How long is a massage?
We budget enough time for each session to allow us to understand what your massage needs are, check in with how life is going, and get you rescheduled after your massage. We aim to give you an hour of hands-on treatment time, assuming you arrive reasonably on time. In general, you can expect to spend about an hour and fifteen minutes in total.
What insurance plans are accepted at Watershed Wellness?
For more about insurance billing at Watershed Wellness, please see this page.
Will 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.
We wrote an article on this topic as it is a common concern.
Do I have to listen to whale calls or flutes during my massage?
Haha! There is definitely “spa music” which can include funny sounds and terribly cliche compositions and we try to avoid that. If you prefer not to have music on, or even if you have musical requests, just let your massage therapist know and we will do our best to accommodate you!
What do I do during a massage treatment?
It's up to you! Most people like to relax and take the time to be quiet and experience the massage. Sometimes it takes awhile to clear your head from busy, every day thoughts. Taking deep, conscious breaths helps. If we need to check in with you about a specific technique we are doing, we will. Otherwise, we'll leave you to relax and let us know if something needs to be different.
Can I talk during my session?
Everybody is different regarding their interest in talking during massage. Our therapists will generally follow your lead, but we're happy to chat if you like. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, we do prefer that you keep talking to a minimum to help limit our potential exposure to the virus. Thank you for understanding!
Will the 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 get an erection, or am otherwise aroused, during my 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 my treatment?
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.
How should I take care of myself after my massage?
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 wil adjust our pressure accordingly for the next session.
How often should I get a massage?
Your massage therapist will determine a treatment frequency once they assess your situation. In general, more acute situations (post car accident, for instance) benefit from more frequent treatment, usually not more than once a week. For maintenance, or general stress relief, a monthly massage is usually preferred.
Are there times when I shouldn't get a massage?
Don't come in if you are sick, or feeling like you might get sick. Massage can actually accelerate an infection and make you feel worse. It's also exposing your massage therapist to infection – never a good thing. If you have a skin condition on the part of your body that needs massage, we cannot massage you if the skin is open or has recently been surgically altered (within the month). Finally, you cannot get massage if you are intoxicated. It can make you feel more intoxicated, and you are going to be less able to give appropriate feedback to make sure the massage is safe.
