Where will my massage therapy session take place?
My practice is located in a quiet residential neighborhood of San Antonio near the Alamo Quarry. Please call for directions. The treatment itself takes place in a warm, cozy, comfortable room. You may also choose to receive the massage treatment in the comfort of your own home. Either way, you will lie on a professional massage therapy table, designed for your comfort during the treatment. I may play soft music to support your relaxation.
What can I expect from my first session?
Before we begin the treatment, I will review your health history and current condition with you. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, and make sure to tell me about any specific needs and goals you have for the session. I will then leave the room to give you privacy to undress (keep your underwear on if you prefer), relax onto the massage table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet. If you have limited mobility, just let me know and I will be happy to assist you with the utmost care and professionalism.
After the treatment, I will again step outside the room, giving you a few minutes to relax and get dressed. Before you leave, I will review my findings and recommendations with you, and you are welcome to ask any questions you may have about the techniques used or any other aspect of your treatment. This is also a good time to schedule your next session.
Do I have to undress completely?
Not at all. During the functional assessment you are fully clothed. Most people prefer to leave their underwear on. Draping of gluteal folds, genitals and breasts are required.
Which parts of my body will be massaged?
That depends on the treatment you choose, your individual needs, and your preferences. Massage therapy may include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders. Some treatments cover all of these areas, some focus specifically on one or a few of them.
What should I do before, during, and after the massage therapy session?
Before we begin, feel free to ask me any questions you may have, and let me know if you have any specific requests. Depending on the type of treatment, you may close your eyes or even doze off during the massage, or be asked to actively participate in the session, for example by adjusting your position, lifting your arm etc. Either way, please communicate with me if you feel any discomfort, and let me know if you need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session.
What will the massage treatment feel like?
Again, it depends on the treatment and goals you have for working with me. Relaxation sessions begin with broad, flowing strokes that help calm your nervous system and relax your muscle tension. Deep-tissue massage and orthopedic massage sessions include use of a light water-based cream or lotion to allow me to massage your muscles without causing much friction to the skin. As your body becomes relaxed, I may gradually increase the pressure to address specific areas. Different people experience different sensations, such as an opening, release, lengthening, and softening of the muscles. If at any point you feel any discomfort, please let me know immediately and I will adjust the approach.