Sue's Healing Touch

What to Expect

All clients are asked to arrive a few minutes early so that you can begin to relax and be ready to start your massage or bodywork session on time.  Remember the time scheduled for your session is YOUR time so make sure you receive the full benefit of your massage.

Fora first time client, 15 extra minutes are built into your scheduled time to allow for evaluation and discussion of your intake form and expectations in order to provide appropriate massage and bodywork treatment.  This is necessary as there are some conditions for which massage is not appropriate.

Following review and discussion of client expectations and health concerns, you will be given an opportunity to undress to your level of comfort in the privacy of your treatment room.  You can expect to be completely draped at all times except for the area being massaged.  A typical session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, neck, shoulders, head and face.  It is always the client's decision as to which parts of the body are to be massaged, but never areas that are normally considered private.

You will relax on a padded, heated table that has been designed for stability and comfort.  The room will be warm and quiet with relaxing music playing. 

Hot moist heat packs and / or hot stones are used to help release muscle tension primarily on the back and neck areas but can also be used on other areas as required.  Ice packs may be used on specific areas to reduce inflamation.  Electric Percussion may also be used to help stimulate tight muscles.

At the conclusion of your massage or bodywork session,the therapist will leave the room to allow you time to regroup and get dressed.

It is important to allow time following your massage for relaxation and to drink plenty of water to avoid fatigue and headaches.

You may experience some muscle soreness following your massage. Apply ice packs on painful areas (20 minutes maximum) once or twice per day.  You may also alternate moist heat with ice (10 minutes each) always ending with ice to help reduce inflammation.  Hot showers and / or hot baths are also helpful.   

It is especially important to drink at least 64 oz of water the day of and the day following your massage for soft tissue irrigation to remove toxins.   

Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours following your massage to allow your muscles to recover.  Weight lifting should be avoided.  Light exercise, such as walking and swimming are okay.  Gentle stretching is okay. 

Maintain a neutral sleeping posture by using pillows to bolster the extremities to keep the spine straight (under knees while lying on back and between knees in side lying position). Utilization of a proper pillow is also important to keep the cervical vertebrae aligned.   

Decrease the intake of caffeine and refined / processed sugars. (These neurostimulants can increase pain perception and dehydrate the body). 

Breathe slowly through your nose (all way down into tummy), extending the exhale.  This will increase oxygen intake and help to relax your muscles.   

Be aware of your posture during the day.  In addition to making you look and feel better, it works your abdominal and back muscles and improves your breathing.

and .... please don't forget to schedule your next visit at Sue's Healing Touch to ensure you get the time slot that is most convenient for you.