Frequently Asked Questions




Where will my massage or Structural Therapy session take place?

Your massage or structural therapy session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie, covered at all times, on a table especially designed for your comfort.


Structural Therapy is performed on a specially designed table that is lower and wider than a normal massage table.



What is the difference between Massage Therapy and Structural Therapy?

Massage Therapy can encompass a wide variety of techniques and modalities depending on the needs and goals of the client with a general underlying goal of promoting relaxation through individual sessions.


Structural Therapy is a very specific ten-session format, spaced within seven days of each other, with the goal of helping an individual in their fight against gravity.

The first three sessions specifically releases the outer shell (muscles of the body) to create space and new flexibility.

The next four sessions release all the deep muscles to fill in the space created in the first three sessions and fully release the body.

The last three sessions integrate the muscles and body as a whole to return it to full proper alignment and function through integrated psychophysical reeducation.

Structural therapy can be more intense, and in cases of truly tense musculature and holding patterns or postural distortions, it can be somewhat painful. The goals of Structural Therapy are to return balance to the muscles of the body over the course of ten sessions.

For more information, you may google "Structural Integration" which gives an overview of the foundations of Structural Therapy.



Must I be completely undressed?

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear.

You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

If you are receiving Structural Therapy you will not be unclothed, but it is recommended you wear a two piece swimsuit (for women) or compression shorts for men. This would be discussed in detail prior to your first session.



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.

Will I be covered during the session?

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. Structural Therapy works a bit differently since movement is often involved as a part of each of the ten sessions.



What parts of my body will be massaged?

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.



What will the Massage or Structural Therapy feel like?

A relaxing Swedish massage or integrated massage is the baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. With integrated massage (what clients generally prefer) the techniques are melded from different modalities to meet the specific needs of the individual's body. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. A light lotion is often used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lotion also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Structural Therapy is more intense. It is long, slow strokes with movement and position changes. Many people find it very relaxing, others find Structural work very intense; the experience varies from person to person and can involve emotional release as old patterns of holding the body caused by old emotional situations are released. Structural Therapy can be cathartic for both the body and the mind due to the repositioning of the body back into its proper position in the gravitational field.



Are there different kinds of Massage and Bodywork?

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.



What should I do during the Massage or Structural Therapy session?

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or 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 completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. It is recommended that you concentrate on your breathing (breathing deeply and fully in and out) as this can increase your relaxation and enhance your massage. 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 Structural Therapy?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since waste products are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. It is possible you will feel some soreness the next day if your muscles were especially tense, but that will pass within 24-48 hours, just like after a good workout.



What are the benefits of Massage and other Bodywork?

According to various sources (many linked on our Facebook or Twitter feed) 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 muscular tissue, 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 well-being.



Are there any medical conditions that would make Massage or Structural Therapy inadvisable?

Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions, and a full intake form is filled out before the first session of massage or Structural Therapy. 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 for a specific condition, 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.





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