Calistoga Massage Center: Massage FAQ

Q: What is the most common area treated?

Answer: The area of the body that most individuals request work on is neck, upper back and shoulders.  This is probably due to the stresses of our modern lives, low and mid back muscle spasms is also very common. 

Q: Don’t your hands get tired?

Answer: Like any other work you body does get tired but the massage that we were taught at the Calistoga Massage Therapy School Clinic emphasizes the use of forearms and elbows which takes the work load off our hands.

Q: How do you know what type of massage is going to be best for you?

Answer: For most individuals we suggest that you start with our Swedish-Calistoga regular spa type of massage.  This massage is a fairly firm massage that will work out and stretch tight sore muscles leaving you refreshed and relaxed.

Q: What massage technique do you use to relax extremely tight muscles?

Answer: This depends on the individual.  Some individuals feel that long flowing strokes that almost puts to sleep is best.  Other feel that a very firm massage and sometimes deep tissue gives the best results especially the following day.

Q: Have you taught a massage class or are you planning on teaching in the future?

Answer: Dr.Ticen teaches Anatomy and Physiology for the beginning classes and has taught and designed the deep tissue massage class.  Currently he only co-teaches the deep tissue class if there is a new instructor who needs the support.

Q: If you are short on time, what parts of the body will you skip?

Answer: We always teach a full body massage which requires approx. 50 hours of instruction.  The second half of the class is given to perfecting the massage, therapists’ body mechanics, the rhythm and timing length of the massage. 

Q: Do you do energy work?

Answer: We recognize energy work in our massage classes.  We do not do energy work on the public as we feel that others are better qualified to do this work.  We spend our time doing the best massage possible. 

Q: What techniques will you use to encourage me to relax and help me relieve stress?

Answer: First we make sure that you are comfortable on the table with pillow support on your legs, face cradle adjusted and a blanket for your comfort.  We then ask for feedback on how you like your massage.

Q: Do you do corrective work?

Answer: We do massage to loosen tight muscles and to relieve stress.  We work closely with medical specialist doing corrective massage when they suggest areas that need special attention. 

Q: Do you massage the head?

Answer: We do scalp massage and spa facial massage.  Most individual prefer that their massage time be spent doing a full body massage.  Extra time can be given to the head and neck if the client so request.

Q: What benefits can I expect from a massage from you?

Answer: Generally speaking massage will loosen tight muscles, reduce stress, increase flex ability, improve circulation, increase sense of well being, help with dry skin, and relax the individual.   

Q: I have a lot of stress and body pain, what other types of treatment mght you suggest?

Answer:  Dr. Ticen can offer additional suggestions and care.   Dr. Ticen does: Chiropractic adjusting, vibration massage, traction, acupressure, cold laser, allergy testing, diet and weight loss supervision and muscle testing. 

 

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The uncomforatble questions:

Q: Am I supposed to take my underwear off when I get a massage?

Answer: Most people do but you can leave on your underwear if that makes you more comfortable.  Keep in mind that you will be full covered with a sheet at all times and the underwear may very, very slight interfere with the massage. 

In North America, if you do remove your underwear, licensed massage therapists must ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.

Q:What if I realize I've drooled during the massage?

Answer: Do not worry the sheets and face covering is changed after each massage.  In addition the massage tables are wiped down with an antibiotic solution that is used in hospitals and health spas.

Q:Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage?

Answer: This is your time and we encourage you to give feedback on the massage.  Other than that we encourage individuals to remain quiet and concentrate on relaxing and enjoying the massage experience.

Q:The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the massage therapist's technique. What should I do?

Answer: The therapists are happy to use different techniques for a firmer massage.   If you want even more pressure then a deep tissue massage is in order and several of our therapists will switch for a slight additional fee.

Q:I'm self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don't want the massage therapist to see me. What can I do?

Answer: Most of the time you are face down and covered by a sheet.  If you don’t want the therapist to see your front or face just tell the therapist to work on you face down.  Lots of individuals just want their massage face down.

Q:I'd rather see a female massage therapist. Should I request this?

Answer: Some men don’t feel comfortable having a massage by a male massage therapist. It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of the profession or the fear of getting an erection during the massage. Erection is a common physiological response that happens when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated by touch anywhere on the body.)

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