Massage Therapy - Masseuse Linda Kostenko, RN

“An Investment In Your Health”

Learning how to relax
Relaxation is a skill that can be learned.  The deep relaxation experience of massage can be recreated in our daily life when we become aware of early stress signals such as stomach or shoulder pain.  This is a powerful technique to practice.

Support for healthful changes
Massage is a simple and easy way to relieve tension and stress so that your energy can be reserved for more healthy activities like family and friends.  The massage therapist may also be able to recommend additional stress relieving strategies and techniques such as yoga, exercise, and nutritional changes.  

You may be wondering…
How much clothing do I need to remove?   Most commonly people remove most or all of their clothing for a full body massage and are draped with a sheet throughout the session.  Undress as much as is comfortable for you.  For chair massage and some other types of massage, undressing is not necessary.  If you are uncomfortable about receiving a massage for this or any reason, be sure to discuss your concerns with your massage therapist.

Will I feel embarrassed about the massage therapist seeing my body?  Massage therapists are there to help you feel better, not to judge you.  They see a wide variety of body shapes and sizes and work with each client as an individual.  Since massage is an affirming experience, it can even help you come to appreciate your own body more. 

Will massage hurt?  A massage should feel relaxing and enjoyable.  If your massage therapist is working in an area of chronic pain there may be some initial discomfort which should quickly ease.  If you do experience pain during a massage always let your therapist know so that she or he can adapt to your comfort level.

How frequently should I get a massage?  The more often you receive a massage, the more benefits you will notice.  Your therapist will help you decide the best frequency for your appointments to meet your specific needs.

Isn’t massage a luxury?  Can I afford it? 
Even if a massage were just an enjoyable experience, you deserve it.  If you are concerned about affordability, talk to your massage therapist about options, including varying lengths of massage.

But massage is more than a luxury.  It promotes health by relieving stress, reducing muscle tension, increasing circulation, and enhancing your overall energy and vitality.  Receiving a massage is an investment in yourself.  It pays off by improving your capacity to fulfill your responsibilities, to take care of others and to lead a more satisfying life.

Now that you have scheduled a massage…
Before your massage, consider…

• Having meals planned ahead or ready;
• Having support/help scheduled at home;
• Planning a “Date” with your partner or friend;
• Making plans to go to bed early;
• Other relaxing activity of your choice.

During your massage, allow yourself to relax and enjoy getting the most from the experience.

After your massage make plans to relax for the remainder of the day. 

Ref.

• 1996, 2006 Information for People, Inc. Natural Touch Marketing for the Healing Arts.