META MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPY

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?

 A standard intake form will ask preliminary questions to determine your overall health and your health and wellness goals. Then the following will be discussed:

• Information about your physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress levels, medications and any areas of physical pain that could affect your massage therapy outcome will be analyzed.

• This information will help structure the session to achieve your health and wellness goals.

Privacy

• Before your massage, you’ll be asked to remove clothing to your level of comfort.

• I will leave the room while you undress. Take off only as much as you are comfortable removing.

• Lie on the massage table, underneath the provided sheet or towel, which will cover your body except for the part being massaged.

• Chair massages, which often are offered in public spaces and workplaces, are an exception. A specially-designed massage chair lets you lean forward and supports the front of the body. You remain clothed and no oil or lotion is used. Seated massages typically last from 10 to 30 minutes.

Environment

• Music might be played. If you find music distracting, tell m

  e same goes for talking during your session.

• I often check on pressure and comfort throughout your appointment. If you're uncomfortable at any time, tell me.

• The massage table is padded, and may have extra attachments or cushions, such as a face cradle, which allows you to lie facedown without turning your head or neck.

Massage Therapy Session

• I massage with coconut oil. If you're allergic, an alternative can be used to suit your preferences.

• If you're receiving hot stone massage, make sure you're comfortable with the temperature of the stones, and always tell me if you are uncomfortable.

• Depending on your needs, I will massage either the full body (except private areas) or only specific areas that need attention, such as especially tight muscles.

• Remember to breathe normally.

• Table massage usually lasts beween 30 and 90 minutes.

• After your massage, you'll be allowed

   to slowly get up and get dressed in privacy.

• Depending on the environment, tips are appreciated to recognize outstanding service, but not required.

Follow Up

• The benefits of massage therapy are cumulative, so I will ensure the massage is for YOU.  There are no cookie cutter massages with me.

DO YOU TREAT ATHLETES PRE-SPORT AND POST-SPORT?

Massage for sports injuries not only concentrates on existing injuries, but can also help prevent injuries. Massage before conditioning training helps to prevent injuries and should be administered after a warm-up session. Massage can also help to prevent common injuries when administered after a training session, as it helps to return the muscles to their relaxed state.

The better we feel, the better we heal.  For muscles, too. The study found that deep-tissue massage increased the size and number of new mitochondria more than exercising without massage. Increasing mitochondria can improve endurance performance by increasing the rate that muscles utilize oxygen.

To the body, oxygen is everything.

The McMaster University study also found that massage therapy increases the range of motion in muscles and decreases recovery time between workouts or athletic events. So if you're an athlete, massage can be the key to enhance your performance.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY HOME FOR A MASSAGE?

Your massage therapist will bring a specially designed massage table with them, so you need to clear space to set up the table. Make sure there’s plenty of room for them to move on all sides of the table. Close off the room so that you’ll have privacy. If you have any pets, it may be a good idea to keep them out of the room while you’re getting your massage. Likewise, you want to make sure your kids won’t come into the room to interrupt your massage. If you're ok with normal "home" interruptions, then so am I. Remember it's about you. 

You may want to take a shower or bath before your I arrive. That will allow you to unwind and can make you feel less self-conscious. After your bath or shower, put on something comfortable. There's no need to moisture your skin. You'll get plenty during the massage. You can set your own comfort level in terms of disrobing, but it’s probably best to wear something that’s easy to take on and off.

Your massage therapist will bring everything they need, including sheets and towels for draping your body. As your body relaxes, expect your basal body temperature to drop. You may want to leave a blanket in the room in case you get cold, as well as adjusting your thermostat so that the room is slightly warm. I will bring some massage-friendly music with them, but if there’s something particular that you want to listen to, feel free to queue it up.

When I arrive at your home, take a moment to share any house rules – such as if you want my shoes off or use coasters under massage oil bottles. The massage therapist will be more than happy to oblige and ensure you have the most relaxing and stress-free session possible.

WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF PRENATAL MASSAGE?

Maternal massages are generally considered safe after the first trimester, as long as get the green light from you practitioner and you let me know you’re pregnant.

Despite myths you might have heard, there’s is no magic eject button that will accidentally disrupt your pregnancy, and there isn't much solid scientific proof that specific types of massage can have an effect one way or the other. I have knowledge to avoid certain pressure points, including the one between the anklebone and heel, because of concern that it may trigger contractions, but the evidence on whether massage actually can kickstart labor is inconclusive (to nonexistent). It is a good idea to avoid having your tummy massaged, since pressure on that area when you're pregnant can make you uncomfortable.

If you are in the second half of your pregnancy (after the fourth month), don't lie on your back during your massage; the weight of your baby and uterus can compress blood vessels and reduce circulation to your placenta, creating more problems than any massage can cure.

 Always before receiving a prenatal massage — particularly if you have diabetes, morning sickness, preeclampsia, high blood pressure, fever, a contagious virus, abdominal pain or bleeding — they’re complications that could make massage during pregnancy risky.

Research shows that massage can reduce stress hormones in your body and relax and loosen your muscles. It can also increase blood flow, which is so important when you're pregnant, and keep your lymphatic system working at peak efficiency, flushing out toxins from your body. And it reconnects your mind with your body, a connection that's comforting if you sometimes wonder if there’s a baby in there or if an alien has taken up residence inside of you.

During pregnancy, regular prenatal massages may not only help you relax, but may also relieve insomnia, joint pain, neck and back pain, leg cramping and sciatica. Additionally, it can reduce swelling in your hands and feet (as long as that swelling isn't a result of preeclampsia), relieve carpal tunnel pain, and alleviate headaches and sinus congestion — all common pregnancy problems. Massage may also lift depression without the use of medication, according to some scientific studies.

Prenatal massages are adapted for the anatomical changes you go through during pregnancy. In a traditional massage, you might spend half the time lying face-down on your stomach (which is uncomfortable with a baby belly) and half the time facing up (a position that puts pressure on a major blood vessel that can disrupt blood flow to your baby and leave you feeling nauseous).

But as your shape and posture changes, I will make accommodations . You might find it comfortable to lie on your side with the support of pillows and cushions. 

And don’t expect deep tissue work on your legs during a prenatal massage. While gentle pressure is safe (and can feel heavenly!), pregnant women are particularly susceptible to blood clots, which deep massage work can dislodge. That, in turn, can be risky. On other body parts, the pressure can be firm and as deep or as gentle as you’d like. Always communicate your preferences. I don’t massage your belly. Instead, just gently rub it with Vitamin E oil and Coconut oil for a soothing effect that can also help prevent stretch marks.