Therapeutic Massage

The massage therapist lubricates the skin with massage lotion or oil(Wills Chiropractic's massage therapists use Muscle Comfort Cream) and performs various strokes that warm up and work the muscle tissue, releasing tension and breaking up muscle "knots" or adhered tissues, called adhesions. Massage promotes relaxation, eases muscle tension and creates other health benefits.

Before the massage, our therapist will ask you about any injuries or other conditions that she should know about. Things you would want tell a therapist include areas of tightness or pain, allergies, and conditions like pregnancy. You can also tell them up front if you have a preference for light or firm pressure. It's best not to get a massage if you are ill.

Our therapist will then instruct you how to lie on the table -- face up or face down, and underneath the sheet -- and then leaves the room. She will knock or ask if you are ready before entering.

What Can I Wear? 

During a massage you generally remove the clothing that covers the parts our therapist will be working on. Sometimes this may be removing all clothing except for undergarments, and may be for women removal of the bra. You then lie underneath the sheet. The therapist uncovers only the part of the body she is working on, a technique called draping. 

You usually start by laying face up under the blanket. Our therapist generally starts by working on your neck and shoulders, using various massage strokes that include effleurage(gliding), kneading, friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping.

When she's finished with the neck and shoulders, she may work the front of each arm and each leg. When done with the front  side,she holds the sheet up and looks away while you turn over putting your head (face down) in a U-shaped face craddle so your spine stays neutral; then she quickly covers you again. Our therapist then massages your back, back of each arm, back of each leg, and generally finishes with the back of your neck and shoulders.

Some therapists work in a different order, and all have their own style and techniques. If you only have a short amount of time, you can ask them to spend more time on a certain area. If the pressure is too light or too firm, you should speak up and ask the therapist to adjust it.

• infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
• immediately after surgery
• immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
• people with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before getting a massage
• prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
• pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
• massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask our massage therapists.