FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (let me know if you have a question not addressed here.)
What is the difference between medical massage and "regular" massage?
All massage is supposed to de-stress the body and reconnect the body with the mind. Medical Massage is a very goal-oriented, and specific treatment session that pinpoints pain reduction you are experiencing. We'll talk about what the issue is, establish a goal for the session, and I will use all the skills I have to try to eliminate discomfort, deactivate a trigger point, increase range and quality of motion. Hopefully bring you to a more balanced state of mind at the end.
What the heck is a Trigger Point?
The best way I can describe it is a little mini cramp in a muscle that impinges a nerve causing a localized highly intense pain in that area or referred to another area of the body via the nerve channel. They often feel like a bb or nodule. When one releases there is usually a satisfying "woosh" of blood flow or a small wince of pain followed by a huge relief.
Do I have to be completely naked to receive massage?
Absolutely not. A session can be done completely clothed or partially - I will work with you however is best for YOUR comfort level.
How do I know a massage therapist/establishment is legit?
In order to practice massage therapy in Hawai'i (and most other states,) a licensed massage therapist MUST have a license to practice (MAT) and work in a licensed establishment (MAE) which must be displayed for public view. You can look up a therapist and/or establishment before your first visit and verify their legitimacy at the DCCA Professional Vocation Licensing division. It is also law that their license numbers be on all marketing and advertising pieces. It is your right to ask them to show you their license if you don't see it.
Do I have to endure pain in a massage? No pain, no gain right? Will I offend my therapist if I say something?
NO, no a thousand times, no. If you are experiencing pain, speak up. If ANYthing in your session is bothering you, speak up. Massage should not hurt. That said, there may be some discomfort if a particular area has a trigger point, or the connective tissue is really ischemic (lack of blood flow,) It should never be more than like a work-out sore or "hurt so good" sore and should diminish. If you don't feel it getting better, speak up. It may mean your therapist has to change tactics or go to another area and then return. Conversations are always better and your therapist will educate you on so much. If you are not at ease, your nervous system will not accept the work. Please speak up.
Side Note on Deep Tissue vs. Hard Pressure:
Our muscular structure is in many layers. Muscles more towards the skin are called "superficial," those below are "deep." Deep tissue work is when the lower levels of muscle and fascia need to be addressed in order to reduce discomfort and establish more blood flow in the deep layers. This doesn't always mean hard pressure. A trained therapist who has learned many different modalities will use the proper "tool" in order to address the body in order to achieve the goals of the session. "Specificity" sometimes is the proper way to reduce discomfort. Singling out one muscle or attachment site or a trigger point rather than just hammering away at the whole body. That said, there are folks who just like hard pressure in their session. As always, a clear conversation should be had to make sure the goals of the session are met.
How come you worked one side of my body differently than the other?
If you are seeking balance from a specific pain in one limb/area of the body, or a postural distortion, then I will work each area of the body differently to achieve that balance. If I do the exact same thing everywhere, you may remain out of balance or bring on pain to an area that wasn't in pain to begin with. We don't want that.
Do you have a specific question, or think I should address a specific issue? Let me know!