can know which Essential Oils your body might be most receptive to during your session. These oils are incorporated into your treatment for an enhanced, customized massage or reiki experience. Return to Top of Page Stay in touch: 619/488-0002