Frequently Asked Questions

+ What should I expect during my initial massage therapy visit?

During the initial visit, I will discuss relevant injury history information, current areas of pain or discomfort, your goals for the session and what areas you would like to have addressed. In some cases, it will be appropriate to assess the most suitable course of treatment through movement verification exercises. It is important to remember that the session is about you and effective communication is necessary for determining the best course of therapy.

+ Where will my massage session take place?

My office is within Cressey Sports Performance (577 Main Street, Suite 310, Hudson MA). For more specific directions, check out the about page. My location is in the main office space, so it is much quieter and more private than the gym.

+ What should I wear?

Massage sessions at never require you to get completely undressed. My preferred attire is a t-shirt and shorts. For women, a sports bra is helpful when addressing the upper back and neck. Men will likely need to remove their shirts during treatment of the shoulder region. Boxer briefs or compression shorts usually provide sufficient access to the hip and leg region. You will likely be moving into several different positions - on your stomach, back, and side - during each session.

+ Will the massage hurt?

Most likely. There is usually some discomfort for the client when addressing soft-tissue dysfunction and resulting pain through techniques of Trigger Point Therapy, Transverse Friction Massage, Cupping and other methods. Please keep in mind that we will work together to achieve the best results with the least amount of discomfort. Our goal is to manage any discomfort in the "feels good" range.

+ How will I feel the next day?

It is common for clients to experience significant soreness in the days after a massage session. The experience is similar to how you might feel after a good workout.

+ Will this be a relaxing massage?

It can be, but since most people are seeking treatment for soft-tissue dysfunction, it is unlikely that you will fall asleep or feel tremendously relaxed during the massage session. You will, however, observe an improved range of motion, reduced tension, and a reduction in overall pain and discomfort.

+ Will the session cover my entire body?

Most sessions are targeted treatments aimed at reducing pain and soft-tissue restrictions. As a result, there is usually insufficient time to address all areas of the body. A 30-minute session usually provides enough time for one body region (for example, the shoulder or hip region). A 60-minute massage session typically offers sufficient time to cover multiple body areas.

+ How many sessions will I need?

That's a difficult question to answer as each person is complex and each condition is different. Some folks only need a session or two to resolve their primary complaint; others will need more. And some folks like to get into a weekly or monthly routine of receiving massage regardless of how they feel.

+ Is massage appropriate for my condition?

It depends. Massage will not be successful in all instances, nor is it appropriate under certain conditions, but it is an excellent conservative modality to use as a starting point for resolving pain and discomfort.

+ Who will I be working with?

Christopher Howard is the Massage Therapist on site. Learn more about him here.

+ How can I schedule a session?

Check out by online schdeuling service here.

+ I train at Cressey Sports Performance and would like to get a massage while I am there. When is the best time, before or after a workout?

There are a few questions to consider when thinking about the timing of a massage session:

1. Do you have a mobility/flexibility limitation such as limited shoulder flexion or elbow supination? In this case, if the answer is yes, it would be best to get massage work done before your training session so you can gain strength in the new range of motion.

2. Are you in pain? Again in this case, if the answer is yes, then it would be best to get a massage before training to reduce your pain and allow you to exercise pain-free.

3. Does the thought of listening to John Mayer and relaxing for 30-60 minutes put you to sleep and reduce your desire to train? In all seriousness, it's not always optimal to have soft-tissue work done before a training session regardless of mobility limitations or pain because laying on a table, no matter how intense the massage, may reduce your desire to train.