I work Monday thru Friday starting at 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM with 8:00 being the last appointment. On Saturdays I work from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with 5:00 being the last appointment. I do not have hours on Sunday.
There are many different styles of massage and every therapist is different and has there own individual styles. I was trained in Swedish, deep tissue, sports, myofacial release, chair and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT). As a Professional Massage Therapist I am also requried to do continuing education so I am always learning new techniques. You can read about some of these styles on the types of massage page.
Massaging healthy tissue feels very good. Everybody has different thresholds of pain. What might be deep pressure to one person might be a light touch to another. Muscles that are tight or sore from overuse will have a slight uncomfortable feeling with a deeper massage such as NMT work. Muscles can be very sore from tightness and over doing it and a sharp pain in the muscle can indicate a muscle that has been injured and has some inflammation involved which deep work should not be continue on. When I am doing NMT work I always instruct my clients that on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 not really feeling anything and 10 being ready to jump off the table and run for the door that it should never go past a 6. This work is only done on tight and over-used muscles. After this type of massage the muscle may feel slightly sore the next day, but this massage is only done to muscles where pain is already present to try and help relieve the pain and repair the muscle. Ultimately the decision is up to you on what kind of massage you want. Just make your preference know to your therapist on what you are looking for during your massage, deep work to help tight muscles that might be sore or a lighter touch to help you relax and relieve stress.
I am a graduate of the Somerset school of massage therapy. I have successfully completed a 550 hour training program in Therapeutic massage, Sports, Myofasial, Deep Tissue, Anatomy, Physiology and also a 120 hour program in Neuromuscular Massage therapy.
There are conditions when massage is not recommended. These conditions are referred to as Massage Contraindications. When any of these conditions exsits it is recommended that you do not get a massage because it could be harmful to you. Some Therapist will ask for a signed note from your physician stating that it is ok to recieve a massage, but I belive that it is not a good idea for anyone with contraindications to get a massage. So I will not perform a massage on someone with contraindications.
Some Massage Contraindications are the following:
* Severe Hypertension (If uncontrolled) * Systemic contagious/infectious conditions * Acute fever * Hemophilia * Diabetes with complications * Open wound or sore * Acute inflammation * Lymphangitis * Vascular disease (Phlebitis, Thrombosis) * Eclampsia-toxemia in pregnancy * Variosities * Severe atherosclerosis If you are on certain prescription medications you should also let your therapist know: * Blood Thinners * Blood pressure Medication * Pain Killers * Heart Medication.
As a professional massage therapist I am not giving you a massage to judge your body or make you feel uncomfortable. I truly want you to have a very enjoyable experience. I have worked on young, old, thin, heavy, tall, short and just about every imaginable shape and size you can think of. You should not let your weight or any other issues affect your decision to get a massage. I truley enjoy seeing a client enjoy there massage. So I do everything possible to make you relax and feel comfortable. So don't let your weight deny you from a very pleasurable experience.
Once again I want your massage to be a very enjoyable experience so you should undress to your comfort level. I suggest to my clients to completely undress and to get under the drape (a covering such as a blanket, towel, or sheet).But you can leave on whatever clothes will make you feel comfortable so that you can relax. Receiving a massage is all about you and I want my clients to be able to relax and if removing all your clothes makes you uncomfortable then you will not be able to relax and enjoy your massage. Note that by leaving some articles of clothing on it may restrict or limit the work being done on that area.
When you arrive at my office or I arrive at your place I will have a small form for you to fill out and I will also ask you some questions about what you are looking to achive from your massage. I will then ask you to get undressed to your comfort level,I will leave the room and will come back in once you get on the table. From there you can expect depending on what you request a very enjoyable or therputic massage. I offer 60 and 90 minute massages. I will address any issues that you might have such as back pain shoulder pain etc. At the end of the massage I will leave the room and give you a chance to compose your self( if you come to my office I will end the massage with hot towel to cover you and to top off the massage).
If you have any other questions that where not answered here or if you would like to inquire about making and appointment please do not hesitate to email me.