1. What should I expect during my first massage therapy session?
Your massage therapist may ask you to fill out a short health history form. Afterwards the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, and if there are any conditions needed to be addressed. Your massage therapist may perform certain range of motion tests to check your condition, and to see if you have any persisting issues.
2. Where will my mobile massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table (temperature controlled) especially designed for your comfort. In most cases, lodging accommodations have a living room which offers the perfect environment for massage. If you are sharing your lodge with friends/family, your massage can be set up almost anywhere, such as a bedroom or game room. We can even set up your massage outdoors, weather permitting.
3. What do I wear during the massage?
Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to be unclothed. For a full body massage, some people undress completely, but you should undress to your level of comfort, and choosing to wear underwear or shorts is perfectly acceptable. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.
4. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time about massage in general or about the particular technique.
5. How will a massage feel?
It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, a style common with practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Since this is your session, please do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort. Our therapists are highly trained as well as intuitive, so most times clients are completely at ease and can enjoy their massage to the fullest.
6. How will I feel after my massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some people experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days or longer. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.
7. Will the massage oils used make me break-out?
Most massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion or scents, please bring it to the massage therapist’s attention as we have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.
8. Is a massage always appropriate? What about pregnancy massage?
No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That’s why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms before you begin your session. Some conditions are contraindications to massage such as acute inflammation or injury. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor; this is usually the case with pre or post-natal clients. Massage is not recommended for the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnancy massage after the 3rd month is great for relieving physical and emotional stress.
9. How long will a massage treatment last?
The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation, and a 120-minute session is also available. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
10. What are the benefits of a massage or bodywork?
Please refer to our “BENEFITS OF MASSAGE” section.
11. What if I have to cancel or change my scheduled appointment time, what should I do?
Please refer to the “CANCELLATIONS” page, it goes into full detail about our
cancellation policy
12. I don’t want to hurt or be sore after my massage, should I still get a massage?
A massage should feel relaxing and enjoyable. Effective massage works with the body’s natural responses, not against them. If your massage therapist is working in areas of chronic pain, there may be some initial discomfort which should quickly ease. Many styles of massage are great for providing benefits to you but will not leave you feeling sore in the following days. Your therapist will assist you in customizing the perfect massage for you, and you can refer to our “Rates & Services” to view the available massage styles.
13. Why should I drink water after a massage or bodywork session?
Drinking water will not only enhance the healing process, but will also keep you well hydrated in Big Bear’s high altitude environment. Toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water following your massage to help the body eliminate these toxins as fast as possible. Water will help to reduce the possibility of any tissue tenderness after the massage. Healing continues to take place after the session due to improved circulation and innervation.
14. My home or rental/hotel is not the ideal spot for getting a massage, do you offer a facility where I can schedule my massage? I have distractions at my place (family, pets, clutter), can I schedule my massage at your facility?
Yes and yes! While our specialties include mobile/on-site massage we also have a facility where massage, facials, nail care, hair styling, body treatments and more are available. But, if you are open to it, we suggest trying a mobile/on-site massage while you are visiting Big Bear. We bring the massage to you, so you don’t have to drive before or after your treatment and can just relax. Enjoy the benefits of massage in Big Bear and save gas money at the same time!
15. Do you charge extra for mobile massage aka “bringing the massage to me”?
Yes, it is $20-30 per therapist for mobile massage in-home or cabin, depending on area and conditions. $5-10 additional for multi-story homes, extreme weather, difficult parking, un-shoveled walkways/steps, etc. Having your massage therapist (s) travel to your location is convenient and saves time and gas, and is well worth the small travel fee. Leave the driving to us!
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage should be a regular part of every athlete’s training program. Athletes have different massage needs at different times and there are many who utilize massage & bodywork on a weekly or monthly basis. Sports massage involves the application of therapeutic massage and stretching to assist an athlete’s performance and recovery from activity.
There are 4 Basic Categories:
Pre-Event: A quick treatment using rhythmic pumping is a supplement to a warm-up. This boosts circulation, and increases flexibility and range of motion. The athlete is then able to benefit from muscles that are relaxed and ready for action. A pre-event massage also may reduce muscle pain and soreness.
Inter-Event: Used as a tool to prep the athlete for the next event of the day. Calming the nervous system and removing lactic acids are the primary goals. The treatment protocol depends on the nature of the next event. Techniques from both pre & post event are used in most cases.
Post-Event: Treatments are done immediately after an event, usually within 1-2 hours. The goal of the session is to flush the tissue of the lactic acid and other by-products of metabolism. The intent is to cool down the body and return it to homeostasis. Muscle tension, cramping, and inflammation are also addressed. Anyone competing usually gives it their all and is left extremely fatigued. Massage can reduce the recovery time of such an effort. Timeframe is 10 to 15 minutes; it is not a full-body massage. The length of recovery time from strenuous competition can be dramatically reduced with a good post-event massage.
Therapeutic: In the days following the event, therapeutic stretching can be administered to relieve muscle tension and restore range of motion. The athlete will be returning to a more regular workout regiment, so the massage needs will change accordingly.
Additional Insight and Knowledge…
To enjoy your massage to the fullest, please quiet your cell phone/electronic devices.
Please remove jewelry that you do not wish to get oily. It is okay to keep on jewelry you don’t wish to remove; your therapist will work around it.
Eating a large or heavy meal right before your massage session is not advised, as is eating anything that may upset your stomach or cause discomfort.
If your pets are present during your massage, that is fine-we love them too. But please be aware they may be distracting at times.
