Where are you located?
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?
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 are you located?
The office of Body Matters is located in a cozy building just east of 16th Street on Thomas Road (1640 East Thomas Rd, Studio B) in Phoenix. There are two structures on the lot. The building close to the street is a separate Chiropractic practice. Studio B is the building further back on the property. Park your vehicle facing the east wall. Be mindful not to block the exit to the east of the Chiropractic office.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client fully unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. If choosing to fully dress down, you will be properly draped with a sheet, towel or blanket during the entire session. If you have any questions about dressing down please discuss it with your therapist.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel. Your therapist will knock and make sure you are comfortable and covered before entering. 

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped with a sheet or towel at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Draping allows the therapist to skillfully uncover the area of the body to be worked while establishing a clear boundary and the prioritization of comfort and modesty. Once addressed, the area will be recovered before the therapist moves on to work a new area of the body. Should you feel any discomfort, please voice concerns to your therapist. 

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include face, head, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, back, hips, arms, legs, hands and feet. Any of these areas may be avoided to accomodate different comfort levels. Sessions addressing specific issues will focus techniques on the tissues involved. Please discuss questions, concerns and priorities with your therapist for best results. 

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. A Swedish session consists of broad, flowing strokes that calm the nervous system, relax superficial muscles and increase body awareness. A deep tissue includes gradually increasing pressure to target specific areas of resting tension and alleviate stiffness. With deep and specific styles of bodywork the ideal therapeutic pressure can described as a "hurts so good" sensation. Meaning that the current pressure provides relief but an increase in pressure would illicit resistance, discomfort or pain. The therapists goal is never to "go as deep as you can". Other forms of bodywork like Cranial Sacral Therapy use a very light touch leaving you feeling profoundly relaxed and renewed. Regardless of the style, please communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that pressure can be adjusted or another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting, this includes tension in other parts of the body or holding of breath. Discuss goals and comfort levels with your therapist to find the style of bodywork that best suits your needs.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes like kneading, gliding, rocking, stretching, posture and movement re-education, hydrotherapy, use of tools, etc. Discuss goals and comfort levels with your therapist to determine which modality may be most appropriate for you and your needs.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. 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 report feeling lighter, more relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains resulting from tension or repetitive activity. Some experience a sense of lethargy, or inebriation playfully referred to as "massage drunk". After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Continued hydration and restful activity is recommended after your session. Allow space for your body to find its balance. 

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Receiving regular 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 tissues, 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 body awareness and well-being. Sessions with specific goals aim for more specific results. Discussing the benefits you are most interested allows your therapist to develop the best protocol to suit your needs. 

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. 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.