FAQs in this area have either been rewritten using references from Kettering Therapeutic Massage (below) or contain original content. Others are awaiting content.
How do I choose a therapist?
Will the oil used during the massage stain my clothing?
What if I'm disappointed with my massage?
Your satisfaction is our goal. If your massage experience doesn't meet your expectations — please tell us (preferably during your session, but definitely before you leave). Communication is the key to a successful massage session. Discuss with the therapist what you want to achieve (relaxation, relief from pain, increased flexibility, etc.), your pain/pressure threshold level, any sensitivities you have to body oils or scents, and any medical conditions you are currently being treated for.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the client/therapist relationship just isn't working. We're disappointed, of course, but just as there are different types of clients, there are different types of therapists. We will be glad to recommend some other licensed massage therapists we feel might be more suitable for you. As always, whether you are our patient or choose to see another therapist, your well being is our first concern.
Your satisfaction is our goal. If your massage experience doesn't meet your expectations — please tell us (preferably during your session, but definitely before you leave). Communication is the key to a successful massage session. Discuss with the therapist what you want to achieve (relaxation, relief from pain, increased flexibility, etc.), your pain/pressure threshold level, any sensitivities you have to body oils or scents, and any medical conditions you are currently being treated for.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the client/therapist relationship just isn't working. We're disappointed, of course, but just as there are different types of clients, there are different types of therapists. We will be glad to recommend some other licensed massage therapists we feel might be more suitable for you. As always, whether you are our patient or choose to see another therapist, your well being is our first concern.
Do I have to take all my clothing off to get a massage?
How much to undress is completely up to you and will be determined by your comfort level. You will be completely covered by a sheet and blanket; your therapist will only expose areas as necessary during your massage session. However, having to work around articles of clothing might cause muscles that need attention to be missed. If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with your therapist before your session.
How much to undress is completely up to you and will be determined by your comfort level. You will be completely covered by a sheet and blanket; your therapist will only expose areas as necessary during your massage session. However, having to work around articles of clothing might cause muscles that need attention to be missed. If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with your therapist before your session.
What if I feel uncomfortable during the massage?
Tell the therapist immediately. For massage to be effective, the muscles need to relax. If you feel your session is causing you to experience pain or anxiety, your body's response will be muscle tension. This situation is ultimately unsatisfying for both you and the therapist: you are unable to benefit fully from your massage session and the therapist has to work harder to little effect.
Tell the therapist immediately. For massage to be effective, the muscles need to relax. If you feel your session is causing you to experience pain or anxiety, your body's response will be muscle tension. This situation is ultimately unsatisfying for both you and the therapist: you are unable to benefit fully from your massage session and the therapist has to work harder to little effect.
What kind of massage should I get?
Which massage is best for me?
The answer is going to depend on what you hope to achieve through massage. If you just want to relax, pamper yourself, or are new to massage, Swedish would be a good choice. Long, flowing strokes using light to moderate pressure are the hallmarks of this soothing massage. For clients with chronic stress or muscular injuries, Deep Tissue "Therapeutic" massage is indicated. Localized, at times intense, pressure is used to work the deeper, underlying tissue where adhesions can form to block circulation, limit range of motion, and cause persistent pain. Focused work in this muscle layer may result in some lingering soreness for a day or two.
Which massage is best for me?
The answer is going to depend on what you hope to achieve through massage. If you just want to relax, pamper yourself, or are new to massage, Swedish would be a good choice. Long, flowing strokes using light to moderate pressure are the hallmarks of this soothing massage. For clients with chronic stress or muscular injuries, Deep Tissue "Therapeutic" massage is indicated. Localized, at times intense, pressure is used to work the deeper, underlying tissue where adhesions can form to block circulation, limit range of motion, and cause persistent pain. Focused work in this muscle layer may result in some lingering soreness for a day or two.
Will it hurt to get a massage?
Traditional (Swedish) massage should not cause any pain or discomfort as it involves using long, smooth, surface strokes over the muscle tissue closest to the skin. However, some people are very sensitive to touch and might feel discomfort where others may not. Deep Tissue massage and Trigger Point Therapy involve more direct, focused pressure and are often used to release "knots" in the underlying muscle tissue brought on by chronic stress or injury. This can cause initial and, occasionally, residual discomfort as the therapist works to relax these areas. If you experience a sharp pain during your massage, tell the therapist immediately; there could be an injury accompanied by inflammation which would contraindicate continued massage to the site.
