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What if I'm sick?

Getting treated while sick can work two ways.

The first. If well Wink into the illness, the massage may push you through faster. This can mean more intense symptoms. Although more intense, they are often shorter lived.


Or... if you are not fully into the illness, it may ward it off completely. Massage releases toxins from the tissues, giving the body the cleansing boost it may need. You'd need to be sure to drink lots of water/fluids to assist your body's cleansing process.

However this being said. My rule of thumb is: If you have a fever, are contagious, or are within the first 2-3 days of being sick, you are better off staying home to rest. Believe me, it's no fun to be face down, with congested sinuses pressing into the face cradle. On top of this, in the hopes of not sharing illnesses with the next client, as well as keeping myself and my family healthy and strong, I would prefer rescheduling for when you are feeling better. Of course, I will make every effort to fit you back in, as soon as you are well. I will extend the same courtesy if I'm ill. Laughing

Wards off more than Vampires! Garlic

Can I have a few cocktails before the massage to help me relax?

Actually, if you're intoxicated or otherwise impaired, massage is not a good idea. Mixing the two poses a risk because you're desensitized. This makes it difficult to provide accurate reliable feedback. As well, the increased circulation via massage, may increase intoxication by increasing tissue absorption. Please refrain from 'relaxing' too much Wink prior to your appointment. 

Contraindications

Having the most current and accurate health information is imperative. Please provide any recent changes in medications, health history and/or underlying medical conditions. (Medications may effect blood clotting, neurosensory feedback, tissue integrity and pain perception. It is important to have valid feedback for a successful treatment.)  

Any condition that can spread along the skin, through the lymph or the blood stream.
Impetigo - Staph/Strep -  Lymphangitis - Malignant Melanoma  

Do not massage near or over any area where there is bleeding.
Whiplash or other acute injury where there is tearing of tissue
 - may be bleeding into the tissue during the first 24 to 48 hours after the trauma.
Areas of acute inflammation - Ecchymosis (aka a bruise)

*Wounds or infections - especially diabetics - must have doctors release

Get a physician's recommendation when dealing with the following:

Cardiac Arrhythmias - Phlebitis - deep vein thrombosis and clotting disorders - Severe varicose veins

Areas with loss of integrity -
Recent surgery - Joint replacements - Severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Those with compromised immune systems
AIDS

Care must be taken when dealing with areas of abnormal sensation:
Stroke - Diabetes* - Medications

Edema - based on origin and/or cause.

Please understand that Massage services are designed to be a Health Aid. They are in no way to take the place of a Doctors care when indicated. Information exchanged during any Massage session, or on this site, is educational in nature and is intended to help you become more familiar and conscious of your Health Status. It is to be used at your own discretion.