Frequently Asked Questions

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?
The office is located in a professional medical building with access for those with disabilities.  Your treatment session at Marin Rehabilitative Massage Therapy will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed?
Many massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed while being covered by professional draping throughout the session.  For your own ease of mind, please disrobe only to your own personal level of comfort.  If you choose not to disrobe, please wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow the greatest benefit from your therapy session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Your practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanketing.  You will hear a knock on the door to alert you before your therapist re-enters the therapy room.

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be professionally and 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 massaged?
Your therapeutic treatment plan will dictate where the focus of your therapy will take place.  An effort is made to include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders, and abdomen each session. Specific treatments will focus only on those particular areas prescribed by your physician.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
In a general, your session may start with gentle rocking that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, more specific treatment will begin.  You may expect stretching, and an increase of pressure to relieve areas of muscular tension.  You will be asked to actively participate by communicating any discomfort, providing verbal feedback, and performing any active movements that will enhance the therapy.  A massage cream may be used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
After your initial interview and assessment with your massage therapist, a specific treatment program will be tailored and discussed with you.  Many different types of therapies will be considered when planning and performing your session.  

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. Once you settle on to the massage table, make yourself comfortable. During the massage, your job is to relax, but it is also important to communicate with your therapist. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed from you throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). During your rehabilitative work it is imperative to tell the therapist about sensations you are having as you receive the therapy. This information is used to gauge the effectiveness of the work guide the treatment session.  You will occasionally be asked to assist in the treatment through gentle movements.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. With this type of rehabilitative care, if you feel some soreness for up to 24 hours, please realize that this is part of the healing process.  It is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage as your body rehydrates tissues.  Be prepared to be gentle with yourself following any therapy.  In the rare case that  you suffer from increased symptoms, please contact your therapist.

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.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why we ask you to complete your health history form and schedule time for and interview and assessment with your Marin Rehabilitative Massage therapist. It is essential that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, 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.