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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BODY THERAPY (FAQ's) What is Body Therapy? This is an effective, comprehensive program for addressing pain and injury. Drawing strength from the work of Dr. Cyrix, renowned English orthopedic; Dr. Stone, founder of Polarity Therapy; Dr. Benjamin, founder of The Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge Massachusetts and the Kripalu Body Therapy program in Lenox, Massachusetts; a sophisticated menu of modalities is offered to design a treatment specific to individual needs. Myofascia, Trigger Point, Polarity Therapy, Acupressure, Transverse Friction and Soft Tissue Mobilization are examples of the models used. The goal is to help alleviate the underlying cause of the pain through a detailed, systematic approach. The source points and general nature of the pain with its patterns and restrictions on the body need to be understood and addressed. Spasm, compensation factors, postural imbalances, biochemical dysfunction, referred pain and mis-aligned fibrous tissue are all important elements in the equation to re-establish a pain free body and proper range of motion. Due to the extended range of body therapies employed in this approach, it should not take long before noticeable results are recognized. Someone suffering from chronic, undefined or fibromyalgia pain who have difficulty being treated, could find great relief under this program. Respecting the arduous task of finding help, the goal is to know as soon as possible if your condition will respond within the range of this expertise. Where Will My Massage or Body Therapy Session Take Place? Your massage or Body Therapy session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. Who Will Perform the Massage or Body Therapy? Your session will be conducted by a trained professional who has received proper training, often in a variety of techniques. Although no two massages are exactly alike, you may request a certain technique or modality. Must I Be Completely Undressed? Most massage and Body Therapy techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. You will be properly draped during the session. Polarity Therapy can be done through loose clothing Will the Practitioner Be Present When I Disrobe? The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel. Will I Be Covered During the Session? You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged? 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). Will Lubricant Be Used? 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 used should hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed. What Will the Massage or Body Therapy Feel Like? It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes which will help to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and Body Therapy are most effective when your body is not resisting. How Long Will the Session Last? The average full-body massage or Body Therapy session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60 to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths and saunas can assist in the relaxation process. What Should I Do During the Massage or Body Therapy Session? Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner 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 practitioner questions about massage and Body Therapy in general or about the particular technique you are receiving. How Will I Feel After the Massage or Body Therapy Session? Most people feel very relaxed. 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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

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