Frequently Asked Questions

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Your massage therapist may require you to fill out a health history form, Intake form, Informed Consent, and an additional intake form if you are receiving Manual Lymphatic Drainage. 

Afterward the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. 

Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.

It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.

Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

You should undress to the level of comfort. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session if you leave your underwear on, that's fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as she can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session.

Your massage therapist should give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table. 

 This is known as draping and your therapist at In.Cension Massage & Wellness insists on draping. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.

The genitals and breasts will not be uncovered. If the therapist is going to work on a woman's abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen. 

 A session consists of massage, time for you to dress and undress and time to communicate with the therapist to make your massage truly customized. This is done to ensure each and every massage session you receive from your therapist meets or exceeds your expectations. 

All massage treatments begin and end on time.  You should arrive about 10 minutes early for your session to allow time to get on the table without interfering with your scheduled time.

30-Minute Massage:  Half-hour appointments only allow time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet.

60-Minute, 90-Minute & 120-Minute Massages:  The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour or longer if you choose.

Many people prefer a 60-120 minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

 This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that does not probe very deep into the muscles, should not hurt. With that being said, there is a ‘hurt so good’ hurt and an ‘ouch, stop it’ hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the ‘hurts so good’ range.

Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body’s natural response, not against it.

Please communicate with your therapist if pressure is uncomfortable or intolerable. 

 Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days.

If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day – much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness.

After your session, you should increase your water intake. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body’s tissues hydrated and healthy.

It varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 60-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.

Frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment when he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues.

 There are a few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, COVID, or contagious skin infection.

There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt her techniques (i.e., arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e., cuts or burns). With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This does not mean you cannot get a massage.

But it’s always better to be cautious.

 While your therapist may play slower and quieter type of music, you can choose to have different music or no music at all. 

Studies have shown that music at under 60 beats-per-minute has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and therefore can enhance your experience.

However, while this may be true, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be played while you get a massage. It is perfectly okay to bring your own music with you to your session from home (Bluetooth connection only).

Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD  is a specialized and gentle massage technique which is intended to encourage the natural drainage of lymph fluid from the body tissue. Using very light rhythmic pressure, the therapist helps drain puffy, swollen tissues, supports the body's immune system, and helps the body heal from surgery. 

 Virtually everyone can benefit from lymphatic drainage as a way to boost their immune system, especially during cold and flu season, or anyone who suffers from allergies, chronic sinusitis or bronchitis. 

MLD is especially beneficial for inflammation as a result of injury or trauma to the body, such as, joint sprains or post surgery.

You can begin MLD treatments in as little as 3 days post op, however, at In.Cension Massage & Wellness we require that all drainage ports be removed and all incision wounds closed.

Because every body is different, there is no clear cut answer. Some may feel relief immediately where as others may not feel relief for 2 or more sessions. 

Yes. MLD will be most effective if treatment is continued at home between sessions. 

It's important to remember that lymph needs to be stimulated in order to move and that lying down and resting, while necessary, does not help the flow of lymph fluid. 

Elevating the effected limb(s) will help decrease swelling. 

If you're receiving lymphatic drainage as a result of plastic surgery, you will need to wear the compression garments as directed by your physician.

While there are no adverse side effects know with MLD, some clients report an increase in urination due to fluid drainage. Clients who receive MLD for sinus related issues often report a rapid onset of cold or sinus symptoms 12-24 hours after a session. If you think you have or are getting a cold/sinus infection it is best not to get MLD until after your cold has cleared up. 

Tips are never expected but always appreciated. If you have received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation to the therapist, the average tip ranges between 10-25%. If paying with a credit card or check, the tip can be added to the total. 

Rescheduled appointments or those canceled with less than 24-hours notice will be charged 50% of the treatment service. Missed appointments (No call No show) will be charged the full price of services. 

Please give 24-hours notice if you need to reschedule your appointment so that that hour may be made available to others.