Muscular Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Muscular Therapy?
Muscular Therapy is a form of therapeutic massage that combines aspects of Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release and energy work to create a treatment tailored to the needs of each individual client. The modality was created by Ben Benjamin and first taught at the school he founded, the Muscular Therapy Institute (MTI), in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1974.
Do you have a specific massage routine that you use for each client?
No, each individual session is an opportunity for me to work with a client in a unique way to help facilitate the natural healing process of each client's own body.
Do you do deep tissue massage?
Yes, I do deep tissue massage if that is what is best for the client. For each session, I use varying pressures, rhythms and speeds based on the needs of the client.
This is my first massage, what can I expect?
Your first session will begin with an intake interview where you will be asked to fill out a health history form. We will discuss your reasons for seeking massage, your current activity level, your medical history, your lifestyle and stress levels, and your specific areas of concern and tension. The session itself will take place on a comfortable, padded table and will include the use of oil, lotion or cream. You will be provided a private place to undress, and will do so to your comfort level. For modesty, sheets and a blanket will be provided on the table, and only the part of the body being worked on will be undraped. An open line of communication should exist between you and me during the session, and you should always feel free to tell me if the pressure is too much/not enough, if you are cold/hot, or if you are uncomfortable in anyway. Sometimes people talk during a session, sometimes they are quiet, and sometimes people even fall asleep. I take my cues from you on that so that you are sure to get what you need from the session. At the end of the session, I will leave so that you can dress, and then we will meet for a brief exit interview where we discuss the session, and any self care exercises that I believe would be beneficial for you to do before your next session.
What is self-care?
In order to maintain and prolong the positive effects of a massage session, as well as to encourage self-awareness and health, I will sometimes suggest possible exercises or activities that you can do on your own, between sessions.
Are there people that should not receive therapeutic massage?
Most massage is circulatory in nature, meaning that it moves blood and/or lymph through your system. There are certain medical conditions for which circulatory massage is contraindicated (should not be done). These include certain circulatory or cardiac conditions, some infectious diseases or certain types of cancer, some skin conditions, and inflamed or infected tissue. If you have a condition that may fall into the category of these contraindications, I may ask you to discuss massage with your doctor before we proceed. For most conditions, under a physician's guidance, we should be able to develop a treatment plan that will be safe for you. Sometimes this may include non-circulatory massage or other modalities.
Can I bring my baby or young child with me to the office?
If you would like to bring your baby or small child to the office during your appointment, either because you are breastfeeding, you are more comfortable having him or her along, or because child care is difficult to find, that is fine. I have a pack-and-play in the office, as well as a travel baby swing. I just ask the child not crawl, toddle or run around during your treatment, as the office is not a child-proof environment. If you have specific questions about this, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss.
Do you accept male clients?
Currently my focus is on Women's Health and Prenatal and Perinatal Massage Therapy. I will, however, accept spouses or partners of my female clients, as the health of the family is also very important for each client.
