Pierre Deshaies RMT

Where Will My Massage Therapy Session Take Place?

Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I Be Completely Undressed?

 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.

Will the Massage Therapist Be Present When I Disrobe?

I will leave the room while you undress, position yourself, relax on the table, and cover yourself with clean sheets.

Will I Be Covered During the Session?

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed with your permission.

What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged?

You and the Massage Therapist will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, hips/gluts, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.

What Will the Massage Feel Like?

It depends on the techniques used. Many Massage Therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish 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 is generally  most effective when your body is not resisting. The Client always has the right to stop, alter or change the treatment at any time.

Are There Different Kinds of Massage Techniques?

There are numerous types of massage techniques; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic gliding strokes, rocking movement, posture and joint mobilization, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Ask the practitioner about the methods he or she uses.

How Long Will the Session Last?

There are different times available for different treatments. The average full-body massage session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for an optimal treatment.

What Should I Do During the Massage Therapy Session?

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The Massage Therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (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 session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask me.

How Will I Feel After the Massage Therapy Session?

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. There are times that a client with feel tender the next day that feels much like a post-day workout.

What Are the Benefits of Massage Thereapy?

Massage Therapy 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 Therapy is also known to promote better sleep, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Massage Therapy Inadvisable?

Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, you fill out a Health History Form and the Massage Therapist asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the Massage Therapist 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  prior to any session. Your Massage Therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.