Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Therapeutic Massage?
Therapeutic Massage is the systematic manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxing the muscles, relief from pain, and the restoration of metabolic balance. Any one particular technique, or a combination of several techniques can be used.

2. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
We will require you to fill out a health history form. Afterwards the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition.

3. When is massage/bodywork contraindicated?
There are specific situations where massage and bodywork will not be warranted, including, but not limited to broken bones, recent surgery, inflammation of the skin, varicose veins, open wounds, acute infectious diseases, acute pain, fever and blood clots to name a few. It is important that the client inform the practitioner of their current health status. There will be cases where the practitioner will require a release from the physician prior to the treatment. Also, you may not receive a massage if you are in your first trimester of your pregnancy.

4. What do I wear during the massage?
Remove as much or as little as you want, but less clothing means more access for the therapist to do their work. The Therapist will drape your body with a sheet and blanket and remove it only from the specific area being worked. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.

5. Does massage hurt the next day?
In the first 24 hours, you may have mild soreness, a “massage hangover.”  Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. If you already drink plenty of water, be sure to double the amount. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.

6. What if I am late to my appointment?
If you are late to your session you are welcome to receive whatever time is left in your appointment. Due to our schedule we may be unable to extend your session beyond your original appointment time. Please respect our time and yours by calling if you are going to be late or are unable to attend your appointment.

7. What If I’m Uncomfortable During My Massage?
Often people are embarrassed to speak up if there is something they don’t like about the massage. We always appreciate your requests and feedback. While we may be the experts on massage, you are the expert on you, and it is your massage. Your therapist will never be offended if you make a request to turn up the heat, add a blanket, or adjust the table, pressure or music during your session.


8. Should I Tip?
While tips are accepted and appreciated, we would always prefer that you be able to come as often as you need and not feel pressured to tip. We believe that it is rude to leave signs and envelopes everywhere asking for tips, some places even going so far as to tell you how much to tip. When you receive massage in a medical or chiropractic office, generally you don’t tip, as tipping is not customary in such settings. In spas, which are more part of the personal service industry, like hair salons, tips are common. At ZVA Bodywork we always treat you with respect and appreciate your decision to come here for your massages, no matter whether you tip or not.

9. How does massage therapy help with my chiropractic care?
Chiropractors and massage therapists compliment each other wonderfully to help speed your recovery and maintain general health. In most cases, massage is preferred to be done before your chiropractic treatment. Massage therapy aids to relax tense muscles, which could be adding to stress on the skeletal system, this can therefore make the adjustment easier for both the chiropractor and the patient. Sometimes when the muscle is stretched, the tight muscle can pull the adjustment back out of alignment.

10. Do I need a doctor's referral?
Generally a doctor's note isn't necessary for a massage therapy treatment. However, it is possible the massage therapist may ask you to bring a doctor's approval for massage if you have moderate to severe conditions of the circulatory system, are pregnant, or have any other health issue they feel a doctor's approval should be needed.

11. What if I'm overweight or embarrassed about my body?
You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard someone say they'd get a massage if they lost weight first or didn't have that cellulite on the back of their thighs. Don't let this stop you. You're denying yourself quite a pleasurable experience. Massage therapists have seen bodies in every imaginable shape and size, from young to old, and they're not there trying to judge your physique or ogle your body. They're professionals who have found massage to be a wonderful gift to give to men and women alike, regardless of age and weight, and are proud of what they can offer to people in need of help or just wanting to luxuriate in the sense of touch.