Over 100 years ago, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, M.D defined massage as “a systematic rubbing of the tissues of the body”. Then, he proceeded to study and document the effects of massage on every system of the human body. He that virtually every tissue of the body is effected, in real document-able ways, by massage. For example, did you know that when applied properly, massage can increase red blood cell counts by 3 to 7 percent and white blood cell counts 40 to 80 percent?
In healthy individuals, these effects can last up to 2 hours. For those suffering from anemia, daily massage can show a permanent day to day increase in blood cells counts. This increase in blood supply brings with it an increase in nutrition to every part of the body; especially the muscular system. With regular massage, muscle structure increases in size, firmness, and elasticity.
Will massage help me?
Since massage can effect real change in all tissues of the body, it is therefore beneficial to everyone in some way. At New Life we will take the time to speak with you and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your concerns. Feel free to call and make an appointment to speak with one of our therapists. We love to talk with people about the benefits of massage!
Will I have to fill out a Client History form?
Yes. The Client History form is important as we are looking for things to help us plan the most effective massage for you during your visit. At New Life it is VERY important to us you receive the massage you want and need . It is equally important to us you are well informed about the massage you will be receiving. We want you to ask questions, voice concerns and communicate needs before, during and after your experience. Subsequent visits include a follow up interview to determine if goals of the previous massage were achieved and what, if any, are the new goals.
Can I choose my own therapist?
Yes. At New Life we recognize and honor individuality and understand massage is a very personal choice. We encourage you to visit the “Our Massage Therapists” page to get a general idea for whom you might like to try first. We understand you have the right to choose the therapist who best suites you. Our therapists will not be offended if you decide to try different therapists on any given visit.
Can I choose the massage I want?
Of Course! Our goal at New Life is to provide competent and compassionate massage to ease pain of mind, body, and spirit. We will listen to what you say and do our best to deliver intelligently, thoroughly, and thoughtfully the quality massage you want and need.
What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
Upon your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a health history form. Afterward, your therapist will review the form with you. This time is used to get to know our client, understand your goals for the massage, and determine if massage is appropriate for you. Depending on the type of massage you requested and the goals you have, your therapist may perform certain tests to evaluate your condition and better define your complaints. It is important you be as thorough on the form as possible so the session can be properly adjusted to meet your specific needs and ensure your safety. Remember, this is your massage! So please let your therapist know:
- If there are certain scents you do not like
- If you are ticklish
- If you need more or less pressure
- If you have any sensitive areas that need to be avoided. Like cuts, bruises, rashes…etc.
Do I have to be completely undressed?
No. Always undress to your comfort level. Please feel free to discuss this with your therapist prior to getting on the table so you can be a relaxed as possible before the session begins. Most people leave their underwear on. Especially, if it is a first time massage or first time with a new therapist.
Am I covered during a massage?
Yes. Clients are always draped during massage in such a way as to preserve their dignity and privacy. Some massages, like the Bamboo Fusion massage have a less traditional draping which allows more of the skin to be exposed for massage than normal, but it is not mandatory and can be discussed with your therapist prior to the massage. We are aware that for some of our clients this is a big concern and we want you to be comfortable so please do not hesitate to express these types of concerns to your therapist.
During a massage only the part being worked on is uncovered and the sheet tucked firmly to prevent exposure of discreet parts. Some times your therapist may feel it needful to massage the abdomen. She will discuss this with you prior to massaging that area. Women are draped with a towel across the chest for comfort and privacy.
What do I do during a massage treatment?
If you have never had a massage before (or even if your a pro) it usually takes the first 10 to 15 minutes of a massage to truly become relaxed and comfortable. Your therapist will not typically speak to you during your massage unless she is spoken to or unless feedback is needed. Of course, talking is permitted, but is left to discretion of the client. Most people close their eyes during a massage because it helps them relax. Some people lay perfectly still while others stretch and fidget. In short, do your best to relax and enjoy!
Note: Relaxing for a massage may take practice. Don’t worry we feel confident you’ll get the hang of it!
How long will a massage treatment last?
How long a treatment lasts really depends on the goals set out for the massage. Most massages last 60 to 90 minutes. We do offer a 30 minute massage for therapy, oncology, and orthopedic massages only. If you would like longer than 90 minutes please let us know prior to your visit so we can plan for it.
