Your Massage Questions, Answered: What to Know Before You Book

Booking a massage can feel like stepping into the unknown if you’re not sure what to expect. At Elixir Mind Body Massage, we believe knowledge is key to relaxation. Let’s dive deep into the top questions we hear, ensuring your next session is both comfortable and rewarding.

1. What can I expect during a massage session?

Your massage experience begins with a warm welcome and an intake discussion. Your therapist will ask about your health history, current concerns, and any specific goals you have for the session. Afterward, they’ll step out, giving you privacy to undress to your comfort level and lie under the provided sheet or blanket.

The session itself involves therapeutic techniques tailored to your needs. You’ll remain covered at all times, with only the area being worked on exposed. Expect soothing music, gentle lighting, and a calming environment designed to melt stress away. After your massage, your therapist may provide aftercare tips or stretches to maintain the benefits of your massage longer.

2. Which Type of Massage Would Be Best for My Needs?

Choosing the right massage can feel like a puzzle, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you put the pieces together. At Elixir, we offer a variety of options, each designed to address specific goals and needs:

• Swedish Massage: The quintessential massage experience, designed to melt away stress and induce profound relaxation. Imagine long, flowing strokes that glide along your body, easing tension and promoting a sense of tranquility. This classic massage increases circulation, soothes tired muscles, and leaves you feeling like a puddle of blissful serenity. It’s particularly helpful for those experiencing generalized tension, stress-related headaches, and insomnia.
• Deep Tissue Massage: If you’re battling chronic tension, stubborn knots, or persistent muscle soreness, deep tissue massage is your ultimate ally. We’ll employ focused pressure and specialized techniques to reach the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, effectively releasing those stubborn knots and adhesions that limit your movement. Once again, experience the freedom of moving with ease and comfort. This modality is especially effective for conditions like chronic back pain, sciatica, and limited range of motion.
• Hot Stone Massage: Prepare to be enveloped in warmth and tranquility. Smooth, heated stones are strategically placed on key points of your body, their gentle heat melting away tension and promoting deep relaxation. We’ll also incorporate the stones into our massage strokes, using their warmth to ease muscle tension and enhance circulation. It’s the perfect escape for anyone seeking to unwind on a whole new level, particularly those experiencing muscle stiffness, anxiety, or poor circulation.
• Prenatal Massage