Q: What Is Massage Therapy?
A: Massage therapy utilizes a “structured touch” characterized by the use of various strokes such as gliding, rubbing, kneading or compressing of various muscles, tendons or ligaments to achieve desired results.
Considered both an art and a science, massage is utilized for simple relaxation as well as for therapeutic treatment for:
- Stress Reduction
- Existing Injuries
- Posture
- Fluid Retention
- Muscle Tension & Soreness
- Prevention Of New Injuries
- Pain Or Restriction In Joints
- Effects Of Forced Inactivity
Q: What Does LMT Mean?
A: After a therapist’s name you should look for LMT, which means Licensed Massage Therapist. This means you can be sure you are in the care of a qualified professional. We maintain very high standards for Licensed Massage Therapists, including over 1,000 hours of training from a certified massage school.
Prairie Life Fitness’s massage therapists are licensed and receive continuing education in anatomy, physiology, bodywork techniques and CPR. Prairie Life Center massage therapists are trained in various forms and types of massage to meet your needs.
Q: How Do I Sign Up For A Massage?
A: Members and nonmembers can purchase massage certificates at the Front Desk of the club – either for yourself or as a gift for someone. Appointments can be made at Courtesy Services either in person or by calling Prairie Life Fitness. We recommend booking your appointment at least 24 hours in advance to ensure the appointment time that best fits your schedule. Remember to give the massage certificate to the massage therapist when you arrive for your appointment.
Q: What Can I Expect At My Appointment?
A: Please arrive ten minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to allow for consultation with your therapists. At your first appointment, you will be asked to fill out a general health questionnaire. This allows the therapist to review your therapy goals and determine the best massage approach.
Your therapist will leave the room prior to the start of the massage to allow you to disrobe if desired and get comfortable on the massage table.
You are welcome to remain fully or partially clothed during your massage or you may disrobe completely – you will be draped with sheets and private body parts will ALWAYS be completely covered. For most forms of massage, soothing oils or skin creams are used to enhance the therapy and therefore work best on exposed skin.
Q: What Should I Do During A Massage?
A: Relax and let the therapist do the work. Give the therapist feedback if you are uncomfortable with anything during the sessions (too cold, too warm, would prefer more or less pressure, etc.).
Q: How Long Does A Massage Last?
A: A massage can be from ten minutes to two hours. Generally, one hour is most popular.
Q: What Can I Expect Afterwards?
A: Some people feel very relaxed after a massage session, while others feel energized. If deeper tissue work was performed, you may experience soreness for a day or two following the massage session.
Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day following a massage to cleanse your system.
Q: Are There Instances When Massage Is Not An Appropriate Treatment?
A: Please ask your therapist about conditions that may require rescheduling your massage. Some of these conditions include:
- Abnormal Body Temperature
- Acute Infectious Disease
- Inflammation
- Broken Bones
- Osteoporosis (depends on degree)
- Cancer (depending on type, stage, etc.)
- Varicose Veins
- High Blood Pressure (in some cases)
- Intoxication
Q: What do I wear for my massage session?
You can wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. The most important thing is that you feel completely comfortable and relaxed.
During the massage, a clean sheet will cover you. I only uncover the area that is being worked on. Some clients prefer to keep their underpants on or will wear a swimsuit or shorts. All private parts are always covered, and never touched. I will always maintain and respect the client’s boundaries.
Q: What should I do during a massage?
Make yourself comfortable. Many people just close their eyes and relax completely during the session; others prefer to talk. It’s your massage, and whatever feels natural for you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time. If I need to adjust your position, I will either move you (for instance lift your arm) or I will tell you what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
Q: What if I fall asleep?
It is not uncommon for many clients to fall asleep on the table during a massage. The warmth and release of tension relaxes them right to sleep – especially after a long day at work.
Q: How long is a session?
An hour is a common length of time. This gives time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area. A half-hour can be an excellent introduction to bodywork, with plenty of time for a specific area such as back, neck, and shoulders. An hour and a half is usually enough time to address the whole body.I look forward to hearing from you.
Q: How much does it cost?
Prices vary and are based on the type and length of a massage received. Please see my pricing page for a list of current charges for therapeutic massage and bodywork services.
Q: What should I expect afterward?
When the massage is over, I will leave the room so that you can get dressed in privacy. Massage and bodywork can be extremely relaxing, affecting all your body’s systems so be sure to give yourself a several minutes to re-orient yourself before slowly getting up.
After a session, most people feel extremely relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over weeks and months of tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, clients often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days.