I am Back

I am sorry that I haven't gotten back to everyone although I have been under the weather.  Although getting better.  Just did not want to get anyone sick....Now better that new let's get those massages in.  Ask about specials discounts....

A Client's Guide

So I came across this booklet, A Client's Guide, on the Manworks website. It was written by Jason T. I thought it may be helpful to those people who are wondering what your role as a client is.

Client's Guide

by Jason T.

I have been enjoying massage and bodywork for almost two decades. I could model for "Rochester Big & Tall Men's Fashions" because I am over six foot and over 240 pounds. I am a busy professional with irregular hours. I have had my share of excellent massage experiences which motivated me to become a long time client and I also have had the opposite. I have even broken some of these cardinal rules and had to accept the consequences. Accept my advice; learn from my mistakes.

Read the ad. Read the ad thoroughly and comprehend what you read before making contact. Don't be blinded by the pretty pictures, read the words too. Pictures can be misleading but together they say a lot about the masseur and more importantly whether he would be a good masseur for you.

Make contact. Email & texting is okay if it's okay with him, but the phone is usually the preferred method; especially for appointment confirmations. Ask questions if the answers are not found in his ad BUT bear in mind, if his ad says 'Therapeutic' only, you shouldn't ask for erotic services. Be upfront. If you're ticklish, have any previous injuries, conditions, etc. Full disclosure can prevent pain, embarrassment, hurt feelings & disappointments.

Be prompt. Essential! Moreover, you should be mindful of his cancellation policy. Things happen in everyday life but Always Always Always give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Some masseurs may impose a penalty. Tardiness? We all hate it. Masseurs hate it more. Being late kills the mood, the atmosphere; your session will suffer. Miss Manners (if she cared about such things) might recommend compensating him for the tardiness. Your time is precious and so is his.

Hygiene, baby, Hygiene. Be freshly showered & scrubbed before arrival, especially if a shower is not available at his location. Brush your teeth before arrival. Breath strips are your friend. Never underestimate the awful destructive power of bad breath. Beware the silent gross-out! Athlete's foot. Treat before getting a massage or letting anyone touch your feet. The potential for embarrassment is great for you. The potential for disgust by your masseur? Just as great.

Be respectful. Use good manners especially during initial contact. Be mindful of his boundaries; you know what I am saying.

Thank him. Tipping while not mandatory is strongly encouraged. Tipping says you enjoyed the experience, you appreciate his efforts and you'd like to return.

Write a review about your experience and email a copy to him. He will appreciate it and the review will nurture a good business relationship. Potential clients will factor your words into the decision of which masseur to choose.

"Should I Tip My Masseur?" ...And 20 other commonly asked questions about massage therapy

I cam accross this articvle and wanted to post is because these are common questions that I am asked. It is important that you have trust in the person that you decide to see.  The more times you see your massage therapist the more comfortable it will become.  We will also learn each others body.

"Should I Tip My Masseur?"

...And 20 other commonly asked questions about massage therapy

What is the difference between an incall and an outcall?

An incall means you travel to the masseur’s studio or home for your massage. An outcall means the masseur comes to your home or office or hotel.

How is payment arranged?

Traditionally, the massage is given first, and payment is made after. The masseur you choose may have a different arrangement.

Is it customary to tip a massage therapist?

Tipping is customary, and is based on how well you enjoyed the experience. The normally tipping range falls between $10 and $30, but your decision to tip and how much is personal, and entirely up to you.

Do massage therapists use tables?

Most Western varieties of massage, like Swedish, utilize massage tables, which give support to the client as you lie on your stomach, and cradle your face in a comfortable position. If your massage is an outcall, you’ll need to make sure you have room, if your masseur uses a table. Some therapists practice massage varieties that use the floor, like Thai or Ayurvedic. Some masseurs prefer to work on a bed, if it is large enough. If the therapist’s website does not specify, feel free to ask him when you contact him for the first time.

Which is better, oils or creams?

