Question 1

Can I talk during the massage? Can I ask Melissa to stay quiet?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I try to follow each client's lead.  Some people don't want to talk at all. So if the person does not initiate conversation, then I stay quiet.  If the client wants to chat the entire time, that is fine with me too.  Again, I will follow your lead.

Question 2

Do I have to be covered with the flat sheet during the massage? What if I get hot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you have to be covered the entire massage.  If you get hot, you can have a fan in the room we do the massage in, and if you have an ice pack we can use that to help you feel better, but you can not remove the sheets.

Question 3

What if I feel to exposed during the massage?

Accepted Answer

Please tell me.  My goal is never to make you feel exposed or uncomfortable. I do my best to make sure your draping is conservative, but if you want things more conservative just tell me.

Question 4

Do I tell Melissa if the pressure is too hard or too soft?

Accepted Answer

Please do.  I know a lot of people don't say anything because they don't want to hurt the massage therapist's feelings, but it will hurt my feelings if I find out later that I went too hard or too gentle.

Question 5

Can Melissa feel my pain?

Accepted Answer

No. Lots of people believe that a massage therapist while giving a massage, can somehow feel how much pressure they should be applying. I wish we could, but we can't. We look for non-verbal signs you might give, like if you tense your muscles, scrunch your face up, make a fist, etc. It is a bit easier to tell when I go too hard compared to when I don't go hard enough.

Question 6

Can Melissa go too hard in a massage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When I do a deep tissue massage or cupping, I want your pain level to be at a 7 or below.  Everyone's 7 is different, and because I can't feel your pain, I rely on you to let me know when we reach the level.

Question 7

Does Melissa give everyone deep tissue massages?

Accepted Answer

Nope. I am trained in light or relaxation massages, like Swedish and Myofascial Release.  Also, Active Release Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, and Cupping can all be done with light, medium, or deep pressure.

So just because I give one person a deep tissue massage, does not mean I would do the same for their spouse, partner, friend, child, etc.

Question 8

Why did Melissa's hand just set in one spot for a really long time?

Accepted Answer

If I set my hand on one spot for a length of time it is because I am using a technique that calms the nerves down.  Nerves and muscles are interwoven so much that in order to get the muscles to feel better, I must address the nerves.

Question 9

What if something feels really good, but Melissa doesn't spend much time in that spot. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Tell me right away.  Again, I can't feel what you are feeling, so I rely on you to tell me what feels good.

Question 10

Can a massage make me feel emotional?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every once in awhile a client will have an emotional release, like wanting to cry.  That is ok and normal. It can be good too because stored up emotions can be a part of tight muscles.

Question 11

Is it normal to feel ticklish in weird areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  This can be a sign of pain.  I can sometimes decrease that ticklish feeling by going slower, deep, or by covering the area with the flat sheet.

Question 12

Why does Melissa cover my feet to massage them?

Accepted Answer

Most people's feet are ticklish and need a lot of attention, so it is just easier to cover everyone's feet than guess or remember which feet are ticklish and which are not.

Question 13

What if I have to go to the bathroom during the massage?

Accepted Answer

Let me know. You can wrap yourself in the flat sheet or if you have a robe in the room you can slip into that and go.

Question 14

What if I fart during the massage?

Accepted Answer

Everyone farts. As long as it is not excessive, I will live.  I might add a bit more aromatherapy to the massage, but that is ok.

Question 15

What if my stomach makes noises?

Accepted Answer

No big deal. That happens sometimes when you relax.  Having a light snack before your massage might help this, but sometimes it happens just because.

Question 16

Why does Melissa ask me to slide down so my head is on the table when I turn over onto my back?

Accepted Answer

The headrest is not very sturdy and so to avoid putting extra stress on that piece of equipment I ask that you slide down.

Question 17

Which way should I turn when turning on to my back.

Accepted Answer

Either way.  Sometimes it is easier to turn one way versus the other, so whatever way works best for you.

Question 18

Where should I put my hands?

Accepted Answer

Wherever is the most comfortable for you.  I will move them around if I need to.

Melissa McCutcheon, LMT MA 105649

During Massage

Frequently asked questions