Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
What parts of my body will be worked on?
What does MFR feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where will my Myofascial Release (MFR) session take place?
Your MFR session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. Your session will start with a full body assessment standing and then another while lying on a table especially designed for your comfort.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, MFR is a lotionless modality so you may stay partially clothed. Nearly every appointment will start with a standing full body assessment, so for the most comfortable experience please wear undergarments that provide coverage as well as accessibility... think swim two piece for women or exercise shorts for men. Something we can work around while still providing some modesty. It is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. These are just some suggestions and you will always be properly draped for comfort and warmth during the session.
What parts of my body will be worked on?
While a regular massage might try to attend to all body parts in a very short time Myofascial Release looks to treat your whole being via a different approach...by looking at the body as a whole ...we may start with the pain symptoms and then move on to any hot, hard, or tender areas. Our communication during the treatment will help us engage your feeling body, as well as encouraging your thinking mind to take a break. "Think less, feel more" is a phrase you might here often during our sessions.
What does MFR feel like?
MFR uses gentle compression and light stretching while holding tissues at their soft barriers for at least 3-5min. We'll treat any hot, hard, or tender areas by holding at these barriers so we can bypass the bodies protective response and tap its innate ability to heal from within. During the treatment your tissues may feel hot, itchy, sometimes even slightly painful... a natural response to change so try to feel under the pain as well as communicate freely with your therapist.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.