Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions that our customers often inquire about
I've never had a massage, where do I start?
This depends on your overall goals. For first time massages, your goal should usually be in one or two categories or a combination of both.
Do you want to relax and de-stress, while having a soft intro to massage? Something like Swedish and relaxation would be a great choice for new comers.
Do you want to get a problem area focused on for relief? A focused deep tissue or NMT massage would be great for this. Just be sure to communicate with your therapist if something is causing you discomfort.
Or would you like a blend of both? Let your therapist know this ahead of time but something like our Integrative massage would be a good fit for your needs.
Specialty massages like Hotstone, Bamboo, Lomi, and Sports can be booked for first timers but it is generally recommended to experience a more standard massage for the first time to set a foundation of expectations for future visits.
Is massage supposed to be painful?
Massage can be uncomfortable at times, but should not be painful no. This is often a misunderstanding in the massage world. More pain does not equal more relief.
Often times a muscle that is locked up and sore and be more sensitive to pressure and some areas more than others. If you "fight through the pain", you are robbing yourself of a productive session and may feel worse afterwards.
The general rule of thumb is to let your therapist know if the pressure gets higher than a 7-8 on your pain scale. Anymore than that and the body will tense up and the therapy will be less effective. Listen to your therapist for instruction, but taking long deep breaths during discomfort will help with pain and allow the muscles to relax easier.
One final note, deep tissue massage does not equal heavy deep pressure. Every therapist has different techniques that they employ for reaching your goals and some require more pressure than others. There are multiple paths that can be paved to reach your overall wellness journey.
Should I get a massage if I am sick?
The simplest answer to this is no. Not only do you risk exposing your therapist, you also endanger their coworkers, families, and other clients.
Along with that, you risk making yourself feel worse. When you get a massage while sick, you disrupt the body's nature rhythm for fighting off disease. Here is a wonderful article going into the details of why massage can do more harm than good.
Massage is designed to be a preventative measure against infection and strengthen your immune system against sickness. It is more like a vitamin than a antibiotic.
Can I schedule a massage after a car accident or other traumatic injury?
It is recommended you wait at least 72 hours after an accident before you have a massage. It can take a few days for symptoms from a accident to manifest and massage can risk making the situation worse.
After an accident where blunt force is involved, it is highly suggested to go to a hospital or urgent care facility so a medical doctor can properly assess your condition for underlying injuries. If you are filing a medical claim, you will want to wait until being cleared for treatment as to not impede any investigations.
Do you treat minors?
Josh typically does not offer massage to minors, but he does work with a team of therapists that do and he networks with other local therapists as well.
All of them have their own specific protocols so a consultation with the therapist of your choice will be required. A parent will be required to complete a Minor Consent Form and in some cases will be required to stay on site during the treatment.
Do you offer prenatal services?
Josh does offer prenatal sessions using a pregnancy cushion that allows for face down massage during pregnancy.
We do not offer a side lying option at this time.