Traditional (Swedish) massage should not cause any pain or discomfort as it involves using long, smooth, surface strokes over the muscle tissue closest to the skin. However, some people are very sensitive to touch and might feel discomfort where others may not. Deep Tissue massage and Trigger Point Therapy involve more direct, focused pressure and are often used to release "knots" in the underlying muscle tissue brought on by chronic stress or injury. This can cause initial and, occasionally, residual discomfort as the therapist works to relax these areas. If you experience a sharp pain during your massage, tell the therapist immediately; there could be an injury accompanied by inflammation which would contraindicate continued massage to the site.
How will I feel after my massage?
What should I do after my massage?
Massage is essentially a workout for your muscles, so similar recommendations apply. Most clients find doing gentle stretching exercises, drinking plenty of water, and icing areas of residual soreness for 15 - 20 minutes at a time to be helpful. Why not a hot shower or heating pad? Heat will increase blood flow to the area, which in turn can cause swelling which often results in increased discomfort.
What should I do after my massage?
Massage is essentially a workout for your muscles, so similar recommendations apply. Most clients find doing gentle stretching exercises, drinking plenty of water, and icing areas of residual soreness for 15 - 20 minutes at a time to be helpful. Why not a hot shower or heating pad? Heat will increase blood flow to the area, which in turn can cause swelling which often results in increased discomfort.
Articles below need to be edited for inclusions/exclusions. guidelines cut/pasted from: http://www.ketteringtherapeuticmassage.com/kettering_massage_faq.asp
Will it hurt to get a massage?
Rewritten as (above) Will it hurt to get a massage?
Will a massage be painful?
That depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light massage that doesn't probe very deep into muscles shouldn't hurt. At the same time, the light massage won't be able to work out any stress that's deep within those muscles. A muscle that is relaxed will be supple and soft and won't hurt when rubbed. Muscles that are tight, and in many cases have been chronically tight for a long time, may have that "good hurt" feeling with a deeper massage. Think of that "good hurt" as the feeling you get when you stretch a sore muscle during exercise or a yawn. Muscles can be very sore from overuse or tightness, and that good hurt can become painful. A sharp pain may indicate a muscle that has been injured and has some sort of inflammation. In this case, you don't want the deep work to continue in this area. A deep massage with tight muscles may leave some residual soreness the next day.
Rewritten as (above) Will it hurt to get a massage?
Will a massage be painful?
That depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light massage that doesn't probe very deep into muscles shouldn't hurt. At the same time, the light massage won't be able to work out any stress that's deep within those muscles. A muscle that is relaxed will be supple and soft and won't hurt when rubbed. Muscles that are tight, and in many cases have been chronically tight for a long time, may have that "good hurt" feeling with a deeper massage. Think of that "good hurt" as the feeling you get when you stretch a sore muscle during exercise or a yawn. Muscles can be very sore from overuse or tightness, and that good hurt can become painful. A sharp pain may indicate a muscle that has been injured and has some sort of inflammation. In this case, you don't want the deep work to continue in this area. A deep massage with tight muscles may leave some residual soreness the next day.
What should I expect during my massage?
What happens during a massage?
When you first arrive at Kettering Therapeutic Massage, you'll be asked to fill out a client intake form. This will give the therapist the personal information about you that will guide them to give you the style of massage most appropriate for you. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything which you're unsure, or any concerns you might have. women alike, regardless of age and weight, and are proud of what we can offer to people in need of help or just wanting to enjoy the delight found in massage.
If you have pain or tenderness in your right shoulder, and you'd like some extra attention given to it, tell the therapist. If you prefer a lighter or deeper massage, make that preference known. The massage therapist will discover your tight and sore areas during the massage, and will prioritize the time spent on these areas, and may do less work on areas that don't need as much attention. Letting the therapist know ahead of time about these problem areas, lets them prepare to spend some extra time there.
Once you've finished with the intake, the massage therapist will give you some privacy to get undressed (to your level of comfort - many people choose to undress fully while others leave their underwear on) and get on the massage table between the sheets. Let the therapist know if you need any assistance either getting undressed or getting onto the table. There will be a heating pad on the table for your comfort, but if it is too warm, or if you have a loss of nerve sensation that would make it difficult for you to notice if it was too hot, make sure to notify your therapist. If you find you are chilly, please do not hesitate to ask for additional blankets or an increase in temperature of the heating pad.
