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First Time Massage I was terrified before I got my first massage. It was a gift certificate, and my friend had to plead with me to just go. Imagine, a total stranger touching me. What would they think of me? Am I naked? What if I did something wrong or stupid? How would I know what to do, anyway? I finally went. I kept my underwear on
because it was a female massage therapist and I felt uncomfortable with
that. She covered me and began, and in five minutes I felt like I’d left
the planet and was floating in the clouds. I couldn’t wait to
come back. I booked another appointment for later Just to help you, let me answer a few typical questions: What do I do before the massage? Be properly bathed, fresh, and hydrated. Drink water in the hour before and try not to eat a big meal for at least 2 hours before the massage. Please don’t drink any alcohol for several hours before the massage. Dress comfortably, and be prepared for your hair to be messed up, unless you say to avoid scalp massage (bring a comb or brush). If you have issues with a hairdo, toupee, weave or other circumstance, let me know, so that when I move to scalp massage I can be prepared to accommodate you properly, or skip your scalp massage if you prefer.
Where is the massage to be done? Until January 2007, I am doing only outcall, meaning I come to your home or hotel. We need a quiet, private place to work uninterrupted, with about 7 feet by 12 ft available to set up my table and have room to work. In-call would be if you came to my studio, but until January, only outcall, is available. I bring a table, sheets and towels, soothing music, a small space heater to use if the room seems cool, and my oils or creams. I will need to arrive about 15 minutes early to set up and wash my hands.
Do I have to be naked? No, you only need to be comfortable. Most people are nervous at first and wear underwear. That’s perfectly fine. It’s easier for me to work if you are naked and covered, so that I can access your gluteus and leg/back muscles that connect to your pelvis. I never cross the boundary you set by wearing underwear, and respect your modesty. As you become more comfortable, this will likely become a non-issue with you. I’ve learned this by observing that clients become comfortable with me quickly and that these issues resolve themselves.
What do I do then?
I will bring you to the table and show you how I will have you lay to begin,
how draping the sheet works and we’ll discuss some of the specifics of what
you need. This is the time to talk to me about how you are feeling,
what is painful, and what you prefer. I will look at your posture and
how you move. I may test
What kind of oils do you use? Maybe I’m allergic. I use hypoallergenic pure nut oils made by Biotone. They rarely affect anyone with allergies, but if there is a concern, I can use a water based crème of the same quality. I prefer to use oils, because it affects the slide and pressure I need to exert. Talk to me in advance if this is an issue. If you have your own oils, they may not match the touch and resistance I need for proper strokes.
How long will the session be? I advertise sessions of one hour, 1-1/2 hours and can consider a 2 hr session for special circumstances, but 95% of my massage requests are for 1-1/2 hours. To be honest, I work toward a goal, and continue until I feel I’ve made progress, and occasionally run slightly longer. I will never rush. An hour is an hour, not 50 minutes nor 45 minutes. I also work with special clients that may have a specific issue and want an entire hour focused on a specific area.
What do I need to do? Relax, breathe and allow yourself to let go. Breathing, in deep, full, and slow breaths is important, and will help you slow your metabolism to get into “The Zone”. Do not help me; and do not lift your arms or your head to assist me. Only when I ask you to turn or adjust your position, should you exert yourself at all. Imagine that you have gone and left your empty body behind for repair.
Can I talk during the session? It isn’t necessary, unless you think it is. Some people talk at the beginning because they are nervous and then “zone out” only a few minutes later. Some people are holding onto sad or uncomfortable feelings that they want to let go of, and they need to talk to feel unburdened. Massage sometimes opens people’s emotions, and touch makes them feel safe to let their conscious emotions go.
I have a mix of clients including bodybuilders, dancers and models, and they are usually more self conscious and overly critical of their bodies than most. I have clients that are overweight or disabled who are totally comfortable with their bodies. I only want you to feel better. I don’t judge.
How will I feel after the massage session? It varies a great deal. Some pain from chronic tension may be released. Some clients remain “spacey” as though they were awakened from a deep sleep. Some people feel totally energized and others feel a great peace. It depends on what you were looking for, but more importantly, what you were open to.
Then what happens? I let you relax in solitude for a few minutes and slowly come to a fully awake state. I’ll assist you in sitting upright, or instruct you in how to slowly sit up and not exert your back muscles. I will have cool pure water for you. (This is very important, as massage increases the body’s processing of fluids and waste, and you need to replenish your water) I may wipe you down with a clean towel if the massage oil is still apparent on your skin. I will talk with you briefly about your experience and then leave you for a few minutes to dress while I wash my hands again.
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Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. Some conditions could be aggravated by massage, and others could be
potentially dangerous, but that is quite rare. For liability reasons,
I will ask you certain questions that are required for insurance, and to
direct me in the right way to do the best possible job for you.
Ignorance and arrogance by some medical professionals led to prohibition of
massage in many conditions, involving cancer and HIV. Science has now
caught up with us to prove that massage is more of a benefit than of a risk.
I have proven, in a scientific study, the boost in immune function from
massage, with
Couples Massage, and Female vs. Male Therapist Some are more or less comfortable having a specific gender performing massage. Women clients are usually open to either gender as their massage therapist. Men clients are often adamant that a massage therapist be male or they are adamant that the therapist be female, men are rarely flexible about their therapists gender. Some believe a male therapist to be stronger or more firm than a female, but that is certainly not always true. I listen to you, and I want to provide what will be best for you. If you prefer a female therapist, a male-female team for a couples massage, or a male massage therapist heavy enough to perform deep tissue massage for a 350 pound body builder, let me know and I will make arrangements and let you know what we can do.
When are you available? We are available from 5am to midnight, with reasonable (24 hour) notice and sometimes with less notice. Please understand that we may be already working and unavailable, but feel free to leave a message, we might be available on short notice and will return your call ASAP.
Where are you available? Horry County and Georgetown County (Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield and Conway). See rates for travel times and distance.
Is Tipping Required? Absolutely not. It is appreciated but not required. Tip if you feel it is warranted.
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in the month.
