What will happen during my massage session?

On your first visit, you will fill out a thorough health history. You will be asked about your pain patterns and trouble areas. After an initial discussion and assessment, your session will generally involve a full body massage with special attention to any body part that has particular pain or discomfort.

Where will the massage take place?

The massage will take place at the office of LifeCycle Therapeutics. We have two locations in Colorado: Alamosa and Colorado Springs. You will receive your massage in a quiet, comfortable treatment room on a professional massage table.

Will I be covered during the session?

Yes. You will be properly and professionally draped at all times; only the area being treated will be uncovered.

What should I do during the massage session?

You should relax and make yourself comfortable. If you like to talk during the session, that's okay. Likewise, if you prefer to remain quiet, you are encouraged to do so. Remember: it's your session. Communicate with your therapist about the level of pressure you prefer, and be sure to point out any tender points. Feel free to ask your therapist if you have any questions about the treatment or massage in general.

How will I feel after the massage session?

You will probably feel very relaxed. Many people feel relief from their chronic aches and pains. After an initial short period of sluggishness, you may notice feelings of increased energy and productivity. It is important to drink plenty of water following your massage, because the therapy session can release toxins that have built up over time in the body.

What is a trigger point?

Simply put, a trigger point is a hyper-irritable or hyper-sensitive point in an overworked or injured muscle that can refer pain to other areas of the body. By using neuromuscular massage techniques, we can break up these points to relieve pain.

When should I not receive massage?

While massage can benefit most people, there are some medical conditions under which massage is not recommended. If you are under the care of a physician, it is important that you consult him or her before receiving massage. It is also important to inform your massage therapist of all medical conditions prior to beginning treatment, as some conditions can still be treated with minor adjustments in the treatment plan. Below is a partial list of medical conditions under which massage may be contraindicated:

• arterial embolism
• broken bones
• cancer (no deep tissue work, light touch can be ok)
• drug or alcohol intoxication
• hemorrhage
• high blood pressure / hypertension (untreated)
• history of heart disease
• high risk pregnancy
• infectious disease
• rheumatoid arthritis (during flareups)
• stroke
• thrombophlebitis
• tumors
• varicose veins (massage can be done, but the affected area must be avoided)