To follow are the top ten questions that new clients ask before coming in for massage or energy work. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to share them with us!

Q: Do I have to take all of my clothes off to get a massage?

A: No. If you want to keep your clothing on during a massage, you should feel free to do so: after all, a massage will only be effective if you feel relaxed and comfortable! However, you should be able to expect any reputable massage therapist to be very careful about keeping his or her clients draped appropriately. This means that only the portion of the body being massaged (the back, an arm, a leg, etc.) is exposed during a massage. The rest of the body is covered (or draped) by a sheet and/or blanket, ensuring that no inappropriate exposure occurs.

Q: What kind of massage oil do you use?

A: We use a Biotone product called dual-purpose massage cream (Biotone is a leading manufacturer of professional massage products). It is hypoallergenic (designed to minimize the possibility of an allergic reaction) and fragrance free, and, unlike oils, does not leave a greasy residue on the skin or on clothing.

Q: Is it okay to talk during a massage?

A: Yes. Some clients like to talk throughout their massage session; others prefer to stay quiet or go to sleep. You should feel free to talk as much or as little as you’d like to during a massage.

Q: Which massage treatment should I choose?

A: We ask all of our clients to fill out a comprehensive intake form before receiving their first massage. After reviewing this information with our clients and discussing their expectations, we present them with the massage treatment options that we feel will best meet their needs.

Q: Will my massage hurt?

A: Some bodywork treatments (including Swedish massage and Reiki) are quite gentle. Others, such as deep tissue massage and Shiatsu, involve deep pressure and can be uncomfortable. While these more physically intense forms of massage do have therapeutic benefits, you should always let your massage therapist know if you are feeling acute pain or discomfort during your massage.

Q: Is it okay to offer feedback to my massage therapist during a massage?

A: Absolutely. Though many massage therapists are skilled at identifying physical cues that indicate discomfort, it can be difficult to do so with a new client. Additionally, environmental factors like room temperature and music volume may need some initial adjustment. If you find that you are uncomfortable with any aspect of your massage experience, let your massage therapist know right away.

Q: Why do you see clients for forty, seventy, or one hundred minutes?

A: When you book a massage appointment at most locations, the length of your session includes the time that it takes for you to apprise your massage therapist of how you are feeling, change your clothing, and get on and off the table. For example, a sixty-minute massage session (generally considered to be plenty of time for a full-body massage) involves only about fifty minutes of actual massage time. We like to move at a more relaxed pace, and find that fifty minutes does not provide us with the time needed to both talk with our clients and perform a thorough full-body massage.

Q: Is it really that important to make sure that my massage therapist is certified?

A: The state of Pennsylvania has no licensing requirements for massage therapists at this time. The best way to be certain that a massage therapist in Pennsylvania has received an appropriate level of training is to be sure that they are nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). If your massage therapist is not certified, they should be able to provide you with proof of education and/or experience.

Q: How will I feel after receiving a massage?

A: Some clients feel relaxed or sleepy after receiving a massage; others feel rejuvenated and energized. Most clients feel “loose” and able to move more freely. Clients that receive deep work may feel some muscular soreness the day after their massage.

Q: How can I maximize the effects of my massage?

A: One of the most important things you can do after receiving a massage is to be sure to drink plenty of water. Even gentle forms of massage release toxins from the muscle tissue into the bloodstream and lymphatic system, and drinking water will help to flush them from your body. Taking a warm bath may further promote muscular relaxation. Rest is also important: a good night’s sleep does wonders to maximize the benefits of a massage and ensure that you wake up the next day feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.