What to Expect During a Massage
FAQ Time about Massage at Lighten Up Therapies
1. How does the session begin?
The first thing that happens is that I will ask you to fill out a health history form. This allows me to get to know you and assess your health. I ask you to answer the questions carefully and honestly, especially regarding current health issues or medications. This is a good time to also explain how you are feeling and any painful or uncomfortable feelings you may be experiencing. Don’t hesitate to ask about anything you may feel unsure of or any concerns about your treatment. Letting me know up front what your concerns are will allow me to spend more time in problem areas. Depending on your treatment of Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, Structural Integration or other modalities, you will then be given some space to undress according to your comfort level. I will leave the room and knock to make sure it is fine to come in before entering. It is important that you are able to relax to receive the benefits of this work, so please feel at ease to ask for whatever makes you comfortable.
Professional Massage FAQ
2. What does the client do during the session?
Some clients like to relax and zone out. That is absolutely welcomed at Lighten Up Therapies. Sometimes that is just what the doctor ordered. For the most part though, most clients who come to Lighten Up Therapies are more interested in therapeutic improvement. They are often uncomfortable, in pain, stressed or facing some time of dysfunctional pattern. My object is to listen to you on many levels and follow the wisdom of what is being presented during the session. If you have the need to move positions, quiet down, or speak… please feel free to do so. Our time together is a constant dialogue whether done in quiet or in expression.
Each client is approached in a unique way. There are clients who ask for very deep work, but their bodies say something else. Other clients tend to only want gentle massage touch but can never get deep into the core issues. My hope is that we can dialogue openly to come to a positive melding where the work gives you the optimal benefits during your session. Your boundaries and expectations may change. At the same time respect and integrity are always in the forefront of the massage and bodywork.
3. What is not included during the massage?
It would seem very clear to most, but not to everyone. At Lighten Up Therapies, we offer therapeutic massage, bodywork, energy work to provide health and wellness. Any implications of a sexual conduct is not invited or permitted. Clients do sometimes have intimacy or sexual issues that may be discussed in regards to trauma or in need of healing. However, we have a strict legal boundary against any sexual activity.
4. How does the massage, bodywork and energy healing feel?
For the Craniosacral Therapy Sessions, clients feel a very light touch but often touch into profound deeper change initiated by the balancing of the nervous system. Depending on the person, some people might feel this during the first session, but most often the case is the more work clients receive, the more the body becomes more awake and sensitive to the benefits. As the person relaxes and the body opens, often the work can go into deeper layers. I always ask my clients to let me know what is comfortable for them. With the Structural Integration, as the superficials layers let go, it is helpful to go deeper. Often people are surprise that they feel pain in areas that they never though about. In this case, I ask clients to use the words, “lighten up, slow down or stop.” This is only for clients who prefer to go into the deeper core fascial work. Energy Healing Sessions may be done long distance, off the body, sitting or on the table. Energy is always apart of the session because it is was keeps us alive. We need to be processing energy to live. However I am working, clients usually feel many energy shifts.
5. Is Massage always Recommended?
Sometimes people have medical conditions that are contra-indicated. So please let us know when you call if you have any medical issues. If you do, please talk to your physician first.
6. What if I am uncomfortable with my Body
I have been doing healing and Massage Therapy for over 15 years. I have seen so many conditions that it does not phase me. I have volunteered in Hospice and worked with people right after surgery. Client with weight concerns have often visited feeling very much at ease after the massage. Body image is really about our thinking process and the intention at Lighten Up Therapies is to free the mind of whatever is causing pain by providing a safe and nurturing massage environment.
7. How do clients feel when they finish?
Everyone has a different experience because they are individuals. However, most people who work with me feel more energized, longer and freer structurally, decreased pain symptoms, relaxed and more balanced. The work at Lighten Up Therapies is meant to restore you back to your natural comfort.
Payment is received at the end of the session.
If you have any more questions about Massage, please feel free to write Sharon at SMSHartnett@gmail.com
Warmly,
Sharon Hartnett LMT
740 966-5153