Frequently Asked Questions on Massage

What is massage therapy?
Answer: Massage therapy is the application of a variety of massage therapy techniques to the solution of medical problems of soft-tissue (muscular) origin. These problems usually involve pain and/or dysfunction of muscles and/or movement. Patients are often, though not always, referred by physicians.

What are the "benefits" of massage?
Answer: Massage relieves mental and physical fatigue and reduces stress, tension, and anxiety. Massage increases blood oxygenation and circulation by dilating the blood vessels. It increases metabolism and calms the nervous system. It speeds up natural healing and recuperating powers of the body. Soreness and stiffness in the joints and muscles is reduced. Massage relaxes muscle spasm (generally caused by accumulation of lactic acid and metabolic waste which needs to be flushed from the system) and relieves tension in the muscles. Harmful deposits are eliminated and the joints are nourished. Muscle tone is improved. Massage prevents and delays muscular atrophy resulting from inactivity and also assists muscle definition. Through increased blood circulation and warming of superficial layers of the skin, massage improves the skin tone, giving it a healthy glow. Massage improves posture and boosts confidence and self-esteem.

What should I expect from my first massage?
Answer: On your first visit, our staff will ask you to complete an "intake" form - this includes questions about your general health, specific injuries and whether you are under a doctor's care. Your therapist will review this form with you before treatment. Ask any questions you have for your therapist at this time. The entire process only takes a few minutes and should not substantially cut into your massage time. The therapist will then give you instructions on how they want you on the table (face up/down etc.) They will leave the room while you are changing. The massage room will be clean, private and quiet. At the Peace of Mind Center, therapists use music, candles, aromatherapy or soothing sounds to assist your relaxation and enhance your message. If you don't want any of those things you are free to ask the therapist to stop using them. Also, each of our therapists likes to use a special oil or lotion. If you have something you like to use on your skin, bring it and they will be happy to use it. If you are getting a massage for relaxation, there should be little or no talking. For deep tissue work the therapist will periodically check with you to make sure you are tolerating the work and to remind you to breathe and relax. Sometimes light conversation is used to distract clients during the deep work. The client is always in control of the massage! Whether to talk or not, if there should be music or no music or different music, whether to use scent or not and which scent during your massage, whether your massage should be deeper or lighter. If you are uncomfortable at all, always speak up and be honest with your therapist about your expectations and comfort.

Do I have to get naked?
The correct and most important answer:
You don't have to do anything you don't want to do.
At the Peace of Mind Center and almost universally among massage therapists in the U.S. You are asked to undress to whatever point you are comfortable. This means you may remain fully clothed, you may undress completely, or anything in between. Especially if is your first massage, your therapist will understand so be comfortable and enjoy your massage wearing what you choose, if anything at all. The massage therapist leaves the room and gives you sufficient time to undress. You get onto the table under a sheet or towel or some such covering. During the massage, only the part of your body currently being worked on is uncovered. Those parts of your body generally considered private are not uncovered or worked on. If you have any particular preferences about parts of your body to be exposed and worked on or not exposed and not worked on, you should discuss this with the massage therapist before the session. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the massage, you should inform the therapist immediately. Many techniques are most effective when performed directly to the body. The thing to remember on the first visit is that the therapist would like for you to return, and to refer others. If for that reason alone, he or she will not want to embarrass you or make you uncomfortable.

The therapist is entitled -- in fact, obligated -- to establish treatment policies according to his or her best judgment, and you are entitled to decline any procedure which is not acceptable to you.

What is the difference between massage therapy and chiropractic?
Answer: Chiropractic addresses the joints of the vertebrae in the spine. Massage therapy works with the soft tissues -- that is, the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Most chiropractors acknowledge that if muscles are too tight, adjustments either can't be done or will not last. Some like to put it, "Bones go where muscles put them. Bones stay where muscles keep them."

Does massage therapy hurt?
Answer: It depends on the type of therapy and what kinds of problems you may have. General relaxation massage should not hurt. Most energy-related therapies are painless, except acupressure or shiatsu, which may access painful points. Any soft-tissue therapy may be painful when treating problem areas; the pain comes not from the massage itself but from the tissue pathology. In any case, the client needs to let the therapist know if the pain is more than he or she can tolerate. And many people say the massage "hurts so good," meaning they understand and feel the difference between constructive and destructive pain.

Are there contraindications for massage therapy?
Answer: There are several conditions and situations when massage may not be recommended. Contraindications may be temporary or permanent and may require physician recommendation or approval. Massage should obviously not be done over the site of any recent tissue damage, such as a broken bone, a bruise, or a wound. Care should be taken with deep work on persons with fragile or brittle bones. Areas of internal organic problems should be avoided. If there is any doubt, a physician should be consulted first and x-rays done. You will complete an in-take form before your first treatment. Be sure to include any health problems, injuries or surgeries. You should also discuss any new health issues with your therapist prior to subsequent treatments.

What does it cost?
Answer:
We offer 30, 60 and 90 minute massages priced from $30 to $75. Gift Certificates Available.

If you have more question please contact us at (318) 219-8344.