Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
Your massage therapist may require you to fill out a Client Information Sheet. Afterward, your therapist will take a few minutes to know your health history, discuss what areas you would like to work on. Your therapist may apply some assessment and testing to evaluate your condition. It is important to list all health concerns and medications to make sure the therapist can offer the specific session without any harm.
2. What do I do during a massage treatment?
Make sure you are comfortable by changing your position.
Communicate during the massage if needed.
Breathe normally to help you relax.
Speak up if you feel pain as massage should not be a painful experience.
3. Is massage therapy just for relaxation?
While it is a great way to promote relaxation, massage therapy is so much more. Massage helps manage pain, reduce stress, improve circulation, decrease muscle tension, ease breathing difficulties, lower blood pressure, reduce headaches, improve mobility, promote sleep, manage anxiety & depression and helps improve your overall wellness.
4. Will I experience muscle soreness after my massage?
It’s not uncommon to feel some muscle soreness after a massage. Massage triggers a release of lactic acid stored in tight muscles, which can create a temporary feeling of soreness. The good news? Many people enjoy post-massage heightened energy levels and an increased range of motion.
5. How often should I get a massage?
The answer depends on the person asking and the benefits he/she hopes to get.
If you are looking for general wellness, then a session every month may be fine for you.
If you want a massage for the treatment of chronic conditions, it is recommended to get more frequently at first and then gradually increase the time between sessions as symptoms improve. It’s better to talk with your therapist about frequency after your first treatment when he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your muscle issues.
6. How will I feel after my massage treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days.
If you received a deep tissue massage, you may feel slightly sore the next day - much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness.
After your session, you should increase your water intake a bit. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy.
7. When should I not get a massage?
In my opinion, there are a few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection.
There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get massage. But its always better to get these conditions checked.
Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs.
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8. What I would be covered for if I am a southern cross member?
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We offer southern cross covered massage sessions. You could ring southern cross to check your policy. If you are with Southern cross health essential, you’ll be covered by it when you have massage or acupuncture. Other policies, please check your policies in the complementary health providers.
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