Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this website?
Hi, I’m Zachery, a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) endorsed by the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA). Fully licensed by the city of St. Albert, AB. My primary service at this time is I offer massage therapy services at my home for friends, family and referrals only, with direct billing options available.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a type of manual therapy that involves applying pressure, tension, and vibration to the soft tissues of the body. My goal of massage therapy for you is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, and improve overall health and wellness. Techniques may vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. Massage therapy can be used to address a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, stress, and more. It can be performed on its own or as part of a larger treatment plan that may include other forms of therapy, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Relieves tension and stress
Improves circulation
Increases flexibility and range of motion
Reduces muscle pain and stiffness
Improves posture and alignment
Boosts energy and mental clarity
Promotes relaxation and calmness
Should I be worried about my body during a massage?
No, you should not be worried about your body during a massage. I am a trained and certified and licensed professional who has experience working with bodies of all shapes and sizes, and only focused on providing you with a safe and comfortable experience. Massage therapy is intended to help you feel better, and I am there to support your well-being.
Should I get a massage if I recently had an injury?
If you're injured, the timing of when you should get a massage will depend on the type and severity of your injury, as well as the advice of your medical doctor. In general, it's best to wait until the initial acute phase of your injury has passed before getting a massage. During the acute phase of an injury, (which typically lasts for the first few days to a week, depending) the affected area may be swollen, painful, and sensitive to touch. In this phase, it's important to rest the injured area and avoid any activities that could aggravate the injury.
Once the acute phase has passed, you may be able to start receiving massages to help with your recovery. Your medical doctor can advise you on the appropriate timing and frequency of massages based on your specific injury. It's important to communicate with me about your injury, including any pain or discomfort you're experiencing. I will tailor the massage to your needs and ensure that it is safe and effective in promoting healing and reducing pain.
How often should I get a massage?
The frequency of getting a massage depends on individual needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how often to get a massage:
Pain or injury management: If you are receiving massage therapy to manage pain or an injury, it may be recommended to have more frequent sessions initially. Once the pain or injury has improved, you may be able to reduce the frequency of your massages.
Stress management: If you are receiving massage therapy for stress management, you may benefit from a regular massage schedule. Many people find that getting a massage twice a month helps them manage stress and maintain overall wellness.
Maintenance and prevention: Regular massage therapy can help prevent muscle tension and pain from developing. Depending on your lifestyle and level of physical activity, you may benefit from getting a massage once a week.
Ultimately, the frequency of getting a massage is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and goals. I generally recommend having a massage two times a month, if able, but we can work together to determine a massage schedule that works best for you.
What should I do after my massage?
After your massage, it is important to take care of your body to maximize the benefits of the session. Here are some suggestions for post-massage self-care:
Drink plenty of water: Massage therapy works out your muscles, so it is important to hydrate your body by drinking plenty of water after your massage.
Rest and relax: Allow yourself some time to rest and relax after your massage. Your body may feel a little sore or tender, and taking a nap or lying down for a while can help your muscles recover.
Avoid strenuous activity: Give your body time to recover by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise for a few hours after your massage.
Stretch: Gentle stretching can help release any remaining tension in your muscles and improve your flexibility.
Take a warm bath or shower: A warm bath or shower can help soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels after your massage. If you experience any discomfort or pain, let your massage therapist know.
Remember that everyone's body responds differently to massage therapy, so it is important to listen to your body and take care of yourself accordingly.
The goal in all of my sessions is to calm the nervous system down. Why?
Massage therapy is generally more effective when the nervous system is in a state of relaxation. When the nervous system is calm, it allows the body to enter a parasympathetic dominant state, often referred to as the "rest and digest" mode. In this state, the body's stress response is reduced, and various physiological changes occur that enhance the benefits of massage therapy. Here's why a calm nervous system is beneficial for massage:
Muscle Relaxation: When the nervous system is calm, muscle tension tends to be lower. This makes it easier to work on releasing any knots, trigger points, or areas of tension in the muscles.
Improved Circulation: A calm nervous system promotes better blood flow and circulation. This means that oxygen and nutrients are more efficiently delivered to the muscles and tissues, and waste products are removed more effectively.
Enhanced Pain Relief: With a calm nervous system, the body is more receptive to pain-relieving techniques used in massage therapy. This can lead to greater pain relief for individuals experiencing discomfort or muscle soreness.
Deeper Relaxation: A calm nervous system allows the individual to relax more fully during the massage. This can lead to a deeper sense of relaxation, stress reduction, and an overall feeling of well-being.