Your therapist will have advised you to start the massage lying on your stomach or on your back. If you're to start on your stomach, there will be a cushioned doughnut-shaped device at one end of the table. This is a face rest, and you should place your face in there. This allows you to be face down, and keep your shoulder and neck muscles relaxed. If you lay your head on the table and turn it to one side, the muscles in your neck and shoulders won't be in their relaxed state and won't be able to receive the best benefits of the massage.
There may also be a pillow or bolster on the table. A bolster is a padded, cylindrical device. These are to be used for your ankles and knees. If you're lying face down, the pillow or bolster goes under your ankles, so you're not hyperextending your feet while lying that way for an extended period of time. If you're lying on your back, it goes under the knees to prevent any hyperextension of your knee joint. If the bolster is not on the table, the therapist will put it into place once they enter the room.
Once you're undressed and under the sheets, the therapist will come back into the room. For the most part, your work is done, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy. The therapist will undrape the section of the body that they will work on first, and apply some form of lubricant to the skin. They will use a variety of strokes, some rubbing, kneading, vibration, percussion, whatever they think will work best for your muscles. Stretching, rocking, myofascial or trigger point work may all be added. If the therapist gives you directions for slow exhales, just follow along. If they stretch or rotate any joint, don't try to help. Just stay as relaxed and limp as you can and let the therapist move that part of your body, unless you are given directions otherwise.
Every therapist has their own style of massage, strokes they like to use on different parts of the body, and prefer to work on different areas of the body in a particular order. One therapist may start you on your stomach and begin the massage with your back. Another may start you on your back and begin with your feet. So for a first visit with any massage therapist, don't be alarmed if their style and direction is different from another therapist you've seen.
What happens during a massage?
When you first arrive at Kettering Therapeutic Massage, you'll be asked to fill out a client intake form. This will give the therapist the personal information about you that will guide them to give you the style of massage most appropriate for you. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything which you're unsure, or any concerns you might have. women alike, regardless of age and weight, and are proud of what we can offer to people in need of help or just wanting to enjoy the delight found in massage.
If you have pain or tenderness in your right shoulder, and you'd like some extra attention given to it, tell the therapist. If you prefer a lighter or deeper massage, make that preference known. The massage therapist will discover your tight and sore areas during the massage, and will prioritize the time spent on these areas, and may do less work on areas that don't need as much attention. Letting the therapist know ahead of time about these problem areas, lets them prepare to spend some extra time there.
Once you've finished with the intake, the massage therapist will give you some privacy to get undressed (to your level of comfort - many people choose to undress fully while others leave their underwear on) and get on the massage table between the sheets. Let the therapist know if you need any assistance either getting undressed or getting onto the table. There will be a heating pad on the table for your comfort, but if it is too warm, or if you have a loss of nerve sensation that would make it difficult for you to notice if it was too hot, make sure to notify your therapist. If you find you are chilly, please do not hesitate to ask for additional blankets or an increase in temperature of the heating pad.
Your therapist will have advised you to start the massage lying on your stomach or on your back. If you're to start on your stomach, there will be a cushioned doughnut-shaped device at one end of the table. This is a face rest, and you should place your face in there. This allows you to be face down, and keep your shoulder and neck muscles relaxed. If you lay your head on the table and turn it to one side, the muscles in your neck and shoulders won't be in their relaxed state and won't be able to receive the best benefits of the massage.
There may also be a pillow or bolster on the table. A bolster is a padded, cylindrical device. These are to be used for your ankles and knees. If you're lying face down, the pillow or bolster goes under your ankles, so you're not hyperextending your feet while lying that way for an extended period of time. If you're lying on your back, it goes under the knees to prevent any hyperextension of your knee joint. If the bolster is not on the table, the therapist will put it into place once they enter the room.
Once you're undressed and under the sheets, the therapist will come back into the room. For the most part, your work is done, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy. The therapist will undrape the section of the body that they will work on first, and apply some form of lubricant to the skin. They will use a variety of strokes, some rubbing, kneading, vibration, percussion, whatever they think will work best for your muscles. Stretching, rocking, myofascial or trigger point work may all be added. If the therapist gives you directions for slow exhales, just follow along. If they stretch or rotate any joint, don't try to help. Just stay as relaxed and limp as you can and let the therapist move that part of your body, unless you are given directions otherwise.
