Massage and Spa Frequent Questions

I've never had professional massage before. What can I expect during my first session?
First, our receptionist will ask you to fill out a short health and information form. You will be greeted by your Massage Therapist, who will review the health form with you, and will talk with you about any expectations and requests you have for the session.

Your massage will take place in a warm, private, quiet room. You may choose to have peaceful music playing during your massage. The table you will lie on is specifically designed for stability and for your comfort. It is your choice to disrobe completely, partially, or not at all. The therapist will leave the room to allow you to undress and relax between fleece sheets on the table. During your massage you are professionally draped at all times. The only part of your body that is uncovered is the area on which the therapist is working.

The therapist will usually use a lavender lotion to allow the muscles to be worked without causing undue friction to the skin. The lotion nourishes the skin and is easily absorbed. If you wish, a shower is available for your use after the massage.

Your therapist will begin your massage with relaxing, flowing strokes which help to calm your nervous system and release tension in the superficial muscles. Gradually, as your body relaxes, your therapist will be able to work more deeply with muscles holding the most tension. When the massage is finished, your therapist will leave the room, allowing you time to relax for a brief time, and get dressed.

What should I do during a massage?
Most important is to make yourself as comfortable as possible, both physically and emotionally. Don't hesitate to make requests to assure your comfort. If your therapist needs you to move in any particular way, she/he will either move you (lift your arm, for instance) or will ask you to adjust your body in some way. Otherwise, feel free to move at any time to make yourself more comfortable.

Many people close their eyes and let their minds drift to aid in relaxation during a massage. Others prefer to talk with their therapist. It is your massage and whatever feels most comfortable to you is certainly the best way to relax. Please feel free to ask your therapist questions at any time.

Taking a deep breath or sighing is a sign you are relaxing. In fact, purposely taking deep breaths can actually help you relax.

What is "Therapeutic Massage"?
Therapeutic Massage is the scientific manipulation of the body's soft tissues to improve the circulatory, muscular, nervous and respiratory systems.

What makes a massage "therapeutic"?
The Massage Therapists at Healing Touch work your body's soft tissues to do more than relieve knots and tight muscles. Your "Therapeutic Massage" will also stimulate blood and lymph flow, restoring insufficient electrical energy impulses that are important for supplying nutrients to the cells of your body.

How does a Therapeutic Massage help painful or tight muscles?
Therapeutic Massage helps specific problem areas by stretching and relaxing tight muscles. From a short-term muscle cramp to a recurring problem, Therapeutic Massage can relieve symptoms by kneading and stretching the muscles. Therapeutic Massage also helps to relieve pain in tight, aching muscles. With the significant increase in circulation that is a result of Therapeutic Massage you increase the blood floe to the muscles - thus allowing the muscle to relax - which in turn reduces the pain.

I've heard that Therapeutic Massage is good for pain management - how does this work?
Therapeutic Massage is an excellent tool for pain management. We all know that when we are in pain, we automatically tighten up. When you receive a Therapeutic Massage it helps you significantly relax - and this helps to reduce pain. The nurturing aspect of Therapeutic Massage also helps you to feel safe and taken care of - making it even more conducive for relaxation.

How will I feel after my massage?
You may notice that you are very relaxed after the massage, but you could also notice an increase in energy - the results vary for each person, and for each massage. You may also find it easier to move around, or have an increased awareness of different parts of your body.

Does a therapeutic massage ever hurt?
At Healing Touch we believe that working with the body results in the most effective and deepest massage. We do not agree with the popular adage "no pain, no gain." Trying to force a muscle to relax can cause pain which in turn causes the muscles to tighten even more. If you feel discomfort, please inform your therapist. She/he can use a different technique that will be more effective.

If, on the other hand, your therapist's touch is too light, let her/him know that also. If she/he cannot apply a firm enough pressure, we encourage you to try another of our therapists who can better meet your needs.

What training do massage therapists have?
Each massage therapist at Healing Touch has been fully certified in at least one style of bodywork and often has had training in a variety of other techniques. In order to practice therapeutic massage in Rochester, each therapist must have graduated from a massage school and belong to a professional state or national organization of body workers.

What kinds of techniques are available?
Swedish and Esalen massage are the most popular techniques and are commonly what most people think of when massage is mentioned. These two techniques are similar and use long strokes, kneading, friction, and some joint movement. Some of the other popular techniques available at Healing Touch include Deep Tissue Massage (working into deeper muscles using more pressure), Reflexology (massage on the feet) and Trigger Point Therapy (using finger, knuckles, and elbows on specific points of the body). In addition several energy work styles are available. We are continually being trained in new techniques. Your therapist can tell you in which technique she/he is trained.

How do I decide how long a session to schedule?
An hour session is the most common length for a therapeutic massage. This is enough time for a deeply relaxing full body massage or for a more in-depth treatment of a particular area, for example, your neck, shoulders, and back.

One-and-a-half hours can be used either for a more thorough full body massage or a full body massage with enough time for attention to a problem area.

A half hour appointment can be an excellent introduction to massage, giving time for a partial massage such as back, neck and shoulders, or legs and feet. Whichever length of session you schedule, the time is yours to choose how to use.

Do I have to undress completely for a massage?
Whether or not to undress completely is each client's choice. Draping with a fleece sheet is always provided.

How often do I need a massage to utilize the benefits?
Receiving a massage on a weekly basis is ideal. However, a bimonthly or even monthly massage is greatly beneficial. The more frequently you receive a massage the greater the cumulative benefits, however, receiving massage on a regular basis (whatever your schedule and resources allow) is the most effective and beneficial to your health and well-being in the long term.