Massage therapy

Massage Therapy is an umbrella term that refers to many approaches and modalities that all work with the musculoskeletal system to reduce pain & tension and improve mobility. At WW we combine therapeutic and more relaxation oriented techniques in a way that benefits a wide variety of conditions

Massage at Watershed Wellness

Massage Styles & Techniques

What to Expect at Your Massage Session

How much to undress for a massage

how can massage therapy help you?

Chronic Pain

All kinds of chronic musculoskeletal pain from most sources can be helped by massage therapy

Injury and Surgery Rehab

Repetitive stress injuries, injuries from car accidents and pain & mobility issues post-surgery

The Effects of Stress

Massage therapy is well known for its relaxation benefits, and it has been shown to reduce stress

Headaches & Migraines

Migraines and headaches that come from muscle tension and skeletal misalignment

Poor Circulation

Massage therapy can improve blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body

And more...

Research is continually being done to demonstrate the many benefits of massage therapy

learn more

Blog : Massage Therapy for Stress Relief - It works!

By Amanda Barp, LMT

Podcast : Non-judgment in Healthcare

By Eric Grey & Amanda Barp

Blog : How to get the best Massage Possible

By Amanda Barp, LMT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MASSAGE THERAPY

Do I have to get naked?

Ultimately, it is up to you! While skin-to-skin contact usually gives the best quality of touch in a therapeutic massage, there are many techniques that can be done even if fabric is present.

The majority of clients undress down to underwear, removing them when hip or gluteal work is an important part of the treatment.

We follow all state mandated draping techniques, so we'll never see an intimate part of your body that we shouldn't be seeing. Above all, you are in control of this aspect of treatment and can talk to us before your session if you have further questions or concerns.

What training do massage therapists receive?

Massage Therapy is taught at specialized trade schools that can be found in every US state.

Programs vary widely in length, but most programs are 1-2 years with a clinical portion near the end.

Programs teach a wide variety of techniques, but nearly all teach the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology and pathology, as well as Swedish and Deep Tissue massage techniques.

Massage Therapy is generally licensed by specialized state boards, and all LMTs must take a national board examination in order to apply for licensure.

Continuing education is required for LMTs to maintain their licensure, similar to most healthcare modalities.

Are there conditions or situations that aren't suitable for massage?

In general, if you have a condition that is worsened by increased circulation, such as metatastic cancer, you should be very cautious when receiving massage.

If you are very hungry, tired, dehydrated or intoxicated, you should not receive massage.

You should never receive massage if you are sick with an infectious illness like a cold, as it may worsen your symptoms.

Does massage hurt?

Depending on the focus of the massage, there are times when what we are doing will be uncomfortable. It all hangs on what brings you in that day. If you are coming in for a relaxation massage, we're not going to push you.

If you are coming in with a specific ailment that you'd like to be addressed, the massage has the potential to be a little uncomfortable at times.

At no point during the massage should you be gritting your teeth to get through something we are doing. If you are feeling discomfort to the point of tensing up, we'll ease up. If we don't, let us know! No hard feelings.

We're not of the philosophy of “no pain, no gain” and certainly have techniques that allow us to get the work done with minimal discomfort.

What if I become sexually aroused or get an erection during a massage?

It does happen sometimes, and it can be terribly embarrassing to the client. But, don't worry! This is a physiological response to touch that, in the context of therapeutic massage therapy, is nothing to be worried about.

All of our practitioners are trained to handle the situation with grace, and typically massage can proceed without issue.

How will I feel after a massage & how should I take care of myself?

Most people leave their treatment feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, and with less muscular tension. Many of our clients have reported having emotional responses later that day.

Massage can be a powerful release for a lot of people, and it can bring up some interesting things. Be kind to yourself and allow for whatever comes up. Hopefully you'll feel more relaxed and in less pain than when you came in. If this isn't the case, let us know what we can do to make your next session better.

Depending on your massage needs for the day, you might expect a little soreness after your treatment. Sometimes this doesn't happen until the second day after your massage. Stay hydrated, use heat if it feels good to you, and your soreness shouldn't last more than a day or two. Ice on soreness like this is generally not a good idea.

If you are so sore that you are cursing us a couple of days later, let us know before your next session and we will adjust our pressure accordingly for the next session.