Frequently Asked Questions
How can massage therapy help me with anxiety, depression, or trauma?
There are actually two questions to this: how does massage work and why does it work? To explain why humans respond so well to massage and touch therapy, we can compare our behavior patterns to our modern ape cousins. They use tactile communication for safety, love, and to deepen social bonds. In other words, humans have evolution to thank for our enjoyment of massage.
How massage works to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression lies in our brain chemistry. Positive and safe touch helps the body secrete happy hormones like endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Quantitative research shows that massage therapy produces sizable reductions of anxiety and depression in children and adults. Anxiety and depression are common in people who have experienced trauma or have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Massage therapy is recommended as a complementary treatment to healthcare and other wellness options such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
I also think it is important to acknowledge that not every person enjoys touch and may even have an aversion to massage therapy. This may mean that they can only accept touch from a trusted family member or their spouse and only in certain circumstances that feel safe for them. I would not recommend massage therapy to someone who would not feel comfortable in this setting.
How often is massage therapy recommended for anxiety, depression, or trauma?
In massage school, I learned one simple guideline: massage therapy once a week for healing and once a month for maintenance. In my experience, this rule has proven to be true for most people, however, we are all unique individuals. It may be weekly or bi-weekly for maintenance. For healing, I've had people come in several days in a row until they felt that their pain and anxiety were under control and they could start to space sessions out.
Massage therapy used consistently can help the body and mind develop better habits in response to stress and negative stimuli. Think of massage therapy like any other healthy regimen such as skin care, a well-balanced diet, or exercise. Certainly doing these things once or twice would have wonderful benefits, but lasting change and long-term results can only come from consistency.
Keep in mind that if your anxiety and/or depression is at a 8, 9, or 10 on the pain scale, it may take more than one session to feel relief. This is actually a normal part of the decompression process as it takes longer for your nervous system to relax into the parasympathethic response (rest and digest) since it has spent an extended period of time in the sympathetic state (flight or flight response).
How many minutes should I book?
For adults, I offer 60, 90, and 120 min massage options. The massage time that you book is a personal preference, but I'd suggest a 90 min or a 120 min if you are experiencing pain, even general muscle tension that you'd like relief from. Some people prefer longer sessions for the extra relaxation time.
For children ages 5-17, I offer 30 min and 60 min sessions. A shorter session is recommended for younger children.
What is the difference between a massage for anxiety and a regular massage?
A typical massage will only focus on your physical body, like pain, muscle tension, injury recovery, range of motion in the joints, relaxation, etc. I offer a massage for anxiety, depression, & PTSD that focuses on all the above; your physical and emotional pain. The intake process is more in-depth and I use a wider variety of techniques to get you the relief that you need. My clients are also free to communicate their struggles in a safe space without fear of judgement or being misunderstood.
Do you offer mobile massage?
I do not offer mobile massage. I work in studio only.
Do you offer gift cards?
I do not offer gift cards as I prefer every massage that is purchased through me to be added to the appointment schedule right away.
I do accept gift cards purchased through Massagebook but my business is not affiliated with them, therefore, I cannot be responsible for any issues that may arise when purchasing gift cards via Massagebook.
Do you offer prenatal massage?
No, I do not offer prenatal massage at this time. I specialize in massage for anxiety, depression, and trauma as well as having advanced training in massage for cancer. I need to be mindful not to spread myself too thin, with too many specialties to juggle. I recognize that pregnant people can experience mental health struggles too, but a pregnant body requires additional attention and care during a massage than someone who is not pregnant. I recommend searching for a massage therapist or clinic that specializes in prenatal massage therapy. Massage is safe for all trimesters, but not all LMTs have had training in prenatal massage so it is best to find someone who has experience. I do welcome clients who are in their fourth trimester (postpartum).
I am a massage therapist interested in specializing in massage for anxiety, depression, and trauma. How can I get started?
Congratulations on finding your new path! It is not always easy to decide which speciality you'd like to pursue, especially if you don't have much experience. If you're fresh out of massage school, I recommend starting at a busy franchise or spa to get some fast experience. Working with a wide variety of clients can give you insight into how their needs and goals differ. Keep a journal and make notes after each session with your ideal client. It will help you create and refine your own treatment plan for future sessions. In the meantime, I recommend CEU training on trauma-informed massage. If you are a seasoned therapist, a CEU class would be your next step. My recommendation for all experience levels would be to schedule a massage with someone who specializes in the niche that you're interested in working with. Last but not least, ask yourself what interests you. Do you enjoy sound healing? Guided meditation? Yoga nidra? Reike? Polarity? Craniosacral therapy? Find out what lights your fire and incorporate that into your healing art.