Whole Body Health Center
Massage Frequently Asked Questions
I’VE NEVER HAD A MASSAGE BEFORE. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
HOW DO THE THERAPIST AND I BEGIN INTERACTING?
HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO UNDRESS?
WHAT DO I DO? WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
THERAPISTS OFTEN SUGGEST DRINKING LOTS OF WATER AFTER A MASSAGE. WHY?
SHOULD I GIVE MY THERAPIST A GRATUITY?
IS MASSAGE OR BODYWORK NOT ADVISABLE UNDER SOME CONDITIONS?
CAN TWO OR MORE OF US HAVE MASSAGES AT THE SAME TIME?
I’VE NEVER HAD A MASSAGE BEFORE. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Expect to feel good again, to feel pain relief, to feel comfortable and safe. Expect proper draping and a therapist who will listen and perform a massage treatment following your guidelines. You are the one in charge – you can choose how your session unfolds.
HOW DO THE THERAPIST AND I BEGIN INTERACTING?
After a brief interview where the therapist identifies your interests and needs, the therapist will leave the room while you disrobe to your comfort level and lie down between the sheets on the massage table and cover yourself with the blanket. They will knock on the door in a minute or so to confirm your readiness, then enter the room, take a few seconds to focus their attention, and begin gently to massage you. It is fine to wear underwear or running shorts if you wish, but many clients prefer to remove all clothing to have any problem areas thoroughly treated. Sports massage requires undergarments, as stretching and moving is part of the treatment. Be assured that through proper draping techniques, specific areas are covered throughout the entire session.
HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO UNDRESS?
You undress to your level of comfort, knowing that you will be covered for the entire session, with only the area being focused on exposed as each area is respectfully treated. You are encouraged to let the therapist know if at any time you feel uncomfortable.
WHAT DO I DO? WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
Please arrive for your appointment on time. The therapist, room, and time have been set-aside especially for you. We value your time, and appreciate that you value ours as well.
Relax and perhaps take a few deep breaths. Your therapist will gently massage or move you as needed throughout the massage (e.g., stretching your neck, lifting an arm, massaging a foot). You may talk during your session, to ask for deeper or lighter pressure, or you may remain quiet. If the pressure the therapist is applying is too much or too little, please let them know as they work with you. Therapists will talk as little as you prefer. Open communication with the therapist is encouraged in order to maximize the benefits of the treatment.
ARE LOTIONS USED?
We use essential oils/aromatherapy in lotions specially created to enhance the flow of touch and meet your needs, without leaving greasy aftereffects. The therapist may select from a variety of flower and herb essences, with your input if you like. Peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile are some of the more common aromatherapies. Additionally, depending upon the treatment, the therapist will use medicated oils (PoSuMon or Woodlock), or topical anesthetic (Biofreeze or Sombra). Often the therapists use a blend of oils, created to relieve a specific condition such as a headache, backache, hot flashes, strained or overworked muscles, etc. You may also request unscented lotion.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTERWARDS?
Relaxed and rejuvenated is common; sleepiness is possible. Freedom from long-term pain is also common, although repetitive action with your body can necessitate additional treatments. After an initial relaxation period, increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity may last for some time.
If your body is very tense or stressed when you come in, or you do not have regular massage, the release of waste products stored in your muscular tissues could cause headaches or muscle soreness. Remember, massage is a mini workout for your body, which brings benefit following any initial soreness. If you ever have a question about what you are feeling after a massage, be sure to ask your therapist, or call us.
THERAPISTS OFTEN SUGGEST DRINKING LOTS OF WATER AFTER A MASSAGE. WHY?
Water helps your body flush waste products from your muscular tissues. In effect, massage cleanses your body by getting metabolic waste moving, but it needs a vehicle to remove the waste from your body. Water is like the trash man helping you to eliminate unwanted waste. Eliminating the waste helps you to maintain higher physical and mental energy levels.
By the time you’re thirsty, you are often already dehydrated. An easy benchmark of quantity is to divide your body weight in half. Whatever that number is equals the number of ounces of water you should drink in a day. If you’re really active, add another 10%. Water is vital to keeping all of your tissues healthy and functioning efficiently.
SHOULD I GIVE MY THERAPIST A GRATUITY?
Gratuities are always appreciated, but not expected. The industry standard for gratuities is 15 – 20% of the cost of the service. You can leave a gratuity with your therapist, with the receptionist, or place it in a gratuity envelope, conveniently located at the reception desk. Feedback is always welcomed and often solicited by us. Our policy is to exceed your expectations and provide the best possible massage experience for you.
IS MASSAGE OR BODYWORK NOT ADVISABLE UNDER SOME CONDITIONS?
There are some contraindications for massage in particular circumstances. For example, we would not massage directly over a tumor or if there has been a recent blood clot. However, once we know these issues, we can work with you (in the majority of cases). We have massage therapists trained in many specialty areas -- pregnancy, injury rehabilitation, and sports massage are just a few – with proper protocols and guidelines to follow. Please note in the case of illness, fevers are contraindicated and otherwise bodywork can make fevers feel worse at first.
CAN TWO OR MORE OF US HAVE MASSAGES AT THE SAME TIME?
Yes! We have multiple treatment rooms and often work with couples, families, wedding parties, or employee groups at the same time….each person in a separate room. Massage is a great way to spend some nourishing time on yourself, and to know that a friend or loved one is in the next room makes it even better. Call early for arrangements.
780 Simms Street
(Concentra Medical Building)
Suite 102
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 232-2600
The Whole Body Health Center is located on the southeast corner of 8th Avenue and Simms Street. From the 6th Avenue exit onto Simms Street, go north 2 blocks to 8th Avenue.
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