Massage FAQs
What are Paul’s credentials? |
Board certified, state licensed, and trained by a premier institution of massage education (The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy), Paul’s commitment to the profession and conviction in the quality and benefit of massage is unwavering. Involvement at the national level (as a board certified therapist and committee vice-chair of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) ensures staying up to date on current techniques and trends. As a trained member of MERT, Massage Emergency Response Team, and responder at Ground Zero, September 11, 2001, his conviction and commitment to the power and benefit of massage care is evident. |
How can massage benefit me? |
Massage has the unique ability to relieve pain, reduce stress levels, and connect one to his/her body-all this while being non-invasive, feeling great, and having no negative side effects. Pain addressed by massage can be caused from torn, overworked or tired muscles. Tension and stress reduction provides improved flexibility, reduced potential for injury and improved quality of life. Connection with one’s body helps an individual feel more comfortable in his/her skin and improved knowledge of how one interacts in situations and environments. |
Haven’t experienced massage? What to expect: |
When you arrive for a massage Paul will greet you and provide a brief health history form to help better address your needs. Following an opportunity for us to share information and answer questions you will be given time to undress to your level of comfort and get on the massage table, covered by a drape to ensure comfort, warmth and privacy. At all times your comfort and privacy is respected. After half the time of your session has elapsed, you will turn over and work begins on the other side of your body. At the end of the session you are given time to gently return to reality and get dressed at a slow pace. All information you provide to your massage therapist is held confidential, under the same guidelines used by physicians and chiropractors. |
What should I bring to my session? |
Bring yourself. You do not have to dress, shower, or shave specifically for your massage. Massage easily fits into any lifestyle. |
What should you avoid before or after a massage? |
Prior to a massage avoid large meals or excessive fluids. It is also wise to avoid excessive caffeine. During a session we avoid chatter to allow you to relax, enjoy, and take in the maximum benefit of the massage. To avoid a tension ‘rebound’ try to pace the time following your massage in a calm, uncluttered manner. Upon receiving massage your body’s tensions are reduced. The time following massage is best spent maintaining and incorporating this lowered tension level. If you begin ‘running’ frantically upon completion of your session, you will negate the positive effects of your massage. If you pace yourself slower following your session, you will ‘hold on’ to the reduced tension level and allow your body to understand and incorporate a reduced tension level for a longer period of time. |
When should I avoid receiving massage? |
Massage is contraindicated if you have an infectious flu, cold or a contagious skin condition. If you have questions about receiving massage because of a medical condition ask your doctor or massage therapist. Under even the most severe medical situations massage can usually safely be incorporated including instances of cancer, HIV and skin conditions. |
Will massage hurt? |
No, massage should not hurt. Many people explain that sometimes they enjoy a firmer pressure to engage and work out areas of discomfort, but this must be balanced with the ability of the client’s body to relax and absorb the work. It is preposterous to use brute force while a client’s body is tightening due to pain. Conversely, a firm pressure that operates within one’s comfort allows the recipient’s muscles to relax and disengage. Sometimes more is more–ALWAYS the best pressure is one that allows you to relax while firmly yet gently acknowledging the muscle tension. Sometimes, after a tense area has relaxed, tenderness arises, brought about by the body’s ability to remove toxins stuck in the area prior to massage. This will be minimal and last not more than a day or so. |
What are your rates and hours? |
That information is available on the Rates & Hours page >> |
Still have a question that was not answered above? Send a message using the Contact page >>