Why Massage Therapy?
Hands on Therapy Massage FAQ's
What types of massage therapy do you offer?
Swedish Relaxation; Deep Tissue; Sports; Neuromuscular Therapy; Pregnancy; Trigger Point; Myofascial; Thai/Shiatsu; Manual Lymph Drainage; Oncology; Craniosacral; Energy Healing Massage
What should I expect from my first massage?
Plan to arrive 10 or 15 minutes early for your first massage, so that you can fill out our client intake form. Your massage therapist will use this form to consult with you and design a treatment plan that meets your needs. Your massage therapist will leave the room so that you can undress to your level of comfort and climb under the blankets on the massage table. Some clients choose to undress completely, while others leave their undergarments on during the massage. Your masssage therapist will knock on the door before entering and protect your privacy at all times. Once you are on the massage table, your massage therapist will begin the session and use a variety of creams and oils to lubricate your skin. If you have any nut or essential oil allergies, please let your massage therapist know. During the massage, your massage therapist will ask for feedback about the amount of pressure they are using. At any point, if you need more or less pressure, please let them know. It is always okay to tell your massage therapist if anything is making you uncomfortable, including the temperature of the room, your position on the table, bolstering, or touch. After the massage, your massage therapist will step out of the room so that you can dress in private. When you are ready, you can return to the lobby. Your massage therapist will discuss the session with you and let you know what to expect over the next few hours. It is normal to feel mild soreness after very deep, specific massage, but usually no soreness occurs with Swedish massage.
What do I do during my massage?
Your only job while receiving the massage is to relax and enjoy. Many clients prefer to close their eyes and keep talking to a minimum to get the full benefit of the session, but some techniques require your verbal feedback. Certain techniques include gentle mobilization of your joints by the massage therapist, and if this is the case your massage therapist will give you specific verbal instructions.
How can I get the most out of my massage?
Be sure to relax your muscles during the massage, including those in your jaw and face. Many clients find it helpful to take deep, relaxing breaths during the massage, to close their eyes, and to set aside anything that might be on their minds until after the session. It is especially important to give accurate information about your health and any medications you might be taking so that your massage therapist can safely meet your needs. Also be sure to give your massage therapist feedback about the amount of pressure they are using, the room temperature, and any discomfort you may have with any positions or techniques.
What should I wear for my massage?
For most forms of massage therapy, we ask you to undress to your level of comfort. Many clients leave their underwear on, many clients remove it. Either way, you will be draped by a sheet and blanket at all times, and your genital area and women's breast tissue will always remain covered. You may choose to wear additional clothing if you feel more comfortable. Be sure to only wear clothing you do not mind making contact with massage cream or oil. During Thai massage and some forms of sports massage, your massage therapist may recommend that you wear loose fitting clothing so that they can easily move your limbs.
What type of oils and creams do you use?
We use Biotone products including Dual-Purpose Massage Créme with Arnica and Ivy Extracts and Clear Results Massage Oil with Jojoba and Aloe Vera. These products contain nut oils, so for our clients with nut allergies we work with grapeseed oil. Complete ingredient lists are available upon request.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
During a full body Swedish Relaxation Massage, your massage therapist will address your head, neck, and face, as well as your back, abdomen, hips, gluteal area, legs and feet. You always have the option to ask your massage therapist to omit any part of your body from the massage for any reason. Sometimes the massage therapist may suggest this if they feel it is best to avoid an area due to a recent injury or medical condition. During Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Myofascial, and Neuromuscular Therapies, your massage therapist will focus on a specific area of your body. Because this work is more intense and therapeutic, a 60-minute session usually does not allow enough time for your entire body to be addressed. All massages at Hands On Therapy are non-sexual and never include any touch to the genitals or women's breast tissue. These areas always remain covered by a drape during any massage.
Will I be covered during the massage?
Yes. Your massage therapist will undrape only the area of your body that they are massaging and will redrape each area before moving on. Your women's breast tissue and genitals remain covered at all times.
How often should I receive a massage?
Many clients find that regular massage decreases muscle tension and stress dramatically. Frequency of massage should be determined by your individual needs. Certain types of therapeutic and neuromuscular work require frequent sessions to create and maintain change. If you are receiving therapeutic or neuromuscular massage, ask your massage therapist about what frequency and duration will be best for you.
