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Worked for a chiropractor for ten years before entering the massage therapy world, this experience gave her a good foundation and basis for understanding the physics of the human body. Debbie received her massage degree at the Minneapolis School of Massage and has owned and operated Body & Sole Therapeutic Massage successfully for 18 years. In December of 2007 Debbie decided to move her practice to Hugo where she and her husband own and operate Hawaiian Tan & Massage. Along with her degree in massage therapy Debbie has also furthered her education and expertise by completing courses in foot reflexology, cranial sacral, and lymphatic drainage. Debbie mainly practices the Swedish and Eslan techniques (long gliding strokes) and believes that although relaxation during a massage is important, it is every bit as important to insure that the massage is therapeutic. This offers her clients the best of both worlds, relaxation and a feeling of wellness along with as much as an 80% quicker recovery time from injuries/problem areas. Her constant goal is to aid her clients in regaining and maintaining their health. Graduated from an Accredited massage school as a Medical Massage Therapist; has been in practice for eight years; received her schooling and training in Hungary; her focus in on the problematic areas and holds a belief that sliding through the body will not fix the problem. Graduated from Globe University with a degree in Massage Therapy and has been performing massage for 5 years now. She specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Rock, Trigger Point Therapy, Prenatal, and Sports Massage. Sarah likes to incorporate a little of each technique into every massage she gives to provide the client with a variety of style.
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One of the first things your massage therapist will want to know is why you are getting a massage. Our experienced therapists will ask you of your needs and what problem areas and pain you are experiencing. The most common reasons are: general relaxation, revitalization, relieve sore or tight muscles, relieve tension headaches, recovery from sports activities, general health and fitness, improve circulation, complement to other health care. Let your therapist know in the beginning what you are looking for.
Works Cited: Benjamin, Patricia J. Your first therapeutic Massage. Hemingway Publications. Rockford, IL. 1/06
Discuss any concerns you have about the upcoming session. It is key that you are comfortable during the massage, and that you know your options. Listed here are some common expressed concerns of first time patients:
Modesty
In a standard massage session, you will be draped with a sheet. You may choose to be totally or partially unclothed under the drape. As each part of the body is being massaged, it is uncovered while the rest stays covered. Genitals and women’s breasts are covered at all times. Many people prefer to wear under garments during a massage; it is entirely up to you and what you are comfortable with.
Talking
Talking during a massage is optional. Always feel free to give the therapist feedback on anything causing discomfort. The therapist may request feedback from you ,especially when addressing a specific problem.
Oil
Oil, lotion, or other lubricant is used to enable the therapist’s hand s to slide over the skin without causing chaffing or falling hair. Let the therapist know about any allergies you have which might be aggravated by the lubricant used.
Make-up and hair
Massage of the face, scalp, or neck may result in disturbing your makeup or hair-style. Let the therapist know if this is a concern of yours. They may either modify their technique, be especially careful, or skip the area altogether.
Pain
Whether you will feel any pain during a massage depends on many factors, including your physical condition, your pain tolerance, and the therapist’s technique. Discuss this before the massage, and give feedback to the therapist during the session. Tense muscles are often sore, and may hurt a little when massaged. Sometimes there is a delayed soreness after a massage. Take a hot shower or bath, and drink plenty of water to help remove waste products flushed out buring a massage. The more massage you receive, the less likely you will experience post-massage soreness. Length of Sessions-massage sessions generally last from ½ hour to 1 ½ hours. The amount of time depends on the purpose of the session, the therapist’s schedule, and the availability of your time.
Works Cited: Benjamin, Patricia J. Your first therapeutic Massage. Hemingway Publications. Rockford, IL. 1/06
People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, recent surgery or fractures, phlebitis, fever, and other problem conditions should consult their doctors for any restrictions on receiving massage. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
Works Cited: Benjamin, Patricia J. Your first therapeutic Massage. Hemingway Publications. Rockford, IL. 1/06
Upon arrival, you will be asked to fill out a new client form to provide the massage therapist with information of your past and current health. This information is used to help plan the massage session, and to insure your safety. This form will ask of any major health problems you have, medications you are taking, allergies, if you are pregnant, and recent accidents or injuries.
Works Cited: Benjamin, Patricia J. Your first therapeutic Massage. Hemingway Publications. Rockford, IL. 1/06
Tips During the Massage:
- If the massage is too light or too hard, ask to have the pressure changed.
- If you are uncomfortable in any way (need the heat turned up, less blankets, lights dimmed more, etc.) please do not hesitate to tell your therapist.
- Tell the therapist where you hurt. This way the massage can focus on where you need it most.
- Actively trying to think relaxing and calm thoughts can help ease the mind and help you get more out of the massage, not just physically, but also mentally.
- Breathing deeply can help you get the most out of your massage. This keeps your mind focused on your body and also helps tense muscles and tension to subside by getting oxygen to those trouble spots.
Tips After the Massage:
- Drink plenty of water. This helps the body release toxins that were released during the massage.
- Plan to take the first twenty minutes after a massage lightly. For example, go on a short walk or sit quietly. This allows the massage to settle into the body.