Return to Massage

WHAT TO EXPECT

Overview

Massage Therapy is performed by Licensed Massage Therapists who have received training by an approved school and have passed an exam in Washington State. Massage Therapy is an effective method to reduce stress, lessen muscle tension, promote relaxation and improve circulation.

The Massage Therapist manipulates muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin using varying degrees of pressure and movement. Our Massage Therapists will customize your treatment to focus of areas most helpful to your concerns. Your Massage Therapist welcomes your feedback during the massage, so don’t hesitate to let her/him know if something is painful or uncomfortable.

What to Expect

• Each massage service has a built-in 10 minutes to change: 5 min at the beginning and 5 min at the end to undress and redress.
• You can undress to your comfort level- some of our clients prefer to be completely undressed while others prefer to keep their underwear on. You will be given privacy to do so and time to get underneath the sheets to cover up.
• Your therapist will always knock before entering, asking if you are ready.
• When the therapist comes back in the room you will be draped at all times so that you feel safe, warm, and secure. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. Please let your therapist know if there is ever a time you don’t feel comfortable.
• Jewelry- Most people find its best to take off their jewelry during a massage.
• Note we do not provide lockers so plan accordingly.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

• If this is your first time coming in make sure you arrive 10 minutes early to fill out our health questionnaire without impinging on your massage time, or to use the restroom, and be able to give yourself a few minutes of quiet to relax and prepare for your massage.
• Being well hydrated before your massage is very important for the elimination of toxins that are released into the body’s circulation during treatment.
• Drinking water or herbal teas are excellent methods for staying hydrated before and after your massage.
• Prepare by dressing in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Think things like yoga pants, sweatpants, loose-fitting tops, and sweaters. This ensures you are comfortable both before and after your massage.
• It’s best to avoid having a large meal right before your massage, having a full stomach can be quite uncomfortable.
• When your therapist takes you back be sure to tell your LMP if you have any areas of concern that you would like concentrated on

Alcohol and Massage
It sounds like a fun idea but really – alcohol and massage don’t mix. Massage boosts circulation that pushes fluid throughout your lymphatic system, and releases toxins from the muscles into the bloodstream. This can heighten the negative effects of alcohol, including feeling a bit nauseous. You might also underestimate how much pressure you are requesting (during a deep tissue massage) and feel discomfort later. In sum, not worth it! Please refrain from drinking alcohol prior to receiving a massage.

What to Expect Post Treatment

• DRINK. LOTS. OF. WATER.
• Hydration is the key to most things in life, and massage is no exception. Massage is like a passive workout for your body. During your session we’ve increased blood circulation, improved your range of motion, and increased your breathing. All of these things take water to accomplish. Your body needs more of it. Drink more water!
• Taking a 20-minute Epsom Salt bath is a great way to sit back, relax, and feel the benefits of reduced inflammation.
• You may notice some lingering muscle soreness or tenderness following a Deep Tissue massage, using a heating pad or ice pack to relieve soreness.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment. A single massage can make a difference, but many people notice more significant improvements with regular massage appointments. It is a great addition to your health and wellness routine. Massage has the added benefit of having a cumulative effect on the body, meaning with regular appointments sessions become more effective. Regular massage will help optimize your body’s healing and reduce many muscle aches you may be experiencing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of Massage?
Different massage techniques focus on different types of tissue, applying different ranges of firmness. The different techniques also manipulate the tissues in different ways. Deep Tissue massage uses slower, more forceful strokes. Swedish massage is a gentler form that uses more flowing motions and is often preferred for those seeking relaxation.

You may benefit from a Deep Tissue Massage if you have any of the following:

• Chronic low back, neck or shoulder pain
• Chronic muscle pain, fibromyalgia, or myofascial pain syndrome
• Headaches
• Postural problems (including poor posture)
• Soft tissue strains or sprains, overuse injuries, and plantar fasciitis
• Stress, anxiety or depression

Are there treatments that can be added to my massage?
Yes, there are several options that you may choose to add to either any 50- or 80-minute massage.

• Himalayan Salt Stones (offered at select InSpa locations)
  Warmed Himalayan Salt Stones detoxify your body and ease tension. The hot stone therapy is combined with long Swedish strokes and oil for ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation. This is the ideal massage for chronic aches and pain, especially in the neck, back, legs and shoulders.
  
  Massage alone is detoxifying because it is moving the blood and lymphatic fluids around in the body. It helps to circulate the toxins out of the body. The 84 naturally occurring minerals in the stones help to draw out the toxins even further while providing a gentle exfoliation on the skin, making the skin feel smooth and soft.
• Cupping Therapy (offered at select InSpa locations)
  Cupping is an ancient form of deep tissue massage in which the massage therapists puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. This therapy utilizes silicone cups to create suction on the body surface. These cups are moved over the skin using gliding, shaking, popping and rotating techniques while gently pulling up on the cup, or may be parked for a short time to facilitate joint mobilization or soft tissue release. Suction reaches deep into the soft tissue, attachments and organs. If the suction is quite strong, and sustained, it may leave marks on your skin. These marks should fade within a few days of your massage but plan accordingly during the bathing suit season.
• CBD Oils & Lotions (offered at select InSpa locations)
  CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid extract from the hemp plant. It can enhance the benefits of massage, including deeper relaxation and pain relief by reducing inflammation within the muscles and joints. Your type of massage doesn’t change, just the oil or massage lotion. This massage enhancement may also be added to our Tension Relief massage.