Massage FAQs

What is therapeutic massage?

Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress, and to promote health and wellness. Massage involves holding, causing movement of soft tissue, and/or applying pressure to the body.

Where will my massage take place?

All massages at Nurturing Hands Massage & Wellness Center take place in the comfort of a warm, gently lit private room. You will lie on a massage table specially designed for your comfort during treatment. Evelyn may play carefully chosen music to help you relax. If you prefer silence, just let her know at any point.

What will I wear?

Most massage techniques are performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. It’s not uncommon for clients to remove all of their clothing, even their undergarments. You should undress to your level of comfort, knowing that you will be draped with a clean sheet or towel for the entire session.

When you arrive for your massage, your therapist will greet you and show you to your private room. She will leave the room while you undress, get comfortable on the table, and tuck in under a clean sheet or towel.  

Will I be covered during the session?

You will be properly draped at all times. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. If you become too warm or cold during your session, please tell your therapist as soon as you notice the discomfort. 

What parts of my body will be massaged?

A full-body session includes work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders, and Evelyn recommends a 75-minute session for ideal thoroughness. She takes special care in massaging the head, feet, and hands because those areas contain the largest concentrations of nerve endings in the body. In a deep-tissue massage, treatment will likely be focused on the single area of the body where pain or tension is concentrated. 

What will the massage feel like?

Evelyn will talk to you about your preferences, answer your questions, and address any concerns you have before your massage begins. If you’ll be coming in for your first-ever massage, we recommend starting with a relaxing Swedish massage.

Your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax tense muscles. A light oil or lotion will be applied so that your therapist’s hands don’t cause friction with your skin. As your muscles become relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and release tension.

If you want more or less pressure, always speak up so that you get the most out of your session. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Even if an area of the body is included in your session, it’s wise to opt out if massage in that area causes discomfort.

Are there different kinds of massage?

Evelyn is trained and has a great deal of experience in numerous types of massage, including prenatal and newborn & infant massage. You can learn more about the options here. 

What should I do during the massage session?

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. Let her know about any areas of tension or pain you’ve been experiencing. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. Breathing deeply and focusing on your breath is a great way to begin relaxation. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating only when a change is needed. Others ask questions when they arise during the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

How will I feel after my massage?

Most people feel very relaxed. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water following your massage. Some techniques, like deep tissue massage, might cause some soreness the evening or day after treatment. Just be gentle with your body as your tissues recover from the treatment. 

Can a medical condition make massage inadvisable?

Yes. It’s imperative that, before you begin your session, you discuss health information with your practitioner. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. Be honest, and if you don’t feel comfortable sharing this information, you’ve likely not found the ideal therapist yet. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Depending on any conditions you have, approval from your doctor may be required.