What are the benefits of massage starting with Bodywork?

Bodywork offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. Massage has many physiological effects, such as:

• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
• Stimulating the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.
• Reducing spasms and cramping.
• Increasing joint flexibility.
• Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
• Releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
• Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema and reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.
• Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.
• Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.
• Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.
• Contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays.

It's important to note that there are some conditions where massage is not recommended. For example, massage is contraindicated in people with:

• Certain forms of cancer
• Phlebitis
• Some cardiac problems
• Some skin conditions
• Infectious diseases

Your practitioner should ask you about your specific health conditions and determine if massage, bodywork or somatic therapies are a good idea. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctor's permission before providing services.

Where did you receive your training and are you a member of any professional organizations?

I have completed my massage program at the North Eastern Institute of Whole Health on 22 Bridge Street Manchester, NH 03101. I am now nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and I am in the process of being licensed by the State of New Hampshire.

I am currently a member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

A warm and friendly welcome!  I will meet with you to discuss your treatment,  and you will complete  a short medical information form.  You will have an opportunity to ask as many questions as you want before your session. Your massage will be conducted in a comfortable, private room with your choice of soothing music or ambient sound. My standard massage sessions last one hour, unless you request less or more time based on your needs. Basically, it will be a wonderful, quiet, relaxing time to heal and take a break from your hectic day!

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Must I disrobe completely?

You may do whatever is comfortable for you.  Since the massage is about you and your comfort I will customize your session to your comfort level.  If you are not comfortable removing your clothing, other techniques, such as chair massage, can be used.

A massage is most effective if all clothing is removed. This allows the therapist to be in direct contact with skin and makes tissue and muscle manipulation much easier. You will be covered by a sheet at all times, ensuring privacy.   Remember that before the session begins I will answer any questions you may have about the techniques and procedures used. One of my primary goals is for you to feel relaxed, comfortable and safe so you can maximize the experience!

Make sure you are comfortable. Ask for what you need. While  a massage therapist should be  attuned to recognize signals of discomfort, the client is the only one who really knows what he/she is feeling. 

PLEASE ask for adjustments to:

• body positioning
• massage pressure
• room temperature
• lighting level
• music volume
• body draping

anything that will make you feel more comfortable. Your guidance is ALWAYS appreciated, and is very important to the outcome of your session. Once you are comfortable, relax and be open to the healing possibilities.

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Does massage hurt?

There's a fine line between therapeutic discomfort when a knot/adhesion is worked out, and pain when the muscles tense to protect themselves.  There may be initial discomfort when working out a knot or adhesion but the discomfort should subside.  If it does not subside, tell your therapist immediately.  It is very important to feel that you can communicate your discomfort level. 

So you decide how much, if any, discomfort you'll experience for a positive outcome. Working within your comfort zone can achieve great results!

Drinking lots of water is always important. One of the best tools of preventative health maintenance is drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. The human body is composed of 70% water, and water is involved in nearly every bodily function, including digestion, nutrient absorption, circulation and waste excretion. During a massage, toxins are massaged out of the muscles into the blood stream. Drinking extra water helps to eliminate these waste products from the body.

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I have additional medical questions, but don't want to call a doctor.  Is there a website that I can visit? 

While I would never discourage anyone from consulting their physician for medical advice, information is available online.  If you have general questions about medical conditions, prescription information, etc. try visiting  http://www.webmd.com

Will massage fix whatever is bothering me?

Healing is a process with many components. There's no quick fix,  not even with massage. Massage complements other traditional and non-traditional healing methods. Since a high percentage of  diseases are stress-related, massage is an excellent stress remedy.  Massage may significantly relieve symptoms and speed recovery for many conditions. And, since massage is relatively non-invasive, it is safe in most cases unless specifically contraindicated.