Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will rest on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed?

Most patients remain fully clothed for Light Touch Therapy. During Massage Therapy, it is entirely up to you as to what you want to wear. After you undress to your level of comfort and cover up with a sheet and blanket, you will be properly draped during the entire session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe? 

No. You will have complete privacy while you undress, relax on the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket .

Will I be covered during the session?

Yes. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be uncovered.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

 You and Dr. Holland will discuss your massage preferences prior to beginning the massage portion of the session. You may select from head, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, back, arms, legs, feet, and hands.

It is usually helpful to treat a larger area than simply the area that is troubling you.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?

A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps to hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be used. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Dr. Holland employs a wide range of techniques, ranging from relaxing gliding strokes to deep tissue pressure and myofascial release. She is always attentive to your comfort level and blends therapeutic goals with sensitivity.

Are there different kinds of massage and Light Touch Therapy?

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, stationary touch, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you. 

What should I do during the massage or Light Touch Therapy session?

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask Dr. Holland any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, just make yourself comfortable! She will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

How will I feel after the massage or Light Touch Therapy session?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

What are the benefits of massage and Light Touch Therapy?

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any conditions that would make massage or Light Touch Therapy inadvisable?

Yes. That's why it is imperative that Dr. Holland review your medical history with you before your first session. It is very important that you inform her of any health problems you have and/or medications you take. If you are under a doctor's care, or have had surgery recently, you may be asked to obtain approval for bodywork from your doctor.