Many styles of massage require the use of a lubricant between the skin and the hands of the masseur, and oils and creams are equally popular. Your therapist may have developed a preference for one depending on which makes his technique most effective. He may give you a choice between cream or oil. For the most part, creams are water-soluble and wash off a bit more easily. Oils tend to soak into your skin and help moisturize more intensively. Many therapists scent their oils and creams with essential oils, which is known as aromatherapy. If you have sensitive skin, or specific allergies, it is always best to tell the masseur, so he can avoid the use of scents which might be irritating.

Will the massage hurt?

Most varieties of massage are not intended to be painful. However, some therapeutic varieties can be uncomfortable, like Deep Tissue or Acupressure. If you are experiencing pain, let your therapist know! He will tell you if you need to endure it, or he will change his pressure and technique to ensure that he doesn’t cause pain again. If you are having a therapeutic massage which is painful, it is best to breathe deeply and evenly and not panic. 

How do I go about booking a massage, from start to finish?

Choose a masseur from our database that interests you. If the masseur has a website, it is customary to visit his website first to gain information about his technique and training. Then contact the masseur via phone or email. If his website does not specify, feel free to ask questions like “How long have you been practicing?” “Do you use a table?” “What types of creams or oils do you use?” “Are you clothed?” or “Do you offer release?” Very few therapists are offended by these questions and would rather clarify their position before the massage is booked. Never be afraid to ask questions up front. Once all your questions are answered and you are ready to book a massage, give the masseur your preferred time, and whether you want an incall or an outcall. He will find a way to schedule a massage that works for both of you. If the massage is an incall, make sure to get good directions to the therapist’s location. It is alright to ask if he works out of his home or a studio. If the massage will be an outcall, give good directions to your location, complete with a phone number where the masseur can call if he is lost or stuck in traffic. Agree on your form of payment at the time of booking, whether you will use cash, check, or credit card. The masseur may give you instructions on how to prepare for your massage. (The basic rules of thumb are to make sure you’re very clean and that you have a warm environment free of distractions.) When the therapist arrives for your massage, it is best to just let him guide you through the entire experience without trying to exert too much influence of your own. This is his profession, he went to school for it, and he does it every day. Let him set up, then enjoy your massage, square away payment, get a business card, and say goodbye!

I pulled a muscle while working out or jogging. Should I get a massage?

Muscle strains are common problems. The fascia (connective tissues which surround our muscle fibers) can tense up under stress, which causes muscles to retain lactic acid, and keeps out lymph, the fluid which bathes muscle cells in oxygen and eliminates waste. Massage is an excellent way to help heal these problems. But you should choose a variety of massage that is medically therapeutic in nature, like Deep Tissue or MyoFascial, and ensure that your therapist is well-trained. Communicate with him very clearly about how you injured yourself.

I’ve been in a car accident and my neck and back are really sore. Should I get a massage?

Anytime you’re involved in a serious accident of any sort, you should first check with your doctor if you’re planning on getting a massage. Massage can be an excellent way to help treat pain from auto accidents, but you should be thoroughly checked to ensure that you have no herniated discs or skeletal injuries before a massage therapist works on you. Also, make sure you explain your pain and injuries to your masseur before he begins to work on you, and tell him if you feel pain or discomfort during the massage.

I’m really stressed from work, and my back and neck are killing me. Should I get a massage?

This is an excellent time to book a massage, especially one of an Eastern variety, like Thai, Reiki, Esalen, or Hot Stone Therapy, or even lighter Swedish work. These massages were designed to help calm and balance the body, and are extremely relaxing. Deep therapeutic work, like Deep Tissue, may not be advisable at this time, as it can provide additional stress to the body.

I’m diabetic. Is it okay to book a massage?

Advanced diabetes can cause a decrease in circulation to the extremities. Massage can help revitalize circulation. It can also directly affect blood sugar levels, which can be both good and bad. Consult your doctor before booking a massage, and make sure your therapist knows you’re diabetic.
 

Is there a bad time to book a massage?
You shouldn’t book a massage when you’re sick. Massage causes a release of toxins from the muscles into the bloodstream, and if your immune system is already under attack from sickness, this can make you feel worse. If you’ve just had a major operation, ask your doctor before booking a massage. Likewise, if your immune system is compromised due to medication or disease (like diabetes or HIV) you should also consult your doctor before booking a massage.

