Where is My Elite Massage?
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
Is there anything I should or shouldn't do before the massage or bodywork session?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where is My Elite Massage located?
My Elite Massage is in Room 11B of Melange Gallery of Salons, 400 Parkwood Ave, Suite 104, in Friendswood, TX (in the Acadiana Plaza on the corner of Parkwood & Sunset).
As there are 41 business locations in the building, you will receive detailed directions once you make your first appointment. They will guide you to follow the entrance hallway until you reach the central lounge area with tables, TV, and vending machines. Then, turning right, take the hallway on the far left next to the magazine rack on the wall. My Elite Massage is at the end of this hallway next to the lamp post.
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage will take place in My Elite Massage's clinic.
For relaxation, blended, or prenatal massage, your massage or bodywork session, the room will be dimly-lit, comfortable, and quiet. Soft music will be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
For an orthopedic, deep-tissue orthopedic, or sports massage, it will be similar but feel more like a treatment room with the lights raised and music more as background noise. The table is also specifically designed for your comfort during orthopedic massage, but you may be asked to stand, sit, lie, and change positions more often throughout your session depending on your treatment needs..
Must I be completely undressed?
That depends. If you have chosen an orthopedic or sports massage, you are asked to bring shorts and, if female, a sports bra to wear during your massage. Most other massage and bodywork styles use techniques 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 (covered) during the entirety of the session.
Will the therapist be present when I disrobe?
No. For relaxation, blended, or prenatal massages, the therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.
For orthopedic, deep-tissue orthopedic, or sports massage, if you need to change clothes for the session, the therapist will leave the room while you do.
Will I be covered during the session?
During the more traditional style massages, you will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
During orthopedic and sports massages, you will be dressed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, hips, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Sometimes abdomen is included but that and five other areas (scalp, face, pecs, glutes, and feet) require your express written and verbal permission prior to the massage.
In an orthopedic, deep-tissue orthopedic, and sport massage, your massage will be assessment-based, meaning that although each of the above-mentioned areas will be tested, massage treatment is only performed on those areas in need of it.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxation massage (for our purposes a.k.a. a Swedish or traditional massage) is often a baseline for clients. In a general relaxation massage, your session will usually start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. A massage cream is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The cream also helps hydrate your skin.
Orthopedic, deep-tissue orthopedic, and sports massage will still create relaxation of your tissues but instead of cream, the therapist will use a myofascial product designed to allow him to glide or grip your tissue as needed in order to restore joint function and release the muscles tight due to its dysfunction. Regardless of the massage modality, you should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are several hundred types of massage and bodywork; various modalities utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
Is there anything I should or shouldn't do before the massage or bodywork session?
Before any massage treatment, avoid large meals or alcohol. It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water, speaking of which, it is also a good idea to visit the restroom beforehand so you can enjoy your massage without interruption.
If you can, try to give yourself plenty of time on either side of the massage, so that you don't feel rushed either before or after.
Make sure you tell your therapist in advance if you:
- are, or think you might be, pregnant
- have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication
- have recently had an injury or operation
- are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies
- have any broken skin or sores on your scalp
as any of these conditions may affect the kind of cream and treatment you receive.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
During the intake conversation prior to the massage, feel free to ask the therapist any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). During relaxation, blended, or prenatal massages, many people just close their eyes and completely let go, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. During any type of massage, remember that the therapist cannot affect a muscle you are using, so do your best to avoid helping or resisting unless the therapist asks for it. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or 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. On very rare occasions, some people have reported back following an orthopedic, deep-tissue orthopedic, or sports massage that they felt the next day like they had worked out, but then felt amazing the day after that.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and 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. Massage and 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 massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before your session, you accurately answer the general health questions in the client health history form and your preferences in the intake form. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking and update this information regularly. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
