Typical Session
Normally a full treatment will take about 60 to 90 minutes. You can have a shorter session for limited work. In the the initial part of the session we will work on problem areas. This will concentrate on muscles and joints that may be hurting or have a limited range of motion.
If you have any areas that you do not want worked such as face, scalp or stomach let us know. Likewise if you do not want an electric heating pad or need a blanket for additional warmth also let us know.
Most sessions start with the patient sitting upright on the table fully clothed so that the therapist can work the shoulders from both front and back. The therapist will then work on other areas that are easier to do when clothed. If it is just bodywork session then you can remain dressed except for shoes and belts. Do not wear jeans as it is very difficult to work through stiff cloth. Normally we will do all of the clothed bodywork first if we are going to do any hot stone work. This is because this may involve moving you into different positions that may be difficult to do and preserve the proper draping.
For hot stone work, the therapist will leave the room and you can then disrobe and get on the table under the top sheet. Although traditionally massage is done with on a person who is fully disrobed, many people leave their underpants on. Normally you will start laying face down on the table with your face in the face cradle. We can adjust the cradle to improve your comfort and expose your neck properly. We can also provide pillows and bolsters to improve your comfort. If you plan to wear underpants briefs are better than boxers. We can then work around the underwear. In no case will a person's genitals or a women's breasts be exposed.
If you can not lay comfortably on your stomach then we can use different techniques to accommodate you while lying on your side.
Most people prefer to lay quietly listing to soft music, clearing their minds and relaxing. However, some techniques require participation or feedback but for the most part we try to provide a clam, relaxing environment.
About half way through the session we will help you turn over on your back so that we can work on the front parts of your body. At this time you should scoot down on the table so that your head is even with the end of the table and we can remove the head cradle.
Drink lots of water. Reconditioning techniques soften and rehydrate tissues, drawing water from the body.
Remember that this is your session and if you want something done differently just ask.