Thrive Massage Therapy, Foot Care and Esthetics - take care of your body!

Frequently Asked Questions:
 
What can I expect when I go for a massage appointment?
  • On your first visit you will complete a confidential health history form. Your therapist will go over your health history form with you to determine your treatment needs and goals. You are always in control of a treatment and must be comfortable with what has been explained to you before commencing a treatment. Ask as many questions as you need. Your initial visits are essentially interviews to discover whether or not a chosen therapist is a good fit for you. Each therapist has a different style but should be able to adapt treatments to fit your needs
Must I undress for my massage?
  • Skin on skin contact is most beneficial and is recommended but Massage Therapists are required to cover/drape you with a sheet so that they expose only the area which they are working on. If you are uncomfortable with this, work can be done through clothing or through a sheet. You are always in charge of your treatment and if you are uncomfortable at any time, you can stop or request that the treatment be adapted so that you are comfortable.
Does the gender of the massage therapist make a difference?
  • This is an issue of personal preference. Registered Massage Therapists are professionals who have undergone rigorous training & have also been screened before they are allowed to write the provincial board exams which are a prerequisite to becoming registered.
I bruise easily, can I still get a massage?
  • It is important to let your massage therapist know (this should be asked on the health history form you will asked to fill out on your first visit). Massage therapy is not recommended for people who suffer from hemophilia.
Am I expected to talk during the massage?
  • If you wish to have silence, you should say so at the beginning of the treatment. The therapist may, however, require verbal information pertinent to health findings during the treatment. They will also check in with you to ensure that the pressure is comfortable. This type of feedback is very important so that you receive the best possible health care.
After my appointment, is there anything I need to have on hand or anything specific I should do?
  • An epsom salt bath is recommended to soothe and to calm muscles, and enhance the benefits of the massage. It will help to alleviate stiffness you may feel the next day, and it is also recommended for use after workouts for the same reason. Most importantly, drink plenty of water to keep your tissues hydrated. Your Massage Therapist may also recommend certain stretching/strengthening exercises or hydrotherapy that will help with your particular complaint.
What is Myofascial Release?
  • Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system(or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Myofascial Release is a technique that requires special training above and beyond basic massage and physical therapy curriculums.
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
  • Deep Tissue Massage is accomplished by working the underlying layers of muscles, tendons, connective tissue, and fascia. It is the ability to manipulate these underlying tissues in order to lengthen, shorten, relax, and release holding patterns and unlock tissue memory. By separating and isolating a muscle or surrounding structure, restrictions can be released. Deep tissue does not mean working harder or stronger, the therapist simply works deeper and slower by sinking through superficial layers into the deeper structures using compression and lengthening techniques via the hands, fists, knuckles, thumbs, elbows and forearms. Little oil, lotion, or cream is used in order to appropriately manipulate these deeper structures. Deep Tissue Massage teaches the muscular and connective structures to let go, move on, and recalculate its position within the body. Deep Tissue work can relieve pain, promote healing, and realign the body. Along with Deep Tissue Massage, the therapist follows with a tutorial of strengthening exercises, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) and stretches for at home self treatment.
What is the bodyCushion?
  • The bodyCushion is a high-tech, high-quality body positioning system that allows a person to lie face-down, face-up, or on their side without unnecessary pressure on soft tissue areas. The bodyCushion is adjustable to allow an extensive range of body types maximum support and comfort. By placing support on the bony structures of the body -- the clavicles, ribs, sternum and pelvis, the bodyCushion is unmatched for overall comfort.
Who uses the bodyCushion?
  • The bodyCushion is used by more than 60,000 professionals worldwide: bodyCushion Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Rehabilitation Specialists and various other medical professionals. The bodyCushion is also used by hundreds of individuals to ease their back pain, recover from surgery, find comfort during pregnancy, or to simply relax!Why should I use bodyCushion?Is your body naturally flat? Of course not. Then why should you expect comfort from a flat surface? Tests have proven that back muscles actually tighten up when lying face-down on a flat surface! The contoured design of the bodyCushion was created for maximum comfort and ultimate relaxation. Think of all the external and internal stress your body contends with every day for you -- working, playing, living!