Will I be naked?

Each massage technique is different. Some are performed on top of clothing. Most are performed on bare skin. Every masseur should give you the option to be draped, which means to cover your groin area with a towel or sheet, should you want to retain that modesty. Many therapists who practice Western styles of massage, like Swedish or Deep Tissue, customarily drape their clients. Many masseurs who practice Eastern varieties like Thai, Lomi Lomi, or Reiki, do not drape unless their clients request it, as draping tends to isolate and separate the groin area as being bad and thus associates negativity with it. You should not hesitate to request draping if you desire it.

Do massage therapists have to be licensed?

It depends on the state and/or city in which they live. Many states require a certain number of training hours, followed by a test. If the state in which you live does not require the licensing of massage therapists, the city where you reside may. California is an example that has no state-wide regulation, but most cities have very strict regulations for licensing massage therapists.

What is RMT, CMT, MTI, NCETMB, etc?

RMT stands for Registered Massage Therapist and is a common way for states to refer to legal practitioners of massage. CMT is the same thing, just meaning Certified Massage Therapist. MTI stands for Massage Therapy Instructor, and generally indicates a higher level of education, as an MTI masseur can also train others to become masseurs. NCETMB is a test administered by a national organization and accepted by most states, and any therapist who has passed this test can be considered well-educated. In addition, you may see many credentials listed by masseurs on this website which relate specifically to the style of massage they practice, such as Reiki Master, or Sacred Intimate. For information on these you may ask the masseur, or contact the regulating organization for the style of massage he is practicing.

Can massage be dangerous?

In the hands of a good masseur, massage is overwhelmingly beneficial. In the hands of an untrained therapist who is working very deeply, however, stress to the muscles and connective tissues can in some cases be damaging. If you are seeking a therapeutic massage like Deep Tissue, Acupressure, Sports, or Trigger Point, it is best to ensure that your masseur is licensed, well-educated, and has been in practice for awhile. It doesn’t hurt to get feedback from his clients, either.

– Benjamin Starr, C.M.T.

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What is Massage Therapy3

The term massage therapy (also called massage, for short; massage also refers to an individual treatment session) covers a group of practices and techniques. There are over 80 types of massage therapy. In all of them, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body, often varying pressure and movement. They most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows, or feet. Typically, the intent is to relax the soft tissues, increase delivery of blood and oxygen to the massaged areas, warm them, and decrease pain.

A few popular examples of this therapy are as follows:

• In Swedish massage, the therapist uses long strokes, kneading, and friction on the muscles and moves the joints to aid flexibility.
• A therapist giving a deep tissue massage uses patterns of strokes and deep finger pressure on parts of the body where muscles are tight or knotted, focusing on layers of muscle deep under the skin.
• In trigger point massage (also called pressure point massage), the therapist uses a variety of strokes but applies deeper, more focused pressure on myofascial trigger points--"knots" that can form in the muscles, are painful when pressed, and cause symptoms elsewhere in the body as well.
• In shiatsu massage, the therapist applies varying, rhythmic pressure from the fingers on parts of the body that are believed to be important for the flow of a vital energy called qi.

Massage therapy (and, in general, the laying on of hands for health purposes) dates back thousands of years. References to massage have been found in ancient writings from many cultures, including those of Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Japan, China, Egypt, and the Indian subcontinent.

In the United States, massage therapy first became popular and was promoted for a variety of health purposes starting in the mid-1800s. In the 1930s and 1940s, however, massage fell out of favor, mostly because of scientific and technological advances in medical treatments. Interest in massage revived in the 1970s, especially among athletes.

More recently, a 2002 national survey on Americans' use of CAM (published in 2004) found that 5 percent of the 31,000 participants had used massage therapy in the preceding 12 months, and 9.3 percent had ever used it. According to recent reviews, people use massage for a wide variety of health-related intents: for example, to relieve pain (often from musculoskeletal conditions, but from other conditions as well); rehabilitate sports injuries; reduce stress; increase relaxation; address feelings ofanxiety and depression; and aid general wellness.