Active Isolated Stretching
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Questions?
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Massage has many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. It can help promote deep relaxation, relieve chronic muscle tension and pain, reduce stress and anxiety, increase blood and lymph circulation, alleviate fatigue, improve mental alertness, bolster the immune system, promote healing of injuries, improve joint flexibility and range of motion, accelerate removal of cellular metabolic waste, lower blood pressure, and improve skin tone. It also can help nurture a sense of overall well-being and provide an opportunity for you to experience the connection between body and mind.
How does massage therapy help relieve pain and tension?
Massage helps to increase blood circulation throughout the body, and proper blood circulation is crucial to maintaining the health of all cells. Blood supplies oxygen, antibodies, hormones, and nutrients that cells need to work optimally. It is also critical in ridding cells of irritating metabolic waste. Healthy muscle tissue has adequate blood flow, feels supple flexible and is free of pain, spasms, and adhesions.
What does massage feel like? Does it hurt?
At A Calmness Within, we offer many different kinds of massageand we are dedicated to tailoring our work to meet the needs and preferences of each client.
Swedish massage is the foundation of Western massage therapy. It typically features broad, flowing strokes, gentle kneading and percussion, and stretching. Most people find this type of massage very relaxing and soothing. It also helps to warm the muscle tissue so that the therapist can gradually sink in a little bit deeper in areas that are chronically tense—this is deep tissue massage.
At no point during the massage should you experience pain. Your therapist will check in with you during the massage, but do not hesitate to let your therapist know if you are uncomfortable and he or she will adjust the pressure being used. Even where deep tissue massage techniques are being used, you should still not feel pain. In fact, pain triggers muscle tissue to contract, not relax, so it is counterproductive to push into muscle tissue to the point of pain. Massage is most effective when your body is relaxed and not resisting or bracing.
Where will the massage take place?
Our treatment rooms are private and quiet. Soft music may be played to help you relax during the session.
Who will perform the massage?
All of our therapists are professionals who are nationally certified and state of Maryland certifed or registered.
What should I wear?
You may disrobe to your level of comfort. Reiki and Thai on the Table are performed with clothing on; be sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
Will I be covered during the massage?
You will be under a sheet during the massage for warmth and comfort. The massage therapist will only expose the part of your body being worked on.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical, full-body massage may include work on your back, legs, feet, arms, hands, upper chest, abdomen, head, neck, shoulders, and face. Before the session, you and your therapist will discuss the goals of the massage to determine which areas of your body to work on and any particular areas of focused attention. Please tell your therapist if you do not like to have a particular area touched, such as your face or hair.
What should I do during the massage? Am I supposed to talk during the massage?
Try to be as fully relaxed as possible during the session. We understand that this is often easier said than done. Many people find it helpful to close their eyes and concentrate on breathing deeply and evenly. Your therapist may gently move you during the massage, such as to lift your arm—let the therapist do the “work” of moving you.
Feel free to ask questions during the massage or certainly to tell your practitioner if you are experiencing pain or discomfort. However, you don’t need to entertain the therapist. Most people find massage most helpful when they quietly concentrate on how their body is feeling during the session.
How will I feel after the massage?
Most people feel very relaxed after a massage. You may have less muscle tension and pain after a massage. People often report increased energy and heightened awareness and productivity. We recommend that you drink plenty of water after a massage to flush your body metabolic cellular wastes, such as lactic acid, that are loosened from your tissues as a result of the massage.
Are there medical conditions that make massage contraindicated?
Yes, and that is why we ask that you fill out a health intake form before your massage. It is very important that you inform your practitioner of any health-related problems or medications you are taking. This information is held in strict confidence. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is advised that you obtain a written recommendation for massage before your first session.
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