Massage Therapy FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of clients do you see?
I help many different types of people --young and old, male and female, those with specific medical conditions and those who just want a massage to help relieve stress. You CAN READ WHAT CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY HERE.
I help treat individuals seeking relief from:
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Headaches, migraines, TMJD
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Back and neck pain
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Tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome
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Various digestive issues
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Menstrual irregularities
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Fertility assistance
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Muscular aches and pains
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Chronic and acute pain (e.g., fibromyalgia, injury recovery)
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Pregnancy-related discomfort
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Sports injuries
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Tension, stress and anxiety
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Postural issues
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Scar adhesions
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And more
2. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
You will be asked to fill out a health history form. Afterwards, I will ask 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. I may perform certain assessments and tests to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.
3. What type of massage do you offer?
Most sessions will consist of a combination of techniques, based on your needs, including:
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Deep Tissue Massage
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Swedish Massage
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Thai Massage
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Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®
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Hot Stone Massage
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Indian Head Massage
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Luk Pra Kob (Thai Herbal Compress Massage)
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Facial Release
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Pregnancy Massage (prenatal & postpartum)
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Sports Massage
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Cupping Techniques
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Warm Bamboo Massage
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Esalen Massage
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Trigger Point Therapy
You can learn more about TREATMENT OPTIONS HERE.
4. Where will my massage session take place?
Your session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Relaxing music will be played unless you prefer otherwise. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. Thai massage is performed on a comfortable mat on the floor.
5. Where are you located? Is there public transportation nearby?
I am located at 1635 W. Cortland Ave, Chicago IL 60622 located inside the Frog Temple Pilates Studio. We are one block west of Ashland Ave and conveniently located two blocks off the 90/94 Armitage exit. There is metered parking on Cortland, and free street parking on both Paulina and Marshfield.
Two Metra train lines (Union Pacific North AND Union Pacific Northwest) stop at Clybourn, one block east of our studio www.metrarail.com. You can also take the Blue Line (Damen stop) and walk just under a mile
6. How long will a massage treatment last?
A full-body massage treatment lasts between 60 and 120 minutes. If you want a full body massage and you have specific issues to address, you should allow a minimum of 90 minutes. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
7. How should I prepare for a massage?
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Plan ahead so you are able to arrive and leave on time without feeling stressed/rushed.
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If there’s a particularly relaxing style or piece of music you prefer listening to, let me know --Pandora and Amazon playlists area available (or you can bring your own playlist).
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Think about any problem areas you’d like to have worked on or favorite areas you want extra time spent on; write them down if you think you might forget.
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Don’t eat or drink heavily prior to a massage – and allow at least two hours for both if you want abdominal work in your session.
8. What do I wear during my massage?
For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may also choose to wear underwear. You will be given privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except for the area which is being worked on.
For a Thai massage, you should dress in comfortable clothing (like that you would wear to do yoga or other exercise) – no jeans, heavy pants, skirts or dresses. There will also be Thai style pants available that you can wear if you forget to bring comfortable clothing.
9. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
The goal is for you to be as comfortable as possible. You don’t have to do anything, but feel free to speak up with any needs you may have. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. Feedback on the warmth of the room, pressure of massage and massage technique is always welcome, as well as any other questions you may have. Feedback helps make your massage exactly what you want it to be. Some people “zone out” into a place between sleep and wake. The experience is different for each person.
10.How will a massage feel?
It usually depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, organic massage lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. During a Thai massage, there will also be compressions and decompressions as well as passive stretching techniques used. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that another approach or technique can be used.
11. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your treatment. Sometimes it is recommended to take a hot Epsom salt bath to encourage the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage.