Orthopedic massages have an initial visit of 90 minutes which allows the therapist time for evaluation. Deep Tissue massage starts at 90 minutes.
Will the massage hurt?
Typically no. Not even a Deep Tissue, if done correctly, should hurt. The term we like to use at New Life is “Hurt So Good”. Have you ever had your hair in a pony tail all day or a baseball cap on your head all day? When you take out the pony tail or take off the cap and rub your head, the place of most pressure will hurt to rub but at the same time feel good to rub. That is what we mean by “Hurt So Good”. This kind of hurt can beneficial and relaxing.
If the massage hurts to where you want to pull away then it is probably to hard and you should ask the therapist to lighten up a bit. Be aware that what may be to much pressure in one area of the body may not be enough in another area. So again, do not be afraid to speak up.
How often should I get a massage?
Once people have experienced a “real”massage, this is one of the most common questions we get. Our response to this inquiry depends on the client and what their needs are at that time. Sometimes your therapist will ask you to commit to a series of massages to resolve your particular issue. But, most of the time we say that your body will let you know. Usually, most people settle in around once a month to once every 6 weeks.
If I want a really deep massage shouldn’t I see a male therapist?
No. At New Life we only do a 90 minute Deep Tissue. This may at first seem unusual but consider for a moment why you really want a Deep Tissue massage. All to often most people’s experience with massage, in efforts to find true release, is met with disappointment. So, the thought pattern becomes “No Pain, No Gain”. This is NOT our philosophy and as such is not gender restrictive when it comes to delivering a good Deep Tissue massage.
We believe that releasing tight muscles, joints and tendons can be achieved through proper use of massage techniques such as passive stretch, active stretch, Myofascial release, heat, and more. When the right massage technique is used in the right situation, true release occurs and pain melts away as does the perception that a man gives a better Deep Tissue massage than a woman.
Do I have to listen to music I don’t like during my massage?
No. Remember, this is YOUR massage. If anything including the type of music being played is uncomfortable to you, speak up! The therapist will be happy to change it for you. You also have the option of bringing in your own music or having no music at all.
How will I feel after my massage treatment?
Occasionally, especially if it has been a while since you had a massage or if it is your first time, you may ache a bit after the massage. Your therapist should give you a heads up if she thinks this may occur. If it does, you can soak in a hot bath with Epsom salts to relieve the ache.
Drink plenty of water as this will help flush the system of the toxins that have recently been released through the massage process. If the after pain is significant you may want to notify your therapist so she can record your response and evaluate you in future visits. In the event a slight ache does occur after massage, rest assured it will go away in 24 to 48 hours. Most people who report pain after massage also report feeling great when it subsides.
How many sessions will I need?
Once you have filled out your health history and the first massage is complete , your therapist will have some idea of how many sessions in may take to resolve a particular issue. The number of sessions needed may depend on factors such as:
- Length of time issue has persisted without treatment
- General tissue health
- Overall health and nutrition of the client
- Client participation in his/her own recovery
- Client cooperation in follow up massages
Is there a time when I should NOT get a massage?
Massage benefits us in so many ways everyday that there are few reasons why one should not receive massage. If you have scheduled a massage and are just not sure if you should go through with it please call and speak with a therapist about it. We can help guide you to the right decision. Some reason massage may not be indicated for you :
- Fever and/or vomiting
- Recent acute injury
- Not recommended by your physician
- Under to influence of drugs or alcohol
- Using chemotherapy drugs that react adversely to heat. Sometimes the friction from massage can cause enough heat to cause uncomfortable side effects for this group of people.
- Unusual or extreme mental impairment
- First trimester pregnancies
What if I get an erection during my massage?
Partial or complete erections can happen during a massage. It can happen with a male or female therapist. The reason is because getting an erection is a result of the body’s parasympathetic (Rest and Digest) response caused by relaxation. Any experienced therapist understands this and does not react negatively when it occurs.
If this is a concern for you, most men solve the issue by wearing more restrictive underwear.
Note: If the therapist feels that the session has turned sexual for the client, male or female, he/she may stop the session to clarify the client’s intent, and may decide to end the session immediately.