Frequently Asked Questions
About Massage & Body Work

ABOUT HUMAN MASSAGE:

Will a single session help me feel better?

What are the contraindications to massage?

Does a contraindication mean that treatment cannot take place?

What Do I Do Before My Massage?

What Do I Wear?

What If I’m Uncomfortable During My Massage?

What if I Need to Cancel?



ABOUT EQUINE MASSAGE:

Will a single session help my horse to feel better?



Will a single session help me feel better?
Yes and no. For a number of physical and stress related problems, massage can have an immediate impact. Every day we have clients who come in stressed out, with a sore neck, tight back, etc. and leave feeling a lot better than when they came in. But if you have you ever had the experience of getting a massage and not noticing an immediate difference in your body after, you are not alone.

Sometimes the effects of the session take time to manifest. You may walk out feeling that you still have the issue you came in with but when you wake up the next day it's resolved.

But sometimes you won't notice a significant difference, even after a day or more. That happens because some of the positive effects of massage are cumulative. In other words, the more massage you get, the more benefit it generally has.

While many studies have been done showing the benefits of massage to treat a wide range of ailments, the problem with this research is that the studies follow participants over a course of many massages, usually during a period of eight weeks or more. Unfortunately, most people can't or won't commit to a series of eight or more treatments.

Instead, they come in for a single session and expect to get the same results as if they had been coming in regularly. While you can very definitely get results from a single session, you will only get the maximum benefit from massage if you come in regularly. That doesn't mean you have to come in weekly. Even a monthly or every six week treatment can be effective in turning massage into a regular part of your life.

We realize that not everyone has the time or inclination to make massage more than an occasional event. We are just as happy to welcome clients who book an appointment only once a year as those who visit more frequently. We just want you to have realistic expectations as to the benefits if you choose to visit less often.

if you do decide to become a regular client please take advantage of our discounted series packages. They are a great way to make your sessions more affordable per treatment.




What are the contraindications to massage?
A massage will make you feel worse if you are suffering from any contagious or infectious disease no matter how mild it may seem. If you have a cold, flu or fever DO NOT BOOK a session. We will be very happy to see you once you are feeling 100% better.

If you have certain other medical conditions, for your health and well-being massage should not be performed or may be restricted. These are not all obvious, so before booking, please review all of the contraindications to massage to make certain that none apply to you.

Massage is non-invasive, relaxing and natural. It is therefore generally considered a safe treatment for most people. However, there are three types of contraindication: TOTAL, when massage should not be performed at all, LOCAL, when massage can be performed but not over the contraindicated areas and MEDICAL, when massage can only be performed once medical permission has been granted. The following restrictions are in place to protect your health and well-being. Thank you for taking them as seriously as we do.

Total Contraindications
When you have any of these conditions, please do not book a massage:

* Fever
* Contagious or infectious diseases, including any cold or flu no matter how mild it may seem.
* Under the influence of drugs or alcohol- including prescription pain medication
* Recent operations or acute injuries
* Neuritis
* Skin diseases


Local
The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by:

* Varicose veins
* Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
* Pregnancy
* Bruising
* Cuts
* Abrasions
* Sunburn
* Undiagnosed pain
* Inflammation, including arthritis


Medical
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, massage can only take place once it has been approved before your session in writing by your Physician.

* Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
* Any condition already being treated by a medical practitioner
* Edema
* Psoriasis or eczema
* High blood pressure
* Osteoporosis
* Cancer
* Nervous or psychotic conditions
* Heart problems, angina, those with pacemakers
* Epilepsy
* Diabetes
* Bell’s palsy, trapped or pinched nerves
* Gynecological infections


Does a contraindication mean that treatment cannot take place?
Not always. In fact, massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in the above cases it is best to have advice from your physician. Massage therapists, unless they are also qualified doctors, may not, under law, attempt to diagnose a condition.


What Do I Do Before My Massage?
Even if you have already showered that day, please plan to shower immediately prior to your massage.


What Do I Wear?
You’ll want to change into a robe and sandals if possible. You will be draped with a sheet during your massage and your therapist will only undrape areas that are being worked on. If you want to wear underwear underneath your robe, you may.


What If I’m Uncomfortable During My Massage?
The most common reason people have bad massage experiences is because they didn’t want to say anything to their therapist during their massage. If you’re too hot or cold, the music is too loud or soft, or the touch is too hard or not hard enough, or if you feel uncomfortable in any way, do not hesitate to let your therapist know immediately. All of our tables are equipped with heating pads, and everything from the music volume in the room to the angle of your face rest is adjustable. Your therapist will never be offended if you make a request to turn up the heat, add a blanket, or adjust the table, pressure or music during your session.


What if I Need to Cancel?
To avoid being charged for the full amount of your session, please let us know 12 hours ahead of time if you will be unable to make your scheduled appointment. If your appointment is booked the same day you call, please be aware that the cancellation policy will be in effect once your appointment is set. This is done in fairness both to clients who would otherwise have wanted the appointment as well as the therapist, who is not paid if they do not perform the session. We ask all new clients to provide a credit card at the time of booking to hold their appointment. The card will be authorized (which holds funds without actually charging them) and you may pay by any method once you arrive at the Center. If you are late to your session you are welcome to receive whatever time is left in your appointment. Due to our tightly booked schedule we are generally unable to extend your session beyond your original appointment time.

EQUINE FAQ:


Will my horse feel better after one session?
Equine bodywork will get dramatic results the first time but usually will need a follow-up. Charlotte believes in testing the entire horse the first visit rather than just the problem area as there are usually hidden issues and compensation to address. Follow-up visits of one or two over a few weeks are usually needed for the body to return to a healthy state.