Massage Therapy

Your therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition. Your treatment will be performed in a private treatment room. Lighting, music and temperature may all be customized to your request; please inform your therapist at any time if you’d like modifications made.

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session by a sheet or blanket. Some patients may choose to leave their underwear on.

The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or blanket.

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm, modest and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be uncovered (i.e. back, leg).

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Glutes and hips are often a part of massage treatments; if a patient has chosen to keep their undergarments on, they will typically be addressed over a sheet or blanket.

Our Practice uses hypoallergenic massage oils, creams and lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of topical products please bring it to the massage therapist’s attention before the start of your treatment. You may also choose to bring your own topical lubricant with the exception of any product containing CBD or THC per current NYS law.

A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Yes. Our NYS Licensed Massage Therapists have diverse backgrounds and expertise. We encourage patients to read through the bio’s on the About Us page of our website above. Each therapist has unique training, additional certifications, and preferred modalities. If you have any questions regarding which therapist may be best suited for you, please contact us directly.

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. For most patients, a Therapeutic Massage is recommended. This massage may include relaxing Swedish massage strokes, firm pressure in targeted areas, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, orthopedic massage techniques and stretching. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

The most commonly booked treatment time is 60 minutes. This allows most therapists enough time to complete a full body massage. Shorter treatment times are available, however, it is best to focus on particular areas of the body during shorter treatments (i.e. back/neck/shoulders or hips/legs/feet). Longer treatment times are best if a patient is looking to address multiple problem areas, complicated conditions, or prefers a longer treatment to relax or de-stress.

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming treatment. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the treatment (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the treatment. If you have any questions regarding the treatment or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask at any time during your treatment.

The choice is completely yours. Some patients enjoy conversing with their therapist during the length of the treatment, some prefer total silence, yet others choose a little of both. Therapists typically follow your lead. Whichever you prefer, always inform your therapist if changes need to be made to temperature, lighting, music, pressure (lighter/deeper), or technique.

The pain response is often an indication of some type of dysfunction in the body. If your treatment goal is to de-stress and relax your therapist will typically use light or medium pressure which rarely causes pain. If your therapist is treating a specific problem area, a chronic or acute pain complaint, or medical diagnosis they may discover areas in the body which are tender. While treating these areas most patients may have a “good hurt” sensation as muscle tension is being relieved and circulation is increased. However, a massage treatment does not have to hurt to be effective at relieving pain or muscle tension. As these areas of the body are addressed during your treatment, open communication with your therapist is of the utmost importance and pressure should always be adjusted according to your individual pain tolerance. The most effective massage treatment always works with your body’s natural response, not against it.

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Many patients comment that they benefit from increasing their water intake and participating in light to moderate stretching following their massage.

While gratuities are never expected, they are always graciously appreciated. While cash tips are preferable, there are options to tip on a credit card. Sending a referral, a review on Google or your favorite social media site is also a way to show appreciation for a job well done. However you choose to show your gratitude; whether it’s a tip, rebook, referral, review or all of the above it will be sincerely appreciated.

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Many who receive regular massage therapy visit monthly as part of a regular self-care routine. Others who seek treatment for specific problems or conditions may come more frequently for a period of time and then switch to a maintenance program. Frequency of sessions may be discussed with your therapist after a treatment when they have a better understanding of your particular muscular issues.

Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.