Lagniappe Massage Therapy

1.    What should I expect from my first massage session?

I will ask you to fill out a health form that includes your health history, any medications you are presently taking and any illnesses or injuries you now have or have had in the past.  Massage can be contraindicated if you are on certain medications or have certain health conditions.  Sometimes I may ask you to get a release from your doctor before continuing with your massage.

2 .   Where will my massage session take place?

 I have a private room in the chiropractic office of Dr. Eddie Wells.  For an additional charge, I will come to your residence or business.  Soft music will be playing in a low lit room and you will lie on a table specifically designed for comfort during a massage. My massages are still available by appointment on week days, weekends, and/or evenings.

3.    What do I wear during my massage?

Depending on the massage therapy you choose, you may be fully dressed, as in a chair massage, or if for Swedish massage on the table, you would undress to your level of comfort and would be under covers. The therapist will step out of the room while you get undressed and get under the covers on the table. Only the area of the body being massaged would be uncovered, and then re-covered after that area has been massaged. Most people leave on their underwear, some men prefer to wear gym shorts. It is all about what you are comfortable in wearing.

 4.    What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?

You will lie comfortably and relax! If the therapist needs for you to move, he or she will tell you.  Otherwise, let your therapist move you the way he or she needs to best work on that area to be massaged. Most of the time, the therapist does not need any help! If you need to move to be more comfortable, then by all means do so! You may close your eyes, you may even go to sleep, some people fall right to sleep because it is so relaxing and they trust their therapist. Feel free to talk if you wish, and ask questions. Be sure to tell the therapist if you are uncomfortable, if something hurts, or if they are not applying enough pressure and you want a deeper massage. Communication is very important.

5.   What will I feel during the massage?

It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage,which is usually the basis for each massage.  In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, deeper pressure will gradually be increased to relax knotted muscles and relieve areas of tension. A light cream or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin.  Be sure and tell your therapist if you have any skin allergies. I use an all natural massage cream which I make from scratch.  In 5 years I have never had anyone break out from the cream.

6.    Is massage always appropriate?

No. There are certain medical conditions that will not tolerate a massage. There are also certain medications you might be taking that would make it inadvisable to get a massager, or the therapist may need to use a different technique. That is why it is very important to fill out the health form in the beginning and to tell your therapist at your subsequent visits of any changes in your meds or your health. 

 7.   How long will my massage session last?

Most sessions last approximately 1 hour. Some go over, or you may just want a 20 to 30 minute session. It is up to you. This is your massage, you tell the therapist what you want to do.

8.    How will I feel after the session?

Most people feel relaxed, some feel energized.  You may experience a little soreness in certain muscles that were knotted after they have become loosened.  Be sure to drink a lot of water for the next 24 hours so the toxins that have been released into your system by the massage can be flushed out.  You can also soak in an Epsom salt bath which can help relieve soreness and bring out toxins.