Q & A – Massage

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being.

Most people feel very relaxed after a Massage Treatment. Some 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. It is recommended you drink plenty of water afterward.

Make yourself comfortable. your Therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session.

Feel free to ask the Therapist questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.

The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts one hour. A half- hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, for instance the neck and shoulders, back, or legs and feet. Many people prefer a sixty-to-ninety-minute session for optimal relaxation.

At Anoka Massage & Pain Therapy, when you schedule a one hour massage, you get a full 60 minutes of treatment on the table.

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork. Various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement reeducation, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Learn more about the massage techniques used at Anoka Massage & Pain Therapy.

It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your nervous system and ease exterior muscle tension. As your body unwinds, pressure will gradually be increased to relax and relieve specific areas of muscular tension. You should communicate with your practitioner immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken.

A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants we use at Anoka Massage & Pain Therapy hydrate the skin and are readily absorbed.

You and the practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).

Your Massage Therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket. Your Therapist will give you several minutes to get settled and covered, and will knock before entering the room.

Your session will be conducted by a professional who has received proper training, often in a variety of techniques. All of our Massage Therapists are Licensed in the City of Anoka. Although no two massages are exactly alike, you may request a certain technique or modality. You may also request your preference a specific therapist. Meet our Massage Therapists to learn more about them.