Every therapist has their own style of massage, strokes they like to use on different parts of the body, and prefer to work on different areas of the body in a particular order. One therapist may start you on your stomach and begin the massage with your back. Another may start you on your back and begin with your feet. So for a first visit with any massage therapist, don't be alarmed if their style and direction is different from another therapist you've seen.
Will I have to remove all my clothing for my massage?
Rewritten as (above) "Do I have to take all my clothing off to get a massage?"
Do I have to be completely undressed?
You should undress to your comfort level. The massage therapist will work around the clothes left on the best they can. You should realize that this may mean that certain areas of the body may not be massaged at all, or may only receive minimal work there. Leave on whatever clothes are necessary to be relaxed during the massage, but if removing most of your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then receiving a massage that way won't allow you to obtain the optimal benefits from it. An extended chair massage, which is done fully clothed, may be your best option until you feel more comfortable with the whole process.
Rewritten as (above) "Do I have to take all my clothing off to get a massage?"
Do I have to be completely undressed?
You should undress to your comfort level. The massage therapist will work around the clothes left on the best they can. You should realize that this may mean that certain areas of the body may not be massaged at all, or may only receive minimal work there. Leave on whatever clothes are necessary to be relaxed during the massage, but if removing most of your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then receiving a massage that way won't allow you to obtain the optimal benefits from it. An extended chair massage, which is done fully clothed, may be your best option until you feel more comfortable with the whole process.
What should I do during my massage?
Can I talk during a massage?
The key to a massage is relaxation and allowing yourself to enjoy the experience. Many therapists will discourage you from talking during the massage. They want you to relax, to just let your mind float free, and let the massage transport you to an almost subconscious bliss. However, it's not uncommon for many people to be more relaxed talking. After all, they're lying undressed on a table with a stranger touching their skin. Talking makes the therapist become more human and personal to them, and having this interaction makes it easier for them to place their trust in the therapist, and therefore make it easier for them to relax. Many clients talk in the initial stages of a massage, and as the massage progresses, they slip farther into a state of total relaxation and become quiet. If you do enjoy chatting, we are happy to chat with you, but we will try to keep the volume to a quiet level to avoid distracting other clients who may be receiving a massage at the same time.
Can I talk during a massage?
The key to a massage is relaxation and allowing yourself to enjoy the experience. Many therapists will discourage you from talking during the massage. They want you to relax, to just let your mind float free, and let the massage transport you to an almost subconscious bliss. However, it's not uncommon for many people to be more relaxed talking. After all, they're lying undressed on a table with a stranger touching their skin. Talking makes the therapist become more human and personal to them, and having this interaction makes it easier for them to place their trust in the therapist, and therefore make it easier for them to relax. Many clients talk in the initial stages of a massage, and as the massage progresses, they slip farther into a state of total relaxation and become quiet. If you do enjoy chatting, we are happy to chat with you, but we will try to keep the volume to a quiet level to avoid distracting other clients who may be receiving a massage at the same time.
How often should I schedule a massage?
How often should I receive a massage?
The answer here depends on the reasons for receiving the massage. If you are coming in for some injury relief, or to relieve chronic tightness that is interfering with your daily life in some way, weekly or twice weekly sessions may be necessary for a while to build on each session's improvement in their relief and healing. For those who use massage as preventive care and managing the daily stress in their lives, once or twice a month is about the norm. They may shorten the time between massages during stressful periods. Many people decide to try a weekly massage for a month just to see how well it will work for them, and realize that they feel so much better physically and emotionally that they continue to come in that frequently.
For most people, the frequency of the massages they receive is limited by their pocketbook. It's an unfortunate fact, but once many people realize the benefits it provides them, and the pleasure they receive from it, they find a way to incorporate a regular session into their budget.
How often should I receive a massage?
The answer here depends on the reasons for receiving the massage. If you are coming in for some injury relief, or to relieve chronic tightness that is interfering with your daily life in some way, weekly or twice weekly sessions may be necessary for a while to build on each session's improvement in their relief and healing. For those who use massage as preventive care and managing the daily stress in their lives, once or twice a month is about the norm. They may shorten the time between massages during stressful periods. Many people decide to try a weekly massage for a month just to see how well it will work for them, and realize that they feel so much better physically and emotionally that they continue to come in that frequently.
