Above: Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand
Massage FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Many people have never experienced a professional massage. After a first time massage, I've heard it countless times. . . why didn't I start this sooner! Older generations may consider massage a luxury but society is coming to realize just how beneficial massage therapy can be both physically and psychologically.
Is deep pressure better for a massage?
The best pressure for a massage is one that you feel comfortable with as massage is very individual. Some people like a bit of 'hurts so good' during their treatment and others can't stand that type of pressure. If the pressure is so much that you are reflexively tensing and 'muscle guarding', this is counterproductive to the effect of a good massage. Medium and light pressure can also have profound effects on the musculoskeletal system without the temporary day-after soreness some deep techniques can cause. If you ask for more pressure, and find that it's just a bit too much, don't think that you have to tough it out or be embarrassed to ask for an adjustment again until we find the desired touch for you.
Please feel free to speak up and let me know at any time if you would like more or less pressure, or different amounts depending on the body part being worked on. If you don’t like a certain technique, or do especially like something, please let me know – it’s your treatment! An RMT doesn't just have one set style, if you would like something changed I welcome your input.
If there is an area that you would like more work on, or less, or spots to avoid please don’t be afraid to communicate this. I can vary the treatment to suit you, whether it be changing your position, asking for more or less blankets, different music or a glass of water! I would rather you let me know what you prefer than have you endure something that is not pleasant for you.
Please feel free to speak up and let me know at any time if you would like more or less pressure, or different amounts depending on the body part being worked on. If you don’t like a certain technique, or do especially like something, please let me know – it’s your treatment! An RMT doesn't just have one set style, if you would like something changed I welcome your input.
If there is an area that you would like more work on, or less, or spots to avoid please don’t be afraid to communicate this. I can vary the treatment to suit you, whether it be changing your position, asking for more or less blankets, different music or a glass of water! I would rather you let me know what you prefer than have you endure something that is not pleasant for you.
Do I have to undress fully for a massage?
Although massage works best with hand on skin contact with the use of a massage lotion, the amount that you wish to undress is always up to you. Massage can be done through clothing or over top of the sheets if necessary. Most people remove everything but their underwear to be comfortable while on the table. Others keep their pants on if work is not being done on the lower body, while some remove everything. You will always be appropriately draped with both a sheet and light cotton blanket on top of this so you never feel over exposed. If you feel insecure about the draping of the sheets, please let me know or feel free to go ahead and secure the sheets yourself to your satisfaction. I want you to feel comfortable at all times.
If you find that you need to use the bathroom during your massage, I have a robe available so that you can make a quick trip and don't have to get fully dressed again. It is hard to relax when you have a full bladder!
If you find that you need to use the bathroom during your massage, I have a robe available so that you can make a quick trip and don't have to get fully dressed again. It is hard to relax when you have a full bladder!
What kind of massage lotion do you use?
Massage lubricants come in three varieties: lotions, gels and oils. Lotions usually absorb quickly into the skin requiring reapplication. Oils may leave the skin feeling greasy afterwards, stain sheets and clothing, and some types may be petroleum based, carcinogenic products that clog your largest organ - your skin. If you are getting regular massages it is worthwhile to find out exactly what is being applied to your skin.
"Remember, your skin is your largest organ -- and also the thinnest. Less than 1/10th of an inch separates your body from potential toxins. Worse yet, your skin is highly permeable. Most items you rub on your skin will end up in your bloodstream, and will be distributed throughout your body. This is why I'm so fond of saying 'don't put anything on your body that you wouldn't eat if you had to' and a petrochemical is certainly not something you would eat! Putting chemicals on your skin may actually be worse than eating them. When you eat something, the enzymes in your saliva and stomach help to break it down and flush it out of your body. However, when you put these chemicals on your skin, they are absorbed straight into your bloodstream without filtering of any kind, going directly to your delicate organs. And once these chemicals find their way into your body, they tend to accumulate over time because you typically lack the necessary enzymes to break them down. When you add up daily exposure over the course of a lifetime, it really adds up!
Studies have actually found that mineral oil paraffins can bioaccumulate in both fat tissue and human breast milk. According to the authors of one 2008 study:
"Mineral paraffins might be the largest contaminant of our body, widely amounting to 1 gram per person and reaching 10 grams in extreme cases."
Quote from Dr. Mercola http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/21/is-your-moisturizer-causing-skin-cancer.aspx
Gels seem to be the best of both worlds with the right amount of glide over the skin to reduce friction, but not too much which can cause the therapist to slide over the muscles rather than work into them. Gels also retain their lubricating qualities without requiring too much reapplication, while not leaving the skin too greasy afterwards. I currently LOVE using Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Gel. It is hypoallergenic, unscented, light and non-greasy with the main ingredients of apricot oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil ester, vitamin e and it is now paraben free! Find a complete list of ingredients here under the ingredients tab: http://www.biotone.com/ATG1G/hypoallergenic-massage-gel-1-gallon
I now regularly use 100% locally made coconut oil.
