4 Nov Massage FAQs

Swedish massage is the foundation of every Massage Therapist’s education and training. This technique focuses on relaxing the entire body by working on releasing tension in the more superficial layers of the myofascial tissue. Myofascial is the fibrous connective tissue that encloses and separates each muscle, providing support throughout the entire muscular system. Swedish massage utilizes long, slow strokes that warms and stretches myofascial, opening the tissue which in turn opens the muscle. This technique does wonders for stress tension because tension caused by stress is held mostly in the myofascial tissue.

Deep Tissue massage is a technique that goes beyond the myofascial tissue and targets the inner layers of the muscle for a deeper release of tension. This technique is best for addressing areas of chronic pain or tension due to injury, overuse, sports, or any other kind of musculoskeletal issue (issues that deal with both the muscular and skeletal system). However, Deep Tissue doesn’t necessarily mean digging in deeper to the body in a way that causes pain. Deep Tissue massage is most effective when the application works with the body. If a Massage Therapist tries to force their way in deeper when the body doesn’t want them to, it will tense up and resist the pressure. This is very counterproductive and will only cause unnecessary pain or even bruising.

Deep Tissue and Swedish massage are not listed on the menu because rarely is a massage all one technique and not the other. Most massages are a combination of both; working deeper where the muscles need it and more superficial where they don’t. There are endless ways of combining Deep Tissue and Swedish so it’s important to find the right combination that works for you. That’s why we have our massages listed as “Customized” because your massage will be tailored to your specific needs and goals for your reservation using a combination of these and other techniques.

That’s simple; your body, your rules. If there are areas that you don’t want to have massaged, then they won’t be massaged. Upon your first visit, your Massage Therapist will have a thorough conversation with you about what to expect for your massage, any concerns, and what your goals are for the session. You will always be asked if there are any areas that you don’t want to have worked on.

Hydration is crucial for before and after your massage. During the massage, your body’s lymphatic system kicks in along with the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is basically your body’s waste disposal system. It consists of a large network of glands, vessels, nodes, and tissue that move (among other things) waste produced by our muscles such as lactic acid and calcium deposit. These are the “toxins” that massage releases in the body that everyone talks about. Being hydrated helps flush out the waste and prevents your body from reabsorbing waste that is released but doesn’t get expelled from the body.

Some of our guest’s favorite thing to do after a massage is to go home and relax with a glass of wine. This is perfectly ok as long as you drink at least 8 – 12 ounces of water along with that lovely glass of wine.

For those that receive deep tissue massage it is recommended that you don’t do any intense exercise the next day. This gives your body the time it needs to settle from the deeper work.

Ideally, every 4 -6 weeks is what we recommend for those that want to incorporate massage into their self-care routine. However, don’t let that scare you off; if four weeks is too much of a commitment, some come every 3 months, and some come once a year or just on special occasions. The important thing is that you get it in when you can, and when that totally depends on what fits you and your life.

If you don’t like the pressure, please, let your Massage Therapist know. We want you to have the BEST experience possible and if there is anything that needs to be adjusted, changed, or added – like the pressure or more focus in one area, we want to know!

Here at Paradigm our age limit is 10 years old with parental consent and attendance. Minors between the ages of 10 -14 years old, we ask that the parent stays for the reservation, participates in the consultation, and waits in the seating area right outside the massage treatment room. For minors 15 -17, completing our parental consent form is filled out prior to the reservation is all we require, as long as the parent and minor feel comfortable.

You will be asked to undress to your comfort level. If you prefer to leave your underwear on or remove them for your massage is completely at your discretion. For women, we do recommend at least removing bras and other undergarments the like (if you are comfortable) because this will give your Massage Therapist full access to your back. This is also something you can discuss with your Massage Therapist during the consultation before you get on the massage table. Your Massage Therapist has absolutely no preference and will work within your level of comfort.

You are more than welcomed to talk, rest, or even sleep, or do whatever combination of the three that comes naturally. Some guests find talking to be more relaxing than staying quiet and vice versa. It just depends on your personality and what makes you feel more at ease. The worst thing you can do is try to force yourself to be one way or the other. Your Massage Therapist will take their cue from you and either join you in conversation or in silence!