Massage FAQ

Most people can benefit from massage therapy. However, massage therapy may not be for you if you have:

• Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
• Burns or healing wounds
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infections
• Broken bones (fractures)
• Severe osteoporosis
• A very low platelet count (severe thrombocytopenia)

Discuss the pros and cons of massage with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or if you have cancer or unexplained pain.

Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable during the session or afterwards. If any part of your massage doesn’t feel right or is painful, speak up right away.

Massage therapy does however release lactic acid buildup into the body as the soft tissue is manipulated. If you do not drink an adequate amount of water before or after your session, it may be likely you may feel residual soreness as the lactic acid is re-absorbed back into the soft tissues.

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. During a massage, we use very modest draping so only the body part being massaged is uncovered. We ask that you undress to your level of comfort and we will work from there. This is your session and we want you to feel best about your comfort.

We offer both therapeutic massage as well as massage for relaxation. If you have a specific spot that’s giving you trouble, tell your therapist. Problem areas can be specifically addressed. If you do not have a trouble area and are just looking to relax, we got you covered as well!

If you need a deep tissue massage or if you have a sports injury, we have a trusted network of experts that we can suggest.

Cupping is an alternative therapy used with various size cups. Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin. Your body treats the cupping area like an injury. It sends more blood to the area to stimulate the natural healing process. Cupping clears the pores and releases toxins.

There are many types of lotions and oils that are used in massage. Our practice uses grape seed oil. Grape seed oil absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue on your body after the session.

Getting a massage can provide short-term, temporary relief to aching muscles. The effects of a massage can last up to four weeks. Any massage therapy session outside of the four week time frame resets the progress that has been made. If you have a specific goal, it is best to develop a treatment plan with your massage therapist. Massage is a therapy, rather than a one-time treatment. It’s designed to be continuously used.

As the massage therapy at Mind and Body is more of a therapeutic approach to care and not set up as a spa treatment, it is not expected that people will tip. However, if you feel moved to tip your massage therapist, she will happily receive your blessing.