FAQ about Bodywork

Is it OK to tip?

Of course.  A relaxation massage is like other personal services you receive, such as service at a restaurant, haircuts or styling, manicures and pedicures, so a tip is a wonderful way of expressing your satisfaction with the service you received. As with other services, a 10 to 20% tip is appropriate.

If you are receiving therapy at the request of your doctor and plan on claiming the session on your insurance, your practitioner may inform you that a tip is not necessary.  Even so, you may tip your therapist, unless she or he expressly suggests otherwise. (If you have a doctor’s script or prescription for massage you will not be charged sales tax.)

Must I disrobe for a massage?

It is possible to receive a relaxation massage while you wear clothes. A skilled practitioner can still relax your muscles, ease your mind as well as your  aches and pains while you are wearing loose comfortable clothing.  If you choose to receive a massage closed we recommend that you wear loose clothing, loose enough to enable your practitioner to move your limbs. Along with some of the more traditional massage strokes your practitioner will incorporate gentle stretching and rocking into the massage to relax your muscles.

For a therapy session, you may be asked to disrobe for certain modalities.  The therapist may need an area exposed for treatment but you will be draped properly elsewhere.

How often should I get a massage?

If you are receiving therapy, your therapist will discuss a treatment plan for you, which may include a weekly session for a series of weeks or longer depending on your health circumstances.

You can healthfully receive a massage every other day, however, you may not have the time or your finances may not allow this frequency.  Weekly is ideal, but again, it depends on your time and finances. If you lead a stress filled life, weekly or every two weeks will help reduce the effects of stress. Check with your preferred practitioner; they may offer packaged rates which can make frequent massage more affordable.

What is deep tissue massage?

Deep Tissue Massage is a type of therapy.  One purpose behind a Deep Tissue Massage is to break up scar tissue in an injured muscle.  Muscle tissue does not repair itself the way other tissues do.  It replaces the injured tissue portion with the type of tissue known as scar tissue.  Scar tissue tends to not have the same range of motion that healthy muscle tissue has.  Deep Tissue Massage can be used to break up the scar tissue and create new tissue scar tissue that will restore some mobility.  Most Deep Tissue Massages are very uncomfortable. You may develop flu-like symptoms, including nausea and chills, for the next day or two as your body tries to fight the toxins released from such a deep massage.

If you are looking for a firm massage, it is perfectly appropriate to ask your practitioner to increase (or decrease) the pressure of their touch while they are massaging you.  That is not a deep tissue massage, you are simply asking for firm pressure.

What if the practitioners massage hurts me?

In a relaxation massage, it is important that you communicate with your practitioner whenever you feel discomfort, pain, or whenever you feel uncomfortable with anything they are doing.  It is your massage and it is important to let your practitioner know about your health needs and preferences.

A relaxing healthful massage should not hurt; not even “hurt in a good way.”  Pain is a sign that something is wrong, and it is important to listen to that signal.  What most people don’t know is that a fairly gentle light touch is more beneficial than a deep touch and your body will respond. Thus, if a practitioner uses too deep of a pressure, let them know.

You may encounter pain in a therapy session. The level of this pain will vary, and your therapist should discuss with you what to expect during the assessment phase.  The therapist should communicate with you throughout a session to gage your reaction to the treatment.

Why is medical information required?

There are situations and health issues where it would not be beneficial for you to receive a massage.  The medical intake sheet allows us to determine whether you have these “contraindications” and discuss them with you.  Every one is different in how their body responds to a massage.  If you pay attention to your body it will usually guide you to what you need.

Examples of when you should not receive a massage include when you feel the onset of colds or flus, if you have any recent injury such as a sprain or a strain, or a more serious health concern like congestive heart failure or Type 1 Diabetes.

For colds and flu’s, you should follow doctors’ orders for rest and fluid intake and not receive a massage until the infection or virus has subsided.

For recent injuries such as sprains or strains, healthcare advice usually recommends that you rest, and apply ice to reduce inflammation, followed by moist heat to stimulate circulation over a period of 48 hours before you inquire about massage.

For congestive heart failure, always check with your doctor.  A massage moves the fluids, like your blood, throughout your body and depending on the degree of heart disease you may not be a candidate for a massage.  Wellspring Studio offers other types of relaxation, such as Reiki, Ortho-Bionomy, and Polarity that will prove just as relaxing as a massage, but that will not stress your body.

For diabetes, the concern with a massage is the potential for your sugar levels to drop.  You may need to monitor your insulin prior to and after a massage.  Also, depending on the progression of the diabetes you may not be a candidate for deep leg work.  It is best to check with your physician prior to making an appointment for a massage.