Answers to common questions to help guide you towards the best experience
CranioSacral Therapy: Clients remain fully clothed. It’s recommended to wear comfortable or looser clothes. Before getting on the table, be sure to empty your pockets and remove any belts or heavy jewelry.
Full-body Massage: Clients are encouraged to disrobe as much as they are comfortable with. You will be under a sheet or blanket that will only be moved while an area is being worked. Your glutes will be massaged through the covers.
If you plan to wear clothes during the session, make sure they are loose-fitting and comfortable, and that they do not cover areas that you are wanting extra focus on.
Some styles of massage may require a minimal amount of clothing remain on. We can discuss what will work best for you during your intake. Please remember that your comfort is the most important part of the session!
Nothing! In fact, clients who fall asleep often receive the best sessions – they’re the best at letting go and allowing the therapist to do their job. For most of you that will remain awake, do your best NOT to “help”. The less control you have over your body, the more effective your therapy will be. Let me move your body. If this is difficult for you, don’t worry! I am here to meet you in your comfort zone.
Always feel free to speak up during the massage if you need adjustments. This includes asking for more or less pressure, letting me know when a spot feels extra tender or sensitive, or asking for anything else that will help you relax. Keep in mind: what your therapist is feeling in your body is not the same as what you feel in your body. Communicating your needs will help you get the most out of your session.
When scheduling: Let your therapist know if you have any allergies, especially any topical allergies, nut allergies, and sensitivity to essential oils or incense. I will need time to guarantee that the room and myself are free of all dangerous substances and irritants.
When you arrive: You will fill out an intake form that asks for some of your health history. It’s important for me to be aware of any current health conditions, recent surgeries, injuries, allergies, and sensitivities. Sensitivities can include:
- areas you do NOT want worked on
- areas that require less pressure
- any sensory sensitivities
We will also take time beforehand to discuss any preferences you may have with regards to massage. The information you’re able to share will help me to meet your needs and avoid contraindications (symptoms or conditions that make certain treatments harmful).
The short answer is: Yes!
While I am trained in deep tissue techniques, it is more important to let your body decide how much pressure it can take. Too much pressure will cause the body to naturally resist, meaning that you are no longer relaxed and the massage will have the opposite of the desired effect.
If you do ask for deep pressure, let me know if you start to notice yourself:
- Holding your breath
- Gripping your muscles
- Moving away from the pressure
We can take a step back and give you a chance to breathe into the pressure so that your body stays relaxed.
Drink plenty of water before and after!
Well-hydrated muscles are more flexible and pliable, making your massage automatically more effective. Hydration increases blood and fluid circulation, which helps the natural detoxification processes that bodywork amplifies. It’s also important for flushing the loose toxins from your body through urination.
After your session, drinking water is the best way to prevent muscle soreness. If you can, an epsom salt bath is another excellent way to deepen muscle relaxation and support detoxification.
Both modalities are excellent ways to take care of your body and there are a lot of overlapping benefits. But when it comes to choosing which session is right for you and your body’s needs, here are some of my general recommendations:
Schedule Massage Therapy for support with:
- General muscle tension
- Difficulty relaxing in the body
- Nerve entrapment issues
- Issues with a specific area of the body
Schedule CranioSacral Therapy for support with:
- Chronic conditions/chronic pain
- Issues related to the central nervous system
- Major injury/surgery recovery and mobility
- Conditions around the skull (headaches, tinnitus, etc.)
- Stress and mental health issues
- Spiritual and mental “Blah”
- Mindset adjustment/receptivity to new perspectives
- Emotional issues and stability
If you’re still not sure which session to schedule, reach out! I’m happy to take a deeper dive into exploring your needs so we can come up with the right treatment for you.