I am pleased to announce that I am no longer using toxic dryer sheets when drying my linens! The Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org rates thousands of cosmetic, cleaning and household products on their level of safety for our bodies and the environment. Here is just one dryer sheet that received an F rating with concerns over skin allergies/irritation, asthma/respiratory, cancer and environment. Top Scoring Factors: May contain ingredients with potential for cancer; respiratory effects; general systemic/organ effects. http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/5161-WalmartGreatValueTranquilLavenderFabricSoftenerDryerSheets
I have been searching for an alternative to dryer sheets for some time when a client introduced me to Woolzies, www.woolzies.com which are pure handmade New Zealand wool dryer balls that soften laundry naturally without any of the chemicals of conventional fabric softeners. Unlike plastic dryer balls they do not contain harmful PVC, they won't fall apart or melt or sound like rocks in your dryer! They also reduce drying time, reduce static and wrinkles and do not shed so can be used by people with wool allergies.
Along with a much healthier dryer environment for my massage linens (and for my clients!), I am now using Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds for my laundry. AND for all my cleaning of floors, counters, table, toilets, mirrors, windows. (Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Abies Siberica (Siberian Fir) Needle Oil, Picea Glauca (Spruce) Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide)
For disinfecting my massage table, head and arm rest and surroundings - great for mold in high humidity environments - I use a natural, non-toxic thyme based (yes, the herb!) cleaner Benefect Botanical Disinfectant www.benefect.com. Made in Ontario, Canada. It is so safe you can use it straight on your skin - Benefect is even mild enough to drink but has the following powerful qualities:
• Kills Over 99.99% of Germs
• Virucidal (Including HIV-1)
• Bactericidal (Including MRSA)
• Fungicidal, Tuberculocidal
• Made From Plant Extracts
• Pleasant Aromatherapeutic Vapors
• No Synthetic Fragrances, Dyes or Bleach
• No Cautions/Warnings on The Label or MSDS Sheets
• No Rinse or Wipe Required
• No Mixing Required
"Remember, your skin is your largest organ -- and also the thinnest. Less than 1/10th of an inch separates your body from potential toxins. Worse yet, your skin is highly permeable. Most items you rub on your skin will end up in your bloodstream, and will be distributed throughout your body. This is why I'm so fond of saying 'don't put anything on your body that you wouldn't eat if you had to' and a petrochemical is certainly not something you would eat! Putting chemicals on your skin may actually be worse than eating them. When you eat something, the enzymes in your saliva and stomach help to break it down and flush it out of your body. However, when you put these chemicals on your skin, they are absorbed straight into your bloodstream without filtering of any kind, going directly to your delicate organs. And once these chemicals find their way into your body, they tend to accumulate over time because you typically lack the necessary enzymes to break them down. When you add up daily exposure over the course of a lifetime, it really adds up!
Studies have actually found that mineral oil paraffins can bioaccumulate in both fat tissue and human breast milk. According to the authors of one 2008 study:
"Mineral paraffins might be the largest contaminant of our body, widely amounting to 1 gram per person and reaching 10 grams in extreme cases."
Quote from Dr. Mercola http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/21/is-your-moisturizer-causing-skin-cancer.aspx
Gels seem to be the best of both worlds with the right amount of glide over the skin to reduce friction, but not too much which can cause the therapist to slide over the muscles rather than work into them. Gels also retain their lubricating qualities without requiring too much reapplication, while not leaving the skin too greasy afterwards. I currently LOVE using Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Gel. It is hypoallergenic, unscented, light and non-greasy with the main ingredients of apricot oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil ester, vitamin e and it is now paraben free! Find a complete list of ingredients here under the ingredients tab: http://www.biotone.com/ATG1G/hypoallergenic-massage-gel-1-gallon
I now regularly use 100% locally made coconut oil.
I am pleased to announce that I am no longer using toxic dryer sheets when drying my linens! The Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org rates thousands of cosmetic, cleaning and household products on their level of safety for our bodies and the environment. Here is just one dryer sheet that received an F rating with concerns over skin allergies/irritation, asthma/respiratory, cancer and environment. Top Scoring Factors: May contain ingredients with potential for cancer; respiratory effects; general systemic/organ effects. http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/5161-WalmartGreatValueTranquilLavenderFabricSoftenerDryerSheets
I have been searching for an alternative to dryer sheets for some time when a client introduced me to Woolzies, www.woolzies.com which are pure handmade New Zealand wool dryer balls that soften laundry naturally without any of the chemicals of conventional fabric softeners. Unlike plastic dryer balls they do not contain harmful PVC, they won't fall apart or melt or sound like rocks in your dryer! They also reduce drying time, reduce static and wrinkles and do not shed so can be used by people with wool allergies.