Do certain types of massage cause muscle soreness?
Specific frictioning techniques used in Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular Therapies can sometimes cause temporary muscle soreness. This happens because the frictioning breaks up scarring and adhesions within your soft tissue and intentionally induces your body's own inflammatory process to facilitate healing. If your massage therapist uses these techniques, they will advise you to ice after your massage. If you experience any discomfort beyond 24 hours or any pain that concerns you, please notify your massage therapist.
What if I feel uncomfortable during my massage?
If you feel uncomfortable with any part of your massage, including the amount of pressure being used, the temperature of the room, the lighting, music, or touch, please tell your massage therapist. Give feedback. You always have the right to ask your massage therapist to change or stop what they are doing.
How long will the massage last?
We offer massage sessions in 30 minute, 60 minute, and 90 minute increments. At Hands On Therapy, an "hour" massage is actually an hour- 60 full minutes. Any pre-massaage consultation time does not shorten the length of the actual massage.
What should I do after my massage?
Drink plenty of water. If you received a therapeutic massage, your massage therapist may recommend that you use ice or heat after the session or give you other self-care suggestions. Please let your massage therapist know if you will be participating in any athletic activities after your massage so that they can adjust your session accordingly.
What training do your massage therapists have?
The massage therapists at Hands On Therapy have a long-standing reputation for being among the best in the industry, and setting the standard in the Chicago area. All of our massage therapists are licensed by the State of Illinois and have graduated from Professional Massage Therapy Diploma Programs. Many are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Our massage therapists also complete continuing education courses each year and many hold additional training and certifications. Every massage therapist who practices fertility, pregnancy, or postpartum massage at Hands On Therapy holds advanced certification in this area.
What if I have special medical needs?
Massage therapy is safe under most circumstances, but there are certain medical conditions that can contraindicate massage therapy. For the most part, we are able to modify your massage session to meet any special needs. Under certain circumstances, we offer a Medical Release Form for your doctor to sign to approve your massage and instruct us on any special cautions or limitations. Your massage therapist will inform you if this is necessary.
What if I am pregnant?
Massage therapy is absolutely safe during a healthy pregnancy. Please inform your massage therapist of how many weeks along you are so that we can position you safely and comfortably on the massage table. If you experience any complications or have been told your pregnancy is high risk, we can provide you with a Medical Release Form for your healthcare provider to sign giving us any special instructions that might be necessary. Every massage therapist who practices pregnancy massage at Hands On Therapy has received special training and certification and can be a wonderful resource throughout your pregnancy. For more information about our Pregnancy Massage Program, please refer to the Pregnancy Massage section of our website.
What if I have recently given birth?
The healthy changes in your hormone levels and blood clotting mechanisms that your body makes to accommodate pregnancy and birth take several weeks to subside after birth. Also, the natural changes in your physiology as you began to lactate and recover from your birth require special care on the part of your massage therapist. For at least six weeks postpartum, we will be sure to schedule you for a massage with a massage therapist who is trained and certified for both pregnancy and postpartum work. In addition to using the best techniques to meet your body's changing needs, they can be sure that you are comfortably positioned for your massage.
What if I am trying to conceive?
Whether you are just beginning your journey towards conception, or have been undergoing fertility treatments for some time, massage can be a source of relaxation and strength. Regardless of your path towards pregnancy, our certified massage therapists can tailor each session to meet your specific needs. Because every massage therapist at Hands On Therapy who provides massage therapy during the special time of preconception is trained and certified in the physiology of childbearing, you are guaranteed sensitive and educated support in your journey. We can interact interface with any healthcare professionals you may be working with to optimize your experience. As soon as you inform us that you are trying to conceive, we follow all massage protocols consistent with the first trimester of pregnancy to be sure that we are respecting the presence of any undetected pregnancies. Additionally, some of our massage therapists specialize in massage techniques that can aid fertility treatments and pregnancy achievement. For more information, please read the Fertility/Pregnancy section of our website.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24-hour notice for any cancellations. We charge the following fees for late cancellations: $30 for a 30 minute session; $55 for a 60 minute session; and $80 for a 90 minute session
Should I tip my massage therapist?
Gratuities are always appreciated but are never expected for our services.