General Tips on how to prepare for massage:

You may want to prepare for a massage by taking a warm shower. It's important to let me know about any particular pains or areas of concern you may have so I might work on them appropriately. Also, be sure to speak up about what you need such as lighter touch or deeper work. Some people experience a bit of congestion in their sinuses due to the facdown position in the face cradle, so let me know if you need a tissue. If for any reason the music is too loud or soft or you'd like me to move on to the next song, just ask. I bring 10 hours of music that's always within reach during the session, so I don't have to fumble and waste time to adjust or find new music.

Temperature: If you are cold or too warm, please let me know. Be aware that during a massage the lotions and oils that are applied to your skin can pull the heat out of your body or simply make it seem cooler in the room. If you are chilly, I can add a blanket, turn up the heating pad on the table or adjust the ambient temperature with a space heater. If too warm in the summer we can always open a window or possibly have a fan available. If you think the room may not be warm enough be sure to mention it on the phone when we schedule the appointment so I can be sure to bring a heater.

Conversation:
Your massage is YOUR massage. This is time set aside for you. If you wish to ask questions during your session, please feel free to do so. If you prefer silence that's fine too. Be aware that during some types of massage some level of communication is required to provide you with the desired outcome. But, do not feel obligated to carry on a conversation during the massage - you can relax more if talk is kept to a minimum and I will be able to focus on the work. That being said, a little feedback about pressure, trigger points, or an occasional "grunt" about how you are doing is always welcomed.

After the Massage:
Hydrate after your massage session with plenty of water (enough to make your urine clear). Your body weight in ounces is recommended on a daily basis, this is even more important after a massage. Most people who feel achey the day after a massage either forgot or ignored my reminder to drink plenty of water in the 48 hours after the session. If you don't drink enough water, you may feel worse the next day, like a cold was coming on or very fatigued. This just means that your body is still cleaning itself out.

What else can I do after the session to prevent soreness?
To further prevent soreness your Nurturework massage session should be followed with a bath in epsom salt, baking soda, and sea salt (about 1 cup of each) or a bath in apple cider vinegar (approx. 1 pint). I also like Batherapy products. This will assist the body in removing toxins and any physical soreness that resides after the treatment. You may also want to refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours after a massage, unless your massage is designed for a pre-determined sporting event. Proper stretching is helpful in maintaining the increased flexibility that you may experience after your massage.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are a few medical conditions that are not compatible with massage - serious cardiac conditions and blood clots; skin disease, wounds, or tumors; cancer and tuberculosis; fever, and fractures or dislocations.  For the most part, however, a good full-body massage is just what the "doctor" ordered.