Massage Therapy
Are massages painful?
While you may have some discomfort during your massage it should never feel painful. Some discomfort depends on the area that is worked on, current pain in a specific location or if the therapist is using too much pressure. However, sometimes you may feel soreness after a massage, this is a normal response due to a release of lactic acid in the muscle, similar to soreness you feel after a workout.
Do I have to take my clothes off?
No, the therapist will instruct you to remove your clothing to your comfort level. Please note that keeping all clothing on for a typical Swedish massage will probably not be as enjoyable as the therapist won’t be able to use their lotion to make it more relaxing. A good rule of thumb is to remove clothing to your underwear for a more enjoyable treatment.
What should I expect for my first treatment?
At EVOLVE, we have everyone fill out a health history form (2 separate forms for massage therapy and acupuncture). This is usually done before the treatment at the time of booking (online). This form is important for the therapist to know if there are potentially any contraindications or cautions, they need to be aware of before the treatment. At your appointment, the therapist will ask you questions based on your areas of concerns that you wish to address or goals you want to achieve. They will guide you to the massage table and give you instructions to follow (i.e., lay face down, in between the sheets, please remove this clothing, etc.). They will then leave and wash their hands before knocking on the door to ensure they give you enough time/privacy to get ready for your treatment!
Is it okay to ask for more or less pressure?
Yes! It is important to know that you are in the driver seat during your treatment. Always inform the therapist if something doesn’t feel right or they’ve hit a weird spot. We won’t be offended! A good therapist will check in with you during the massage to ensure that you are satisfied.
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What if I need the bathroom?
If you inform us of this, we will leave the room so you can get dressed so you can use the washroom. We always recommend using the facilities before your session to ensure you don’t lose precious massage time!
Do I have to talk to the therapist during my treatment?
This is totally your call! Not everyone enjoys talking to the therapist during the treatment, the therapist will pick up on your social cues and make a judgement call if you want to engage in conversation. We take that stress completely away from you. Remember if you prefer not to talk, just ask, we won’t take it to heart!
What if I fall asleep/snore?
This is common among a lot of people. We take it as a compliment! So don’t feel afraid to let your body completely relax and enjoy the treatment!
Acupuncture
Do acupuncture needles hurt?
This is the most common question, the truth is everyone experiences pain different, however, most people won’t have much pain when the needles are inserted. This is because they are very fine needles about the thickness of a dog or cat’s whisker. You may feel various sensations such as tingling, heaviness, warmth from the needle once inserted. Not everyone does though and always inform your acupuncturist of any pain or discomfort.
What should I expect for my first treatment?
At EVOLVE, we have everyone fill out a health history form (2 separate forms for massage therapy and acupuncture). This is usually done before the treatment at the time of booking (online). This form is important for the acupuncturist to know if there are potentially any contraindications or cautions, they need to be aware of before the treatment. At your appointment, the therapist will ask you questions based on your areas of concerns that you wish to address or goals you want to achieve. Some of these questions are very personal but they give a clear idea of what could be going on according to TCM practices. The acupuncturist will assess your pulse and tongue for a more accurate TCM diagnosis. They will guide you to the table and give you instructions to follow (i.e., lay face down, in between the sheets, please remove this clothing, etc.). They will then leave and wash their hands before knocking on the door to ensure they give you enough time/privacy to get ready for your treatment!
Why do they feel for a pulse and check my tongue?
The theory with TCM is that there can be physical signs of internal or external pathogens that are invading our bodies. This assessment gives the acupuncturist a clearer mind of what could be happening to the body. Next time you come for a treatment check out your tongue before and after a treatment. The results may surprise you!
What should I do before and after an acupuncture treatment?
Before the treatment, make sure that you eat a light meal or snack before the treatment and should avoid consuming caffeine or nicotine 2 hours before and after the treatment. Another thing to consider is to empty your bladder before the treatment, there are some belly points that the acupuncturist may use and it’s best to make sure the bladder is empty beforehand. You should continue all medications as prescribed.
After the treatment, make sure that you are consuming enough water to ensure that you are hydrated and to flush out any toxins. Also, ensure that you listen to your body, and you may want to take it slow for the remainder of the day. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least 2 hours after the treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is safe, provided that the practitioners are properly trained and certified/regulated. They use single-use sterile, disposable needles and have been trained on precautions and contraindications to acupuncture treatment.
Always notify the practitioner if you may be pregnant or are pregnant, as acupuncture treatment will need to be modified for you and the baby’s safety.