Along with a much healthier dryer environment for my massage linens (and for my clients!), I am now using Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds for my laundry. AND for all my cleaning of floors, counters, table, toilets, mirrors, windows. (Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Abies Siberica (Siberian Fir) Needle Oil, Picea Glauca (Spruce) Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide)
For disinfecting my massage table, head and arm rest and surroundings - great for mold in high humidity environments - I use a natural, non-toxic thyme based (yes, the herb!) cleaner Benefect Botanical Disinfectant www.benefect.com. Made in Ontario, Canada. It is so safe you can use it straight on your skin - Benefect is even mild enough to drink but has the following powerful qualities:
• Kills Over 99.99% of Germs
• Virucidal (Including HIV-1)
• Bactericidal (Including MRSA)
• Fungicidal, Tuberculocidal
• Made From Plant Extracts
• Pleasant Aromatherapeutic Vapors
• No Synthetic Fragrances, Dyes or Bleach
• No Cautions/Warnings on The Label or MSDS Sheets
• No Rinse or Wipe Required
• No Mixing Required
I'm too overweight, or hairy, or uncomfortable exposing my body for a massage.
Don't worry! Your massage therapist has seen just about everything and they are not judging you or your body in any way. They are always professional in the way that they treat clients. Only the area being worked on is exposed and care is taken to make you feel secure in how you are covered with the sheet and light blanket. You don't have to have freshly shaved legs, or have come right from the shower. We are here to make you feel better and releasing your self consciousness about your body will help you to enjoy the massage so much more. Take comfort in the fact that we all have things that we don't like about our bodies, but this shouldn't prevent you from seeking a therapeutic and relaxing massage.
Can't anyone just rub your muscles? What kind of training do Registered Massage Therapists have?
Ontario has one of the most rigorous training and licensing requirements in the world with an intense program of 2,200 hours of study (2 years) followed by written and practical Provincial Board exams. Only 4 provinces in Canada have 'Registered' therapists and a governing College that protects the public and oversees the profession: Ontario, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and British Columbia. RMTs in Ontario are required to take 60 hours of Continuing Education courses every 3 years in order to maintain their professional registration. We are also governed under the Regulated Health Professions Act (the same as doctors, dentists, nurses, etc) and the Massage Therapy Act. This ensures that RMTs adhere to the Standards, Policies and By-Laws of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Client confidentiality ensures that anything disclosed on your Health History form or spoken of during any treatment, whether personal or health related, is not revealed to anyone else, even friends, family or spouse that may visit the same therapist.
The only places that have more training are British Columbia at 3,000 hours, and Germany requires 3,200 hours. Germans have long had a very progressive attitude towards preventative health care and massage, and include it as part of their national health benefits (similar to OHIP). Only 38 U.S. states have any type of licensing with between 500 to 1,000 hours of education. So take comfort that you are in experienced, reliable hands.
The only places that have more training are British Columbia at 3,000 hours, and Germany requires 3,200 hours. Germans have long had a very progressive attitude towards preventative health care and massage, and include it as part of their national health benefits (similar to OHIP). Only 38 U.S. states have any type of licensing with between 500 to 1,000 hours of education. So take comfort that you are in experienced, reliable hands.
What do I do during a massage?
Just make yourself comfortable! Many people have never experienced the benefits of a massage and undressing and having a stranger work on you may be intimidating. Not knowing what is expected of you or what the routine is can add to this stress. I will go over your health history form with you, asking additional questions about your pain and symptoms and what areas you would like treated that day. Orthopedic testing may be performed to determine the cause of your discomfort. Please ask questions at any time before, during or after the massage. Treatments are usually begun with you lying on your stomach, a pillow under the abdomen/hips to support your low back, and a pillow under your ankles to accommodate your feet in a neutral position. Some people prefer to forego the abdomen pillow or prefer the headrest at a different height or angle so don't be afraid to ask for adjustments if needed. I will leave the room and allow you to undress to your comfort level and get onto the massage table under the covers. I will always knock and ask if you are ready for me to re-enter the room so don't feel rushed and that you will be walked in on while undressing.Your face is supported in a special crescent shaped head rest. Towards the end of the treatment you will be asked to do a little push up in order to remove the abdomen pillow, and then to roll over onto your back in order to massage your neck (or face/scalp/front of legs/arms). Your therapist will move your limbs for treatment or stretches, or will ask you to move when needed. Staying completely relaxed and having your therapist move your limbs or head is preferable to you straining while on the massage table. In fact, using your body weight or head weight (during neck treatments while on your back) actually makes it easier for the therapist to work on you, so resist the urge to help out. Many people find it difficult to completely let go and not assist their RMT so it may take some practice.
