What is Massage and What Type Does Kimberly Jade Practice?
A Massage Therapist uses their hands to manipulate the muscle and soft tissues of the body utilising different strokes, pressures and sequences to help relieve issues brought about by daily life. I have completed Whole Body Massage certification which uses gentle, flowing strokes often called Swedish or relaxation massage. Each Client is unique; having different preferences and circumstances, so I aim to discover these at your first appointment to work with you to create a massage schedule that will be most beneficial to you.
Benefits of Relaxation Massage
A massage is capable of much more than just bringing you to a relaxed state. Regular massages can enhance flexibility, boost immune function, help muscle tension, joint stiffness, pain and helps manage conditions such as headaches, insomnia, and arthritis increasing your overall health and wellbeing. Massage helps improve circulation which can increase blood and lymphatic flow; further helping muscles recover, reduce inflammation and eliminate waste from the body. Massage is also beneficial to our emotional wellbeing by lowering stress levels, anxiety and depression, increased sleep quality and reducing fatigue.
What to Expect at your Massage Appointment
If it’s your first visit; there will be intake and waiver forms for completion. We will thoroughly discuss your health history, current concerns, medications, and treatment ideals. We will discuss your preferences; such as which areas you would like worked on, any sensitivities, boundaries, calm music or complete quietness during massage and lighting. Certain conditions may require adjustments; I want to provide safe and beneficial massage therapy for you. If you are a returning Client; we will check for any health updates since last visit, before moving ahead with the massage.
Some recommendations to consider before your massage:
- Avoid eating a large meal about two hours prior – you will be lying face-down for about half the massage which can be uncomfortable with a full stomach and digestion can disrupt the effectiveness of massage
- Drink plenty of water before your appointment – this will also hydrate your muscles improving effectiveness of massage and flushing of waste released from muscle tissue during massage
- Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol – this can reduce the effectiveness of massage, dehydrate tissues and hinder the body’s capacity to enter a relaxed state
Just prior to your massage you will privately undress to your comfort level and position yourself onto the massage table depending on the type of massage you are receiving. You will be covered and draped with towels throughout the massage. Only the area being worked on is exposed to maintain your comfort and modesty throughout the massage
You may experience a range of sensations during massage. Relaxation massage should feel enjoyable and calming. Working on problem areas may cause discomfort but should never be unbearable pain. At anytime you experience pain or feel your would like the pressure adjusted please let me know as this massage is for you.
What to Expect After your Massage
At the end of your massage you should feel relaxed and may experience some lightheadedness. You will take your time to ground yourself before rising from the massage table you will be given time to privately change back into your clothes.
Recommendations to follow after your massage:
- Drink plenty of water after your massage to support tissue recovery and flushing of waste released from muscle tissue during massage
- Avoid strenuous exercise immediately afterward, as your muscles have just been worked on and may feel tender
- You may experience different emotions and feelings due to the release of stressors from the body
- Take time out to relax and take time to focus on yourself
Any symptoms experienced after your massage lasting more than 24 hours should be reported to Kimberly Jade so this can be monitored and any modifications to your massage schedule can be made.
Important things to Consider when Adding Massage to your Health and Wellbeing Journey
There are some instances where massage is contraindicated completely or requires adjustment. For some conditions a GP/Specialist referral should be obtained, if you are unsure please contact Kimberly Jade to discuss:
- Contagious/Infectious Diseases such as flu, colds, fever, or skin infections e.g. scabies, shingles
- Acute Injuries or Recent Surgery
- Cardiovascular Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke risk
- Conditions Requiring Medical Approval such as cancers, osteoporosis, blood disorders requiring certain medications
- Fractures or Broken Bones
- Areas of Broken Skin, Varicose Veins, or Burns
- Pregnancy
