Myofascial Pain Care

More than massage...

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the therapist be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What will the bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of techniques in IMT bodywork?
What should I do to prepare for therapy session?
How will I feel after the bodywork session?
What are the benefits of bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make bodywork inadvisable?

Where will my bodywork session take place?
Your bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. Lighting will be ambient and soothing. There are overhead lights and window with both blinds and curtains which allow for a variety scenarios. You will lie on a table that can be heated for your comfort. Linens are laundered with steam and fragrance free detergent. 

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session. Healing Touch requires no clothes to be removed. Myofascial Release is best performed with loose fitting shorts for lower body and women can leave their bra on or wear a tank or cami style shirt. You can choose to be under a sheet or blanket or both for added comfort. It is entirely up to you.

Will the therapist be present when I disrobe?
I will leave the room and wash my hands while you relax onto the table. Before I enter the room again, you will be asked if you are ready.  

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.  
 
What will the bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for most people. IMT does not have a sequence of strokes associated with typical massage. Each therapy varies and therefore the starting point of contact varies. I believe treating areas of restriction until there is a full release is more beneficial than glossing over the entire body. There are many sessions that address the whole body just not in a predictable pattern. Listening to what your body wants to 'let go' is not only therapeutic, but often surprisingly very deeply relaxing and healing.  As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased and/or decreased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. It is also important to communicate what you are feeling everywhere in your body, not just where I am applying pressure or stretching. Remember everything is connected in the fascial system. Bodywork is most effective when your body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of techniques in IMT bodywork?
There are numerous types of techniques utilizing different strokes, including basic strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, stretching and 'unwinding' of neck and limbs. When TMJ dysfunction, migraines or head trauma is treated I may treat the inside of your mouth. If these intraoral techniques are performed I wear nitrile gloves and coach you through the entire process. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do to prepare for a therapy session?
Prior to your therapy refrain from applying lotions or oils to your skin on your body, moisturize your face as you normally do.  

How will I feel after the bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins (naturally occurring metabolic waste) are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your therapy. This type of bodywork is not over when you get off the table. Because the changes to soft tissue and structure can be so dramatic you may notice for the following 24-48 hours additional tenderness while your body processes the changes. It is not always typical and I generally know if this may occur based on the extent of release and your response upon standing. What is happening is intriguing. Your brain has adapted to pain or dysfunction being 'normal.' When the body shifts to an optimal alignment and releases restrictions and pain; the brain is confused because it adapted to the dysfunction to help you cope. The day or two following therapy your brain and body process the improvements.  

What are the benefits of bodywork?
Bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, I will ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform me of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

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