If you are new to massage therapy, you may have a few questions before you make an appointment. We’d like to offer some background to get you a little more familiar with what to expect when scheduling a massage for the first time, or simply visiting us for the first time. Every studio is different in regards to what they offer, so we encourage you to give us a call if you’re interested in learning more about Whole Body Yoga’s massage therapy!
Atmosphere
Your massage room will be dimly lit, with instrumental music playing to induce relaxation. You will be asked to lie face down on a padded bed, with extra support for your head and neck. Your massage therapist will ask you to remove clothing to your comfort level. If at any point the lighting or background music is unsatisfactory in any way, we are happy to accommodate.
Duration
Massage times can vary based on your instructor and appointment specifications, but massages generally last between 30 minutes and one hour. During this time, we encourage open communication between you and your instructor. He/She will want to use your time effectively, so please speak up with any requests.
Medical History
We like to begin each appointment with an open discussion about any injuries or medical conditions that may affect your sensitivity to touch. Massage therapy can do wonders for muscle and joint pain, and we can adjust according to your specific needs and requests.
Touch
We will then be interested in your touch preferences, do you prefer a light touch, a heavy touch, or somewhere in the middle? Keep in mind that you are in complete control – if any time during your massage you would prefer a lighter or heavier touch than you originally requested, let us know!
Lotions/Oils
At Whole Body Yoga, we use doTERRA oils and lotions to lubricate and moisturize the skin, and the subtle aromas can help calm and lower stress. We choose doTERRA products because their oils and plant-based and friendly to the environment. Scents like lavender, citrus, and ginger open your pores to allow the free-flow of energy throughout your body, while doTERRA lotions work to relieve tightness by heating and cooling your muscles. For more information on doTERRA products, please visit their website: doterra.com.
Comfort
The most important part of massage therapy is ensuring your comfort. Whether that means we steer clear of a particularly sensitive area, no fragrant oils or lotions are used, or the only thing that comes off is your shoes, we are here to accommodate!
Massage Info
If you’re interested in learning how to keep up a practice of massage therapy but are working around a busy lifestyle, ask your massage therapist for some tips on how to give yourself mini-massages throughout the day! There is so much you can do for your back and neck to stretch your muscles while at work, while on the computer, while dropping the kids off at school, etc. Our massage therapists are also more than willing to share their knowledge with you about how the body responds to manual manipulation and the benefits we hope you experience!
After Your Massage
You may decide you would like to continue with regular massage therapy sessions. We encourage you to follow-up to make another appointment, or simply to let us know how you/re feeling! Massage therapy has great short-term and long-term benefits. After you leave the studio, you may feel residual calmness and relaxation, as well as a general sense of well-being. In the long-run, keeping up a consistent routine of massage therapy can elevate mood, decrease stress, alleviate any muscle tightness or pain, and ward off chronic fatigue or soreness.
Massage therapy can do wonders for your physical and mental health. And when we feel good in mind and body, our quality of life drastically increases. Massage therapy, when paired with healthy eating and a regular exercise routine, can build on a holistic, enjoyable lifestyle that produces numerous benefits. We’d love to chat with you about how we can help!