Improved Range of Motion: When muscles are relaxed, it's often easier to work on increasing range of motion. Massage techniques, along with gentle stretching, can help improve flexibility and joint mobility.
Enhanced Emotional Well-being: A calm nervous system can also have positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. It can help reduce anxiety, promote a sense of tranquility, and improve mood.
Balanced Autonomic Nervous System: Massage therapy has been shown to help balance the autonomic nervous system, which includes both the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches. A calm state supports this balance.
Improved Sleep Quality: Massage therapy can promote better sleep, and when combined with a calm nervous system, it can be especially effective in improving sleep quality.
As always, my approach to massage therapy for you is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, and improve overall health and wellness. It's worth noting that different types of massage may have varying effects, and individual responses can also differ. Communication about your comfort level, pressure preferences, and any specific areas of concern is important to ensure that the massage is tailored to your needs.
What should I tell a massage therapist, before or during a massage?
As my client, it is important to communicate with me to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your needs. Here are some things you should tell me:
Health concerns: Let me know if you have any health concerns, such as high blood pressure, allergies, or recent surgeries or injuries. This will help determine if any modifications to the massage techniques or pressure are necessary.
Pain or discomfort: If you experience any pain or discomfort during the massage, let me know immediately, so I can adjust the pressure or technique to make the experience more comfortable.
Focus areas: If you have specific areas of pain or tension, tell me so that I can focus on those areas.
Pressure preferences: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to massage pressure. Let me know if you want me to adjust the pressure during the massage.
Feedback: Please don't be afraid to give me feedback during your massage, such as if you need more or less pressure or if you prefer a different technique all together.
Overall, open communication is key to receiving the best massage experience possible and to feel comfortable and relaxed.
What causes tight muscles?
Poor posture: Sitting or standing in a position that puts strain on certain muscles can cause them to become tight over time.
Overuse: Repeated use of certain muscles, such as during exercise or manual labor, can cause them to become tight and sore.
Injury: A muscle strain, sprain, or tear can cause the affected muscles to become tight as a protective response to the injury.
Stress: Emotional or psychological stress can cause muscles to become tense and tight, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Dehydration: Lack of proper hydration can cause muscles to become tight and cramp.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and dystonia, can cause chronic muscle tightness and pain.
Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that control muscle movement can cause the affected muscles to become tight and stiff.
If you are experiencing unusual and constant muscle tightness or pain, it is recommended that you speak with your medical doctor to determine the underlying cause and the best course of treatment, such as massage therapy.
What are muscle knots and what causes them?
Muscle knots, also known as myofascial trigger points, are tight bands of muscle fibers that can cause pain, tenderness, and limited range of motion. The exact cause of muscle knots is not fully understood, but they are believed to be caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors, including:
Muscle overuse or injury: Repeated use or injury to a muscle can cause the muscle fibers to become damaged or inflamed, leading to the formation of knots.
Poor posture: Poor posture can put strain on certain muscles, causing them to become tense and eventually form knots.
Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can cause muscles to become tense and lead to the formation of knots.
Nutrient deficiencies: Lack of proper nutrients, such as magnesium and vitamin B12, can lead to muscle tension and the formation of knots.
Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to muscle tension and the formation of knots.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, can cause the formation of muscle knots.
Massage therapy, stretching, and other techniques can be effective in treating muscle knots. Should you have any questions of treating muscle knots throughout your massage session, please let me know and will address them together during your session.
Overall, why is relaxation important and how can massage help?
Relaxation is important for a number of reasons, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing overall well-being. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and massage can all be effective ways to achieve a state of relaxation.
Massage can be particularly helpful in promoting relaxation because it helps to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, which can lead to feelings of calm and relaxation. Here are some ways that massage can help with relaxation:
Reducing muscle tension: Massage can help to release tension in the muscles, which can alleviate physical symptoms of stress such as headaches, back pain, and neck pain.
Promoting relaxation response: Massage can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "relaxation response" in the body. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mood.
Improving sleep: Massage can help to promote better sleep by reducing stress and tension in the body, leading to more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Boosting immune system: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness and disease. Massage can help to boost the immune system and improve our ability to fight off infections.
Enhancing mental clarity: Massage can help to clear the mind and improve our ability to focus, making us more productive and effective in our daily lives.
In summary, relaxation is important for maintaining good health, and massage can be an effective tool for achieving a state of relaxation. By reducing muscle tension, promoting the relaxation response, improving sleep, boosting the immune system, and enhancing mental clarity, massage can help to improve overall well-being and reduce the negative effects of stress.