FAQ
Why should I get a massage?
Do I have enough room for a massage in my home or office?
How can I prepare for my massage?
Can a massage be painful?
What is the difference between a Swedish massage and an Ayurvedic massage?
What is aromatherapy?
Why is drinking water after a massage important?
Is it true that massage therapy relieves the effects of stress?
I have never had a massage before. What should I expect?
Am I supposed to get naked for my massage?
How long do I have to get undressed?
What about talking during the massage session?
How do I know if a massage therapist is qualified?
Do I need to tip my massage therapist?
In fact, recent studies show massage therapy is the most successful treatment option for lower back pain. Many conditions are successfully treated or relieved with massage therapy.
Do I have enough room for a massage in my home or office?
A massage therapist needs just 8x4 feet to provide a massage.
How can I prepare for my massage?
You can prepare for your massage by:
- Avoiding alcohol before your massage session.
- Ensuring the room in which you wish to receive a massage is warm.
- Taking a warm shower. This will help you to relax your muscles allowing your therapist to do more work in the areas causing you stress or problems.
- Planning on your massage messenger to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment so that he or she can set up their equipment.
- Turning off any cell phones, pagers and blackberries. Your experience should be yours alone.
Can a massage be painful? What is the difference between a Swedish massage and an Ayurvedic Massage? Swedish massage is a European massage and uses therapeutic touch whereas Ayurvedic massage, an Indian traditional massage, is more similar to a deep tissue massage. Swedish massage therapy is commonly practiced with lotion or cream; Ayurvedic massage is practiced with essential oil. What is aromatherapy? Why is drinking water after a massage important? Is it true that massage therapy relieves the effects of stress? Next, the therapist will leave the room so you can prepare to get on the table. Once you are positioned on your back and fully draped, you can ring a bell that the therapist has provided and they will reenter and begin your massage. During the session, you have the right to give appropriate feedback regarding the massage or your comfort level. The therapist will instruct you if he/she will need you to do something such as turn over or lift your knees to adjust a bolster. The therapist will gently inform you when the session is over. At this point, the therapist leaves the room and waits until you ring the bell once again, signaling you are ready for him or her to return. The massage therapist will then take approximately 10-15 minutes to pack up all the equipment. Before leaving, be sure to book your next appointment. Am I supposed to get naked for my massage? How long do I have to get undressed? Communicating about the massage during the session is a different story. You should never feel too nervous to break the silence to communicate with your therapist. Feedback such as pressure of strokes, pain threshold and questions or comments relating to the massage is important to the overall quality of the massage. Please speak up. How do I know if a massage therapist is qualified? Do I need to tip my massage therapist?
Sometimes, yes. If your massage therapist is working on a knot or tight muscle you are going to feel some discomfort. It's important to communicate with your therapist to find the balance between working the muscle effectively and working too deep. If you feel pain and tense your body in reaction then the massage is counterproductive. Don't assume that certain techniques are supposed to hurt. Be sure to speak up if you are not comfortable. It is also not unusual to feel sore a day or two after a massage.
Both techniques deliver mind and body relaxation but there are some unique differences between the two techniques.
Aromatherapy is considered to be a "holistic" therapy and uses the essential oils of plants, bark, roots and flowers to treat the cause of an emotional, physical, or psychological symptom. The aroma can be inhaled into the circulatory system or absorbed through carrier oils helping your body to heal from the inside out.
Massage helps your body to eliminate natural waste products and drinking water after a massage is helpful in aiding this process.
Yes. When you are stressed, often your body takes the brunt. Massage therapy triggers the relaxation response (via the Parasympathic Nervous System), relaxing tense muscles and reducing anxiety. Individuals receiving regular massage literally feel the renewed balance and feeling of well being in their bodies. Massage therapy allows you to have great control of your body's reactions in times of life's stresses.
You should undress to your level of comfort. Some people prefer to leave their underwear on and others prefer to be naked. Either way is acceptable. It is up to you. Sometimes, if the treatment requires specific work in the lower back, gluteus or back of thighs, underwear may get in the way of massage techniques. For women, thongs are a good solution. In the USA, clients are required to be draped at all times except the area being massaged (Draping is the term used for covering). Concern about exposure should not be an issue. Do not be afraid to speak with your therapist. You can always ask for additional draping such as a blanket if you prefer. Some men may feel anxious about getting an erection during the massage. This should not be a concern. If it does happen, it is natural. A massage therapists' focus is their work.
As long as you need. First, the massage therapist must leave the room before you begin disrobing. Once you have disrobed to your level of comfort, you get on the table under the top sheet. Your massage therapist will never barge in on you. He or she will wait until you ring a bell which informs them that you are ready for them to enter. They should not come in until you have positioned yourself with the top sheet covering you on the table. If your massage therapist has not made this clear to you before he or she leaves the room, then do not be afraid to ask what the procedure is.
The State of New Jersey requires a license to practice massage. The State also requires all practicing massage therapists to be registered or certified. Copies of licenses are kept at Massage Messenger's home base. Massage Messenger therapists also carry their documents with them. You have the right to request to see their license before any treatment.
Tipping policies vary based on where you are getting a massage and who is doing the work. In a spa, tipping is standard practice and expected. Tipping is also appropriate when your therapist is employed by another individual or company and does not receive 100% of your payment.
Please call 201.919.3066 or email info@massagemessenger.com for any other inquiries.