Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room in the far back provider area of For All of Maternity. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table with various support pillows/bolsters for your comfort. Standing or seated positions are also used for dynamic body balancing sessions.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage 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.

Dynamic Body Balancing sessions are done clothed - please wear stretchy or loose fitting clothing to your appointment to accommodate movement.

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 and blanket. She will knock before re-entering to make sure you are ready.

Will I be covered during my massage session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be worked on?
This depends on what you are looking to focus on as well as how long your session is. For pregnant clients, focus is given to the low back, pelvis, and glutes, but the whole body is connected so all other areas will receive some attention. It is up to you to inform your practitioner of what parts of your body are hurting or need care.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Your massage session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. An organic, scent-free, paraben-free, nut-free lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lotion also helps hydrate your skin.

A dynamic body balancing session is intended to help your body unwind itself and achieve balance. Using craniosacral, myofascial, and trigger point techniques, your practitioner focuses on releasing torsion and imbalances in the soft tissues of your body. This could be from previous injuries or traumas, physical or emotional, that the body has stored over time. Through gentle holds, slight distraction and compression of muscles, the body can release old patterns and eliminate long-standing pain that hasn't responded to other treatment.

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.

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 bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the session, make yourself comfortable by closing your eyes, taking deep breaths, and allowing yourself to get out of your head. You do not need to be obligated to make conversation. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). 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 bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Others report feeling lighter, more mobile, grounded, or balanced. 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.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
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. All of these benefits apply to pregnant people, in addition to relief from sciatica, round ligament pain, low back pain, nausea, and reduced swelling. 

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. 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 or recently had surgery, 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.