Riverspointe Spa

“Your Sacred Space”

As a general rule, EVERYONE can benefit from massage therapy.  There may be certain modalities or types of massage that will fit certain people better.  For instance, for the elderly, relaxation massage would be more appropriate than a faster-paced Sports Massage, or Deep Tissue Massage.  Those who are on anticoagulants such as Coumadin should not receive Deep Tissue work, but would benefit from the relaxation and improved circulation that a Swedish Massage would provide.  Those who are suffering from a cold or flu should not get a massage.  The highly circulatory nature of massage can overwhelm the lymph nodes and immune system as a whole and make you feel a lot sicker.  And you should not receive massage if you have had a recent alcoholic beverage, as massage causes  alcohol to circulate very quickly through your body.  You will be asked to fill out a short intake form upon arrival at Riverspointe Spa, so that your therapist can tailor your massage to your unique needs and expectations. 

A massage should never cause you extreme pain.  There is a ‘hurts so good’ kind of pressure, and a ‘hurts so BAD’ kind.  It should never cross your pain threshold.  On a scale of 1-10:  1=“did a butterfly just land on me?” and 10=“I might die from this”, effective therapeutic pressure should be at a 6-8.  Your therapist will check in with you several times for pressure, but it is YOUR responsibility to let your therapist know if pressure is ever too much for you—or if it’s too little for that matter.  For a relaxation massage, the range of 4-6 is appropriate. 

That is entirely up to you!  If talking is part of your healing process, then by all means chat away!  Generally, however, it is easier for the body to relax when the mind and mouth are at rest as well.  Don’t feel like you have to “fill the silence”.  Your therapist is not bored with the silence—giving massage is a very meditative experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

You should only undress to your comfort level.  Some people take everything off, some people leave their underwear on.  Regardless of how much you disrobe, you will never be exposed during your massage.  You will be resting under a sheet for your massage, and your therapist will only undrape (uncover) the part of you they are working on—your back, one leg at a time, etc.  Your therapist will be able to work a little more effectively into the glutes and hips with underwear removed, but it is entirely at your discretion. 

How much clothing should I take off for a massage?

Should I talk during the session, or just be quiet?

What kind of pressure is the best?  Is it ‘no pain, no gain’?

Is there anyone who shouldn’t get a massage?

· There is nothing ‘gross’ about anyone’s body.  We get asked so many times “how to you deal with touching everyone’s bodies”?  The human body is a beautifully crafted machine.  Your massage therapist is only thinking of ways to relax your muscles and create a quiet space for you to get the most from your massage. 

· It is most helpful to us for you NOT to help!  If we are lifting an arm, leg, or your head, don’t try to help by moving your limbs.  This creates tension in your body and negates the benefits of the massage.  Sometimes this is easier said than done!  It can be difficult for people to relax and let someone else move their limbs. 

· We want you to get the most from your massage—so, if anything is uncomfortable, needs adjusting, if the music is not right, if our pressure is too much or too little—let us know!!  Your massage is your time to relax, reflect, heal, and unwind.  Let us know how to create the environment you need to do that. 

· Emotional release is common when receiving a massage—it is entirely normal to release stored emotional stress or trauma during a massage.  This can be any range of expression such as crying, sighing, sniffling, muscle spasms, or putting words to what you’re feeling.  This is a safe space for any emotional expression, and your therapist has been trained to help you through your healing process. 

· Massage Therapy is non-sexual therapeutic work.  Sexual innuendos, suggestions, or physical actions are inappropriate and will terminate your session immediately.   You will still be responsible for full-payment for your massage.  Your massage therapist is trained to provide therapeutic chest-work, deep abdominal work, and adductor work (groin) in a non-sexual context. 

· Massage Therapy is complimentary with any other form of bodywork, including chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture—among others.  Do talk with your other healthcare providers for their recommendations for the best form of bodywork for you. 

What does my massage therapist want me to know?