
Whether this will be your first massage or you've had many, you can expect a
warm, comfortable atmosphere. My name is Stacey Garrett, I've been practicing
massage since I graduated from Hands on Approach School of Massage in July of
2002. I've had the privilege of serving some of the same clients since I was an
intern there that summer.
My advanced training includes Certification in Pregnancy, Labor and Post-
Partum, Thai Herbal Poultice Massage, Hot Stone, Reflexology, Deep Tissue -
Lower Back, and CranioSacral Therapy I specialize in helping people relieve all
types of pain, especially lower back pain, but my clients tell me I give a really
deeply relaxing massage also.
I'm registered with the State of Texas, MT034022. My massage establishment
number is 2050. I'm a member of American Bodyworkers and Massage
Professionals.
Massage on healthy tissue will not be painful. We may find a few sore spots, but
other than that you will not be in any pain.
We will begin buy setting up a client profile for you (takes 2 minutes), during
which we will address issues such as:
Any medical conditions or injuries that I should be aware of
Areas of your body that you would prefer that I not work on, such as ticklish
feet or a sprained ankle
Areas that need therapeutic attention
Any other preferences for your massage
Then we will briefly discuss the goals for your massage. You will be properly
draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable or we can just use a towel
or two if you are hot natured. You are more than welcome to stay fully clothed or
less. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. A light oil or lotion will be
used to permit your muscles to be worked on without excessive friction to your
skin. A typical one hour session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet,
hands, head, neck, gluts and shoulders. At no time will genitals or breasts be
massaged, exposed or touched. The session will start with broad, flowing strokes
which will help to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension.
As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will be gradually increased to relax
specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. I will check with you on
occasion for adjustments to pressure and temperature. 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.
How to Make the Most from Every Massage!
Massage can be a powerful tool to help your body best perform its countless
functions in its goal to maintain a healthy balance. Why not do everything you can
to get the best possible results from every massage session? This article is devoted
to providing you with some hints to make the most from your bodywork sessions.
Before your session...
The mood of your session can be affected by the things currently influencing your
life. You can improve your results by preparing yourself before your massage
time. If you can put the events of your life on pause for a little while and truly
devote your session time to taking care of you, the benefits you experience can be
greatly enhanced. Life really will wait a couple of hours for you — and you’ll be
in much better shape to deal with your responsibilities when you are feeling your
best! Other things you can do, as time allows:
Take a relaxing bath or shower before your appointment time
Limit consumption of caffeine and sugar, as well as other stimulants
Avoid eating immediately before your appointment
Allow extra time in your schedule so you don’t have to rush to be ready for your
session. Otherwise, it may take longer to reach a relaxed state.
Be aware of your current condition so you can report anything that needs
attention. It’s important to explain what’s going on healthwise, because changing
health conditions can affect your massage needs.
During your session...
Share what’s going on. If you have a tender spot or an injured area, bring it up so it
can be addressed. If you feel you need more pressure or a lighter touch during the
session, please say so. If everything is great, you can lie back and relax. If you find
your attention is on something, bring it up so you will be able to lie back and relax!
Specify your preferences. Everyone has different needs and wants, so share yours!
Is everything in the massage environment okay? The temperature? The lighting?
Any other distractions? Are you completely at ease? Do you like certain music? Is
the volume okay? Do you like specific techniques? More time spent on a certain
area? Each session is especially for you, so please communicate about what you
want! If there is anything you don’t understand, please ask so we can discuss it.
Let it all go and relax! One of the major massage goals for many people is to lessen
tension and stress. Many of those aches and pains that demand our attention are
linked to stress. In fact — according to Dr. Sandra McLanahan — eighty percent
of disease is stress-related, so maximizing the relaxation in each session should
help you to maintain a much higher level of well-being!
One way to quiet your mind is to focus your attention on the session — really get
in tune with your sense of touch.
Proper breathing helps you to relax and to reach your session goals. Slow, deep
breathing (from the gut) will provide your body with much-needed oxygen, while
signaling your body to let go of its tensions.
After your session...
If at all possible, allow for some quiet time before you continue your busy life.
Drink extra water!! Massage releases waste products and toxins from your
muscles. Increasing your fluid intake lowers this toxicity and lessens the strain on
filtering organs.
Before your next session...
Make your massage results last by avoiding as many stressful elements as possible.
Schedule your next appointment! When you make bodywork a regular part
of your life, you are helping your body to maintain a better state of
balance. In the long run, you stand to enjoy much better health gains
through consistent sessions.
Make note of anything that occurs between sessions to bring up next time.
Enjoy your life!
Nothing is more important than your well-being, so make taking care of yourself
a high priority. When you feel your best, you are in a much better condition to
deal with all of life’s challenges and demands.
Hopefully, this list has given you at least a couple of helpful hints. If there are any
other points you’d like to bring up, please do so. And if you have any questions
regarding your massage and bodywork sessions or your health, feel free to ask.
When you make
bodywork (massage
and/or chiropractic) a
regular part of your life,
you are helping your
body to maintain a
better state of
balance. In the long run,
you stand to enjoy much
better health gains
through consistent
sessions.
What to Expect