Frequently Asked Questions

Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. After a consultation with Ms. Neldon about your goals for the massage, she will exit the room so that you can undress and lay on a table especially designed for your comfort. Commonwealth Massage Therapy, LLC's office is located on the main floor of it's building. Please note that there are approximately 5 steps leading up to the main door of the building from the rear parking lot.

Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session for your modesty. Many clients chose to leave their underwear on while receiving their massage.

Ms. Neldon will leave the room while you undress. Before she returns to the room, she will knock first to ensure that you are on the massage table and covered under the sheet and blanket.

Yes - you will be properly covered at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

You and Ms. Neldon will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female). Both written and verbal consent will be required before your practitioner preforms gluteal and/or abdominal massage work.

It depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. 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 hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken.  Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

The average full-body massage therapy session lasts approximately one hour.  A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet.  Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation.  Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. When scheduling your massage, remember that there will be a few minutes prior to your hands-on work for a chat with Ms. Neldon about your goals for the session, as well as time needed afterwards for checkout.

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask Ms. Neldon any questions about the techniques for the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. Ms. Neldon 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!

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.

Yes!  That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform Ms. Neldon of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Your practitioner may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.