Frequently Asked Questions
Will a massage help me?
Massage has many benefits to our physical, mental, and emotional health. Many clients find relief from pain due to injury, work out soreness, headaches, stiffness, and chronic back, neck or shoulder pain. Sometimes pain is caused by underlying health conditions and massage therapy cannot provide long term relief but the effects on the nervous system during the session can bring significant short term ease. Studies have shown regular massages may: improve sleep quality and digestion by promoting relaxation, lower blood pressure, reduce levels of stress hormones and symptoms of anxiety and depression, increase circulation and boost immune function by stimulating lymph flow, and improve concentration by reducing mental stress.
Will a massage hurt?
It is possible to feel slight discomfort if receiving massage while your muscles are tense or you are coming in to address pain. Your therapist will only work to the depth to which you feel comfortable and massage does NOT have to hurt to be beneficial! Your session will begin with a conversation about your general health and your goals for the hour; it is important to inform your therapist of chronic health conditions, recent or past injuries, and any limited range of motion so they may work in a way that minimizes possible discomfort during or after your appointment. Deep tissue massage can temporarily increase inflammation to muscles worked on but similar to post work-out soreness, it resolves quickly, within 24-48 hours. Even during injury treatment massage, the focus is on muscle relaxation and most people feel better walking out of our office!
What should I know before my appointment?
Arrive ten minutes early so you can fill out a health intake, use the restroom, and ask any questions you have. Payment is taken after your session. Ideally eat a light meal a couple of hours before and do not consume alcohol or drugs. Communicate with your therapist about your reasons for the session, any injuries, health issues or allergies, your preference for music, conversation or silence, ANY discomfort (physical or otherwise) during your session; your practitioner is happy to adapt your positioning, adjust pressure or areas of focus, or even end a session for any reason if you would like to stop. Try to breath normally throughout your session unless your therapist encourages you to take a deeper breath during a stretch or work on a particularly tight area. After your massage, give yourself a moment of quiet on the table; avoid quickly jumping up (which can lead to a feeling of lightheadedness). Ask for some water if it's not already been provided and try to give yourself some "downtime" to rest and enjoy the effects of your session.
Do I need to take my clothes off?
Undress to your level of comfort! For some people, they may prefer to remove all but their underwear, others may disrobe completely. Your therapist will step out of the treatment room after your initial conversation to give you privacy to undress and get underneath the top sheet/blanket; they may have told you to start face up or down on the table and will usually have you turn over at some point during the massage. If you are too warm or cool, please ask us to adjust the table heat or get you another layer. Your practitioner will drape the sheets to allow for modesty with accessibility to the areas to be massaged. You will be draped throughout the session per WA state law. If you prefer to remain clothed throughout your session, wear something that will be comfortable and allow your therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you would like worked on. We offer a 30 minute chair massage as another option for remaining fully dressed while receiving bodywork, especially on your back, neck, and shoulders.
Should I talk with my therapist during the massage?
The time on the table is yours to relax and enjoy. It is not rude to be quiet; the hour can be a wonderful opportunity to breath, meditate, or just enjoy self-care and alone time! Your therapist may need to check in with you regarding your comfort during the session and we ask that you speak up anytime there is anything we can do to help you feel more relaxed, including changing positions, using more or less pressure, adjusting the temperature, or allowing you to use the restroom (we will step out of the room and you can put on a robe to walk through the space). Please do not hesitate to ask, and that includes letting us know if you prefer silence (or music) over conversation.
What type of massage should I get?
Our services include chair and prenatal massage, myofascial and deep tissue work, hot stone and warm bamboo sessions, intra-oral and breast/chest massage, cupping and manual lymphatic drainage. Often clients book our "table massage" and then have a conversation with their scheduled therapist to decide what kind of work would best support their needs that day and future wellness goals. Feel free to check out our Services page https://themassagesanctuary.com/services/ or call us at 206-322-5549 for some guidance from our team of experienced practitioners.
How often should I receive massage?
If you are looking for chronic pain relief or support in healing post-injury or surgery, you may need several sessions or weekly massage for a period to address the issue. Because the effects of massage are cumulative, progress is often seen over time. More frequent massage (every week or once a month) is preferable to longer sessions; the more you receive bodywork, the faster your body will respond on the massage table. While one session often provides immediate benefit, regular massage (perhaps every 2-6 weeks for stress management and 'working out the knots" ) will support longer lasting results. See how you are feeling after your first session and book ahead so you have something to look forward to!
When should I avoid massage?
Please reschedule your appointment at no charge to you if you feel unwell or have any symptoms of COVID, flu, or a stomach virus. This will help us stay healthy so we are available to work with you when you're feeling 100% and can really enjoy a session. Check in with your health care provider before scheduling if you have blood clots, uncontrolled hypertension, recent concussion or you're experiencing a high risk pregnancy. Inform our office if you have a recent injury (broken bones, sprains, acute inflammation); your massage therapist may have to modify your massage to avoid certain areas. It is our aim to provide you the most appropriate care to support your health and comfort the day you visit the Sanctuary.
