Frequently Asked Questions

Your First Massage?
What is a Massage Therapist?
What are some types of massage?
Is massage ok in every situation?


Your First Massage?
What is a massage session like? The first session with a new client is an hour and a half for a one hour massage. This allows time for a general health interview with the massage therapist.

Depending on the primary technique used, the client may or may not need to undress for the massage. For a full body massage most people undress completely, although many choose to wear underwear. The therapist will give the client privacy to undress and all areas are draped throughout the massage except the area being worked on.

Most therapies occur on a table designed for comfort and stability. Scented oil or lotion is used for many techniques and soft, relaxing music is playing. For specific problems warm, moist towels are used to loosen up the tense area before massage is attempted.

What is a Massage Therapist?
A massage therapist is someone who has completed many hours of education in a variety of bodywork techniques. Extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology is incorporated into the training as well as knowledge of when massage is or is not appropriate. In most states massage therapists are required to test for licensure, as in Hawai`i. Ask your therapist for his or her credentials and unique training modalities.

What are some types of massage?
Part of what makes massage so varied and dynamic is the large variety of massage modalities. There are too many types to list them all here, although in the West, most people are familiar with Swedish massage. Swedish massage includes large gliding strokes, kneading, vibration, friction and tapping. Relaxation is the desired therapeutic outcome for this type of massage.

More specialized massage types include deep tissue massage, myofascial release, facilitated stretching, trigger point therapy and somatics, among many others.

Massage modalities in the Pacific Islands and East include lomi lomi, tui na, shiatsu, watsu, and chi nei tsang, to name a few.

More specialized modalities often have more specific therapeutic outcomes. For example, deep tissue work is often used to address pain in a localized area or break up abnormal fibrotic tissue from an old injury.

Is massage ok in every situation?
No, some health problems are worsened by massage. These are called contraindications and are broken into three categories – local, regional, and total. Some contraindications include:

Fever: total
Acute infectious disease: total
Inflammation due to tissue damage or bacterial infestation: local/total
Osteoporosis: regional/total depending upon location and severity.
Varicose veins: regional
Phlebitis: total
Aneurism: total
Hematoma (bruising): local/regional
High blood pressure: Massage o.k. with permission of physician. Stimulating massage should be avoided.
Cancer: Only therapists trained to work with cancer patients should be consulted.
Intoxication: total
Skin problems: local/regional
Hernia: local/regional
Other conditions or diseases: Massage given under advice of a physician