Serenity Achieved

Pain relief and relaxation through bodywork with Susan Hart, CMT, CMCP

susan@serenityachieved.com

Frequently Asked Questions

under construction...more coming soon

Do I have to get undressed to get bodywork?  No, you can receive bodywork with while still clothed.  Craniosacral therapy, brain therapy, active isolated stretching, and any type of energy work can be done through clothing.  If you want a full body relaxing Swedish massage, that you need to get undressed to receive, but you would be lying between sheets; the only part of your body exposed is the part being massaged, and your genitals and women's breasts are always covered. 

What should I expect from a full body massage?  Relaxation!  You will get undressed (some people leave their underwear on) and lie on the massage table face up between the sheets.  I will explain that if anything I do hurts, to let me know so I can adjust the pressure.  I will start by massaging your neck, head and shoulders; followed my massaging your arms, hands, and the front of your legs.  Next I will make a tent out of the top sheet and have you turn over onto your stomach.  The back of your legs and feet are then massaged and I finish with your back.

I'm pregnant, can I still receive a massage?  YES!  Massage is extremely beneficial while you are pregnant.  Can help with edema (swelling) in the legs and feet, address pain and discomfort in the low back and shoulders, and just make you feel good.  Once you feel the baby move, it's best to have you lie on your side rather than your stomach to have your back massaged, but you are still able to receive an effective massage treatment.

How do you know how much pressure to use on a client?  Prior to working on  your for the first time, you will fill out a brief intake form which will alert me to any health conditions you may be experiencing.  As I go over the form, I'll ask you questions to clarify the form and get an idea of what you are coming to see me for.  If you are coming to see me for relaxation, the pressure will be firm but not aggressive.  However, if you are coming to see me to address chronic pain or an injury, I will discuss what you have been feeling and together we will decide the best course of treatment.  As I begin your session I will remind you to tell me if anything I do hurts or makes you uncomfortable in any way AND if anything I do makes you feel like, "Yes, that's the spot, get it!"  I will pay attention to your body language and breathing, people tend to tense up if the pressure is too much; I will also verbally check in with your about the pressure.  Every body is different, what feels good to one person may be painful to another and vice versa. Over the years my hands have developed a knowing of how much pressure to apply based on the texture of skin and muscle, it's quite difficult to articulate.  :)

What type of oil do you use?  Some treatments require no oil at all.  For most massage sessions I use a product called Dual Purpose Massage Creme.  It has great glide and will typically be absorbed by your skin so you don't feel greasy/oily after your session.  I also have something called Santa Barbara Massage Creme that is an olive oil and beeswax based product that I use for people with extremely dry skin or who would prefer something scented.  I also have a few other oils I have available for people with sensitive skin.

Why do massage therapist say to drink water after a session?  Bodywork, like exercise, increases circulation in your body.  When muscles are tight, blood circulation is restricted and toxins become stuck in the muscles.  Massage stimulates blood flow, bringing blood full of oxygen and nutrients into tight tissue and picking up lactic acid and other toxins that have been stagnant.  It's important to flush these toxins out of your system by drinking plenty of water.  Many of my clients mention that they are thirsty after sessions.  I try to have a bottle of water to give each client on their way out so they can hydrate on the way home.

Why am I sore the day after a deep tissue massage?  Deep tissue massage is often like a work out to your muscles, it's something you need to work up to.  More aggressive massage techniques help to bring circulation to both superficial and deeper soft tissue.  Often this can cause discomfort both during and following the massage.  I've had clients mention that an area I am working on is "itchy" which is a telltale sign of renewed blood flow.  I suggest clients receiving deep tissue work to drink a lot of water following their session, soak in an epsom salt bath and get plenty of rest and to be gentle with their bodies for 24 hours. 

I feel so great after my massage, is it a good idea to work out after a session?  NO!  It's a good idea to work out BEFORE a massage, not after.  If you must exercise after a massage I recommend light cardio and no weight training.  It's overload to your muscles and you will likely be in a lot of pain the next day.  Be gentle with yourself!