Massage Q&A
What is a massage?
The practice of massage has been defined as “The systematic manipulation of soft tissue with the hands that positively affects and promotes healing, reduces stress, enhances muscle relaxation, improves local circulation, and creates a sense of well-being.” While anyone can give a massage, Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) are people who are educated on human anatomy and trained in special massage techniques, so that their clients can receive the most benefit from each treatment. Massages typically involve applying lotion or oil to the skin, before rubbing and kneading the muscles using light, firm, or deep pressure, depending on the reason for the massage. Massages can be performed on the whole body, or on specific areas that need attention. They are very safe, and there are generally no risks or negative side effects for healthy individuals.
What can I expect from a Vivify massage?
At Vivify Wellness, our experienced, professional Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) are able to tailor your massages to fit your individual needs. We offer 30-, 60-, and 90-minute massages during morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend hours, so that you can receive treatment when it's most convenient for you. You decide which pressure level would be best, ranging from Light to Deep, as well as which areas you’d like to focus on or avoid. Our LMTs will consult with you before each treatment to assess any conditions and concerns and how you are feeling that day, in order to ensure that you get the most from each experience. All of our massages are conducted in a sanitary, private, spa-like environment, so that you can truly put your mind at ease as soon as you walk through the door. Additionally, our LMTs can use CBD ointments, essential oils, and hot stones* during your treatment, if you are interested in their added benefits.
* The optional use of hot stones constitutes a $10.00 charge, and must be opted for prior to your appointment.
Is there any reason I should avoid getting a massage?
While massages are generally safe, there are specific circumstances in which they are not recommended. These include during the first trimester of pregnancy, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or have certain types of cancers (unless your massage therapist is trained in Oncology massage techniques), if you have a fever or other contagious illness, or if you have blood, kidney, or liver problems. If you have any of the above conditions, it is best to talk to your doctor about whether or not massage therapy is a safe option for you.
Do I have to undress completely for my massage?
No, undressing completely is not necessary. Your massage therapist will leave the room, and you can undress to a level that you are comfortable with. You can leave all or some clothes on, leave just undergarments on, or undress completely, if you choose. While it is recommended that you undress down to your undergarments so that your massage therapist can better access your back and legs, it is not required. After undressing, you will lay on the massage table beneath a sheet, and any private areas will remain covered throughout the massage. Your massage therapist will knock to ensure that you are fully covered before entering the room.
Aren’t massages just a luxury service, or for special occasions?
Nope! While massages are great for relaxing and recharging while on vacation or before a big event, it is very beneficial for one’s physical and mental health to get massages regularly. With our affordable prices and range of available times, it is now easier than ever for anyone (regardless of gender, age, or economic status) to incorporate massage therapy into their routine.
How do I know if I need a massage?
If you’ve been feeling stressed, fatigued, tense, or sore, these are indications that you could use a massage. When we deal with stressful situations, that stress often manifests as tension in the body. Left untreated, over time those tight muscles can become stiff, painful, and even bring our posture out of alignment. Massages help to restore balance to the body. If you have chronic pain or stiffness due to an underlying condition, regular massage treatments could offer effective, drug-free improvement. Even if you are not particularly stressed or sore, but are interested in ways to optimize your health, introducing a massage regimen can help to take your wellness to the next level.
Will I need more than one massage?
Often, the answer is yes. While a single massage treatment is beneficial on its own, you will see the greatest benefits to your health when you get massages on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis, depending on the specific concerns you would like to address. For example, if you are looking to reduce stress and improve your general health, you could incorporate a massage every 1 to 3 months. Alternatively, if you are an athlete, recovering from an injury, or looking to reduce chronic pain or stiffness, you would want to get massage treatments on a more regular basis, such as once or twice every week or two. Ultimately, you and your LMT would determine a treatment plan that works best for you.
How much can massage therapy really help?
Quite a lot, actually! One of the main, most well known benefits of getting a massage is relaxation. Taking the time out of your busy schedule to treat yourself to a massage is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. This is not only due to the aspect of human touch, but also because your heart rate and blood pressure get lower while you rest and receive treatment. Massage therapy is also a very effective way to ease stiff, sore muscles by working them directly and increasing circulation. Because people get used to tension quickly and tend to delay treatment until it becomes painful, getting regular massages is great for both reducing the pain you have, and preventing more pain in the future. To learn more about the benefits of massage, click here.
What is my role during my massage experience?
In order to truly get the most out of your massage, it is important that you communicate openly with your LMT. If there are certain areas that you feel need special attention or should be avoided altogether, be sure to let them know. If the pressure level that they are using feels uncomfortable or painful, or if it is too light and could be more firm, speak up! Your feedback during your massage is very useful for your LMT so that they know how to best assist you. It is also helpful to be honest about any conditions or concerns you have, as well as your lifestyle and how these concerns affect your daily life, so that your LMT can give more accurate advice on how to manage them outside of your massage sessions. Other than that, your main role is to relax, enjoy the experience, and adopt a healing mindset.
Does Vivify offer in-home massages?
Not at this time, no. Our massage therapists only work out of our Fairlawn office, and do not perform massages for Vivify at clients’ homes or other locations.
Have a question that wasn’t covered here? Feel free to give us a call at 330-576-4144, or email us at info@vivifywellnessatavenues.com, and we will do our best to assist you!
Prepare For Your First Massage Appointment
Review and complete the forms for your first massage appointment here.