This has long been the perception of massage. However, as we continue to learn about the physical and mental impact of stress, the medical community increasingly recognizes the tangible health benefits of massage. Stress manifests both mentally and physically, and massage can act as a tune up for the body and soul. 

In a perfect world where we all have the time and money, everyone would get some form of massage on a daily basis. In reality, the answer to this question is unique to each individual. If you’re seeking to relieve chronic pain, address persistent conditions that interfere with your daily life, or stimulate recovery from an injury, you may want to commit to weekly sessions. More frequent massage will contribute to more significant results. For stress management or basic maintenance of your overall health, once a month may be more appropriate. 

Unfortunately, cost is the biggest determining factor for most people. For many, once they notice how massage benefits their daily lives, they find a way to plan regular sessions by incorporating massage into their budget. 

No! Traditionally massage is performed without clothing to allow the best access to your muscles, but your comfort is our priority. If it makes you more comfortable, feel free to leave your underwear on. Bra straps tend to get in the way of working on the back and shoulders, so it is best to keep them out of the way if possible. A sheet and blanket will be used to cover you throughout the massage, with your therapist draping the sheet over areas of the body that are not actively being worked on. 

Absolutely not! In fact, for my own comfort I ask that you wait until I have exited the space to begin undressing. After we discuss your massage goals and plan an approach, I will close the curtains to the therapy space, leaving you alone to disrobe and slide under the blanket and sheet on the table. Once you are covered and ready, I will reenter and your massage will begin. When your massage ends, I will step out to give you privacy to get up and redress.

Yes. You will have a sheet and blanket covering you to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the massage. Only the area being worked on will be exposed with proper draping and covered again as the massage moves to the next area. If the office temperature is too high, and you find the provided blanket too much, please let me know and we can continue using just the sheet. 

Prior to your first session, you will complete an intake and consent form. Here you can decline permission to massage for specific areas of your body. Discuss your concerns with your therapist and together we will design a session plan you are comfortable with. 

The session is about you and your comfort. That being said, it is advisable to give permission to work on areas giving you problems. For example, many people dislike having their abdomen worked on – however, work on the abdomen can be central to addressing lower back pain, as your abdominal muscles wrap fully around to attach to your lower back. Likewise, leg pain may be caused by muscular issues in your buttock area (for example, Piriformis syndrome). 

Everyone has areas of their body they would like to change. As much as possible, try to leave your judgements of your body at the door. Body hair is natural and we assure you it will not bother your therapist (I didn’t shave my legs this morning either). 

For your own safety, it is best to share all health issues you have been diagnosed with and even all medications you are currently taking on your intake form. Even if you believe that a condition will be unaffected by a massage treatment, there may be issues you are unaware of. Likewise, some conditions may benefit more from the massage if the therapist is aware they exist and can attend to them specifically. All information (related to your health or otherwise) shared with your massage therapist is strictly confidential.

Massage will take place in a private office on the 5th floor of Om Land Yoga’s Bangor location at 6 State Street Suite 510. 

I typically use Biotone massage cream or 100% jojoba oil from The Jojoba Company (based in Waldoboro, Maine) for your massage. If you have a preference of one over the other, please let me know!

In general, oil provides more glide over the skin and works best for those with more body hair to prevent pulling. While still maintaining a considerable amount of glide, cream provides slightly more drag, allowing the therapist to engage the tissues with firmer pressure. It allows for deeper work on the tissues, while also being able to absorb into the skin for a less greasy feeling after your appointment. 

The majority of Swedish relaxing techniques require a certain amount of glide provided by the lubrication. Deeper tissue work needs significantly less, but some light use is still recommended for comfort. Myofascial and structural integration work on the other hand typically does not use any lubricant at all – the therapist’s intention is to “velcro” themselves to the skin and tissue, causing it to lengthen, stretch, and release – meaning they want to glide as little as possible. 

Relax. This is your time. Make yourself comfortable on the table and allow the therapist to do the work. You don’t need to help lift an arm or leg – in fact you shouldn’t. Trying to help can cause you to tense the muscles rather than relax them. For some techniques (especially during myofascial and deep tissue work) you may be asked to resist a motion to participate in more active techniques. In general, focus on breathing deeply and letting go. 

If you experience any pain or discomfort, do communicate that with the massage therapist. We will work together to find the pressure that helps you relax. 

If you are a new client or have had significant changes to your health since your last visit, you can complete a copy prior to arrival to protect your massage time. Avoid eating a large meal or drinking excessive amounts of liquid prior to your appointment time. Showering before arrival is ideal, but we know fitting massage into a busy schedule isn’t easy, if you’re coming from work or a busy day simply arrive as cleaned up as you’re able. 

Typically, clients get off the table following a massage either rejuvenated and energized or ready for a nap. How you react to your massage may be different each session. If you are new to the whole massage experience, you may find your muscles sore after a few hours or even the next day (particularly if the work you received was deep tissue oriented) – similar to muscle soreness after a good workout. You can help alleviate this feeling by staying hydrated, especially in the 24 hours immediately after your massage.

Please also remember to communicate how you’re responding to the pressure throughout your session. Everyone has a different tolerance level and while any good therapist should have some idea on pressure, only you know what is right for you.

There are many types of bodywork and each has its own techniques.  Consider your intentions for receiving a massage to help decide which technique is right for you. While some massage therapists work with a light touch for a more energy-oriented experience I specialize in massage with firm pressure and intentional manipulation of the tissues, including:

Deep Tissue – a focused technique for the treatment of overused and tight muscles. By slowly working specific muscles and performing range-of-motion stretches, we can affect deeper layers of your soft tissue. 

Swedish Massage – a more general technique involving flowing, gliding strokes and the gentle lifting, kneading and compression of the skin and muscle for more of a relaxing, stress relieving experience.

Myofascial Techniques – a specific treatment with the intention of elimination of restrictions in the fascia (the thin tissue “wrapping” muscle, bone and organs in the body. With injury, overuse and other trauma, the fascia can become “bound up” and will therefore restrict proper activity of the muscles. These techniques, although performed slowly, can be uncomfortable feeling (often described as a burning or sharp feeling) but have profound results in restoring function.

If you aren’t sure this is right for you, you can explore more about different types of massage here. 

Massage can reduce pain, enhance athletic performance, facilitate healing, and support your mental health. Learn more about the benefits of massage.