If you need to adjust your position at anytime during the massage feel free to do so. You don't need to stay absolutely still. If you are feeling hot or cold, the pillows are not in the right spot for you, or you have to use the washroom let me know (robe available so you don't need to redress). Always feel free to speak up, make comments about areas that are more tender (as this is important information for me during the treatment), ask for increased or decreased pressure, and ask questions. While your massage therapist is a knowledgeable professional, everyone has slightly different preferences and it is YOUR treatment! It's better to ask for a slight variation than walk away not happy with your massage. Some people like to close their eyes and relax completely during a session while others like to talk. That is completely up to you, and it may change on a subsequent visit, so if you are normally chatty, but some days feel like being silent, please feel comfortable in telling your RMT at the outset that you are just going to relax today so they can avoid starting up unwanted conversation. Like most things, it's all about communication! I try to make clients feel comfortable with some small talk at the beginning of the massage, but as this is a relaxing session I let you decide on the amount and follow your lead, so please don't think I'm being unfriendly.
If you need to adjust your position at anytime during the massage feel free to do so. You don't need to stay absolutely still. If you are feeling hot or cold, the pillows are not in the right spot for you, or you have to use the washroom let me know (robe available so you don't need to redress). Always feel free to speak up, make comments about areas that are more tender (as this is important information for me during the treatment), ask for increased or decreased pressure, and ask questions. While your massage therapist is a knowledgeable professional, everyone has slightly different preferences and it is YOUR treatment! It's better to ask for a slight variation than walk away not happy with your massage. Some people like to close their eyes and relax completely during a session while others like to talk. That is completely up to you, and it may change on a subsequent visit, so if you are normally chatty, but some days feel like being silent, please feel comfortable in telling your RMT at the outset that you are just going to relax today so they can avoid starting up unwanted conversation. Like most things, it's all about communication! I try to make clients feel comfortable with some small talk at the beginning of the massage, but as this is a relaxing session I let you decide on the amount and follow your lead, so please don't think I'm being unfriendly.
How often should I get a massage?
Ideally weekly massage treatments would be best to keep your body and muscles working optimally. But in the real world many clients schedule once a month. When you first start having massages, I recommend doing the first two to four close together to gain the most benefit for chronic or acute conditions. Remember, you are on the table for an hour out of the month, and the remaining 720 hours you are always on the go, with your daily activities and poor posture contributing to your discomfort. Consider that brushing your teeth once a week or exercising once a month isn't consistent enough to gain results. The recommendation is not to wait until pain is the determining factor for another appointment. Regular appointments every 3 or 4 weeks for pain prevention or control are beneficial.Some clients working on specific conditions or acute injuries receive several massages a week, to weekly or biweekly appointments.
I have recently been amazed at the profound changes I've seen in a client who has been coming weekly for 45 minute treatments for several months...her functional scoliosis of the thoracic spine (spine curved to the side between the shoulder blades) has actually straightened! The muscles there are no longer hypertonic (super tight!). She has no pain now when enjoying her nightly walk or during other activities that used to aggravate it like long horseback rides.
After 16 years in practice, I am still surprised over the results that massage therapy can achieve, and am realizing how consistency and frequency of therapy plays a huge role. I know it is not always affordable to get a massage as often as one would like, but living with pain is the other price we pay. I am personally going to set up an ongoing, consistent schedule for my own massage treatments before problems arise again
As anyone who has experienced it knows, nothing else matters when you are in pain!
I have recently been amazed at the profound changes I've seen in a client who has been coming weekly for 45 minute treatments for several months...her functional scoliosis of the thoracic spine (spine curved to the side between the shoulder blades) has actually straightened! The muscles there are no longer hypertonic (super tight!). She has no pain now when enjoying her nightly walk or during other activities that used to aggravate it like long horseback rides.
After 16 years in practice, I am still surprised over the results that massage therapy can achieve, and am realizing how consistency and frequency of therapy plays a huge role. I know it is not always affordable to get a massage as often as one would like, but living with pain is the other price we pay. I am personally going to set up an ongoing, consistent schedule for my own massage treatments before problems arise again
As anyone who has experienced it knows, nothing else matters when you are in pain!