For most people, the frequency of the massages they receive is limited by their pocketbook. It's an unfortunate fact, but once many people realize the benefits it provides them, and the pleasure they receive from it, they find a way to incorporate a regular session into their budget.
When should I not get a massage?
Who should not get a massage?
There are several contraindications for receiving a massage - some are general, meaning you should avoid a massage completely, and some are regional, meaning the massage therapist will avoid the area. We have seen everything, so don't worry that we will judge you based upon your condition. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not get a massage (and if you develop any prior to your appointment, let us know and we will be happy to reschedule you):
General
* Fever
* Any type of infectious disease
* Immediately following chemotherapy or radiation - however, it is great idea to have a massage before these treatments (ask your doctor first)
* Systemic infections
* Severe cold
* Liver and kidney diseases
* Blood clot/clotting disorder
* Pregnancy-induced diabetes, toxemia, preeclampsia/eclampsia
* High blood pressure (unless under control with medication)
* Heart disease
* Fracture, sprains, strains - see your physician first. Once the fracture/injury is no longer in the acute stage, massage can help reduce the loss of mobility, reduce scar tissue formation and reduce edema/swelling that frequently occurs with a fracture, strain or sprain.
* Bleeding, burns or other acute injury - see your physician first - he may recommend massage therapy later to help manage scar tissue formation or swelling
Regional - please make your therapist aware of these conditions so that she will take proper precautions
* Sores/open wounds/warts/similar conditions - therapist will avoid area
* Varicose veins - therapist can only massage above the varicosity in order to avoid releasing a potential blood clot
These guidelines are provided to protect you and your massage therapist. You don't want the massage to make an underlying medical condition worse, and you don't want to pass anything contagious to the massage therapist. If you're unsure about whether a minor condition should prohibit you from getting a massage, call your therapist before your appointment. For some illnesses, other bodywork modalities may work well.
Who should not get a massage?
There are several contraindications for receiving a massage - some are general, meaning you should avoid a massage completely, and some are regional, meaning the massage therapist will avoid the area. We have seen everything, so don't worry that we will judge you based upon your condition. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not get a massage (and if you develop any prior to your appointment, let us know and we will be happy to reschedule you):
General
* Fever
* Any type of infectious disease
* Immediately following chemotherapy or radiation - however, it is great idea to have a massage before these treatments (ask your doctor first)
* Systemic infections
* Severe cold
* Liver and kidney diseases
* Blood clot/clotting disorder
* Pregnancy-induced diabetes, toxemia, preeclampsia/eclampsia
* High blood pressure (unless under control with medication)
* Heart disease
* Fracture, sprains, strains - see your physician first. Once the fracture/injury is no longer in the acute stage, massage can help reduce the loss of mobility, reduce scar tissue formation and reduce edema/swelling that frequently occurs with a fracture, strain or sprain.
* Bleeding, burns or other acute injury - see your physician first - he may recommend massage therapy later to help manage scar tissue formation or swelling
Regional - please make your therapist aware of these conditions so that she will take proper precautions
* Sores/open wounds/warts/similar conditions - therapist will avoid area
* Varicose veins - therapist can only massage above the varicosity in order to avoid releasing a potential blood clot
These guidelines are provided to protect you and your massage therapist. You don't want the massage to make an underlying medical condition worse, and you don't want to pass anything contagious to the massage therapist. If you're unsure about whether a minor condition should prohibit you from getting a massage, call your therapist before your appointment. For some illnesses, other bodywork modalities may work well.
What is not included in my massage?
What is not included in a therapeutic massage?
Sex in any size, shape or form is not included. Do not ask, and do not make an appointment if that is what you are looking for. If it becomes clear that this is what you are looking for, the massage will be terminated and you will pay the cost of the entire massage even though it was cut short; the police may be called as well. We are licensed massage therapists, which means that we are medical professionals who treat non-sexual disorders of the human body.
What is not included in a therapeutic massage?
Sex in any size, shape or form is not included. Do not ask, and do not make an appointment if that is what you are looking for. If it becomes clear that this is what you are looking for, the massage will be terminated and you will pay the cost of the entire massage even though it was cut short; the police may be called as well. We are licensed massage therapists, which means that we are medical professionals who treat non-sexual disorders of the human body.