Massage Therapy in Brentwood!
How long should a massage take?
What should I wear during the massage?
Is massage actually “good for you,” or does it just feel good?
Are there any reasons a person should not get a massage?
How does one find a good massage therapist?
How do I schedule a massage appointment at In-Shape City?
How do I schedule a massage appointment at my own home?
How do I schedule a massage at my workplace?
Experiences vary depending upon the therapist and the type of establishment you are visiting. The following describes a standard visit to Brentwood Massage at In-Shape City.
Upon your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a short intake form, giving a brief overview of your medical condition and general preferences for massage, including areas that need work, and music or other environmental preferences. You should plan to arrive about fifteen minutes early to fill out this paperwork and have a brief consultation with the therapist before your session begins.
You will be escorted into the massage room and given directions for getting ready for the massage. The therapist will leave you for a few minutes to allow you time to undress and get situated under the sheet. Candles and soft music enhance the sense of relaxation that massage brings.
Feel free to speak with your therapist or ask any questions during your massage, however the therapist will generally not try to initiate conversation. This is your time to enter a state of complete relaxation, to forget where you are, and allow all of your worries to melt away.
At the completion of your massage, the therapist will again leave you to rest briefly before you get back up and dress. You may choose to go straight to the shower or steam room before dressing. A clean robe and sandals are provided for you, and the therapist will escort you to the locker room.
Payment may be rendered following the session. You may choose to schedule your next session at this time to ensure your preferred time is available. A discount is also offered for sessions that are paid for in advance.
How long should a massage take?
Table massages are generally offered in 30-, 60-, and 90-minute sessions. Chair massages are 30 minutes or less. If you are seeking spot work just in one specific area, then a 30-minute session will probably suffice. Full body massages require at least 60 minutes. Standard industry practice allows the client 10 minutes to undress and dress before and after a table massage, thus a “60-minute massage” will generally be about 50 minutes of actual hands-on time.
What should I wear during the massage?
Chair massage and shiatsu are both done without lotion or oil and with the client fully clothed. In both cases, soft loose clothing should be worn and jewelry removed. Swedish massage and deep tissue work are done on bare skin with a lotion or natural oil. Most clients prefer to be completely unclothed for a full-body massage, with the body appropriately draped with a sheet at all times. However, it is completely acceptable to wear underwear for the massage. Your personal comfort is the most important factor.
Is massage actually “good for you,” or does it just feel good?
Massage has been used as a healing technique throughout the world for at least 5000 years. In recent decades massage has found a place of increasing legitimacy within Western medicine as numerous scientific studies have revealed solid evidence of improved health through touch therapies.
Some of the proven benefits of massage include:
Removal of toxins from the body,
Stretching superficial tissue,
Improved lymphatic and venous flow,
Breaking up and loosening subcutaneous scar tissue,
Increased nutrition to skin cells,
Increased white blood cell count,
Improved respiration of the skin,
Stimulation of the sensory receptors of the skin,
Relief of joint ache and pain,
Improved posture and self-esteem,
Improved skin tone and texture,
Improved digestion,
Reduction of emotional stress and other disorders,
Release of natural endorphins, promoting relaxation and euphoria.
Are there any reasons a person should not get a massage?
Yes. In general, if you are under a physician’s care for any reason, it is a good idea to check with him or her first. Massage is generally not recommended for patients with uncontrolled hypertension or blood pressure, or diabetes. Massage should not be employed if you have a fever, hematoma, or phlebitis. Abnormal skin rashes, varicose veins, and arthritic joints should be avoided by the massage therapist. Other conditions contraindicative to massage work exist. Always check with a health professional if there is any question in your mind.
How does one find a good massage therapist?
This is a difficult question, because the quality of a massage is far more subjective than you might think. The same massage performed by the same practitioner on two different people may elicit completely different responses from each recipient. In short, though, if the massage makes you feel good, you’ve probably found a good therapist. You can ultimately only reach that conclusion through trial and error, however by closely examining the professional credentials and referrals for prospective therapists, you may be able to eliminate the unlikely candidates early.
California as of yet has no state certification for massage therapists, though most municipalities have minimum requirements for city licensing. However, it is possible in many parts of the state for a practitioner to call him- or herself a “CMT” with little or no professional training whatsoever. In your search for a good therapist, make sure that the candidates hold a diploma and certification from an accredited massage institution, and that they are licensed by their local city or county government. Next, ask for referrals. Most professionals are more than willing to supply you with a résumé of previous employers or clients who are willing to give testimonials. Call these people and ask frankly what they liked and didn’t like about this particular therapist. Finally, ease into your relationship with your therapist. Instead of jumping right onto the table, engage the therapist in a conversation of your needs and possible treatment plans. Try a five-minute chair massage to get a feel for his or her technique.
There are a number of different massage therapists who work at In-Shape City. They operate independently from each other and from the club itself, so you need to know exactly who it is you want your session with. In-Shape City staff members will not schedule appointments, so you need to contact your chosen practitioner directly. Massage appointments with Melissa Kirk may be scheduled over the phone, at (925) 848-5166, or online by visiting www.BrentwoodMassage.com. Melissa Kirk provides sessions on an appointment-basis only, however appointments are available any time during club hours.
How do I schedule a massage appointment at my own home?
Appointments with Brentwood Massage may be scheduled in the comfort of your own home. In fact, more than one therapist may be requested for side-by-side massages with a loved one for that special, intimate occasion. The therapist will bring the table, sheets, lotion, oils, and music. All that is needed from you is a suitable space—at least 6’ by 10’ per table. A sunset massage in your own backyard is a great way to end the day. A home visit fee of $15 per practitioner is charged for East County residents. Rates vary for other locations, and minimum charges may apply.
How do I schedule a massage at my workplace?
On-site massage has become extremely popular in recent years for small businesses, large corporations, universities, and public events as a means of reducing stress, rewarding employees or customers, or simply drawing a crowd. Many managers are discovering the very low cost-to-benefit ratio of on-site massage. Fees may be charged directly to the massage recipient (usually $1/minute) at no cost to the company, or stand-by massage therapists may be retained by the employer for as little as $50/hour per practitioner. For more information, or for a quote, call (925) 848-5166, or click here for a flyer.
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Where can I find more information about massage therapy? Please check the regularly updated “Literature & Links” page for articles on a wide variety of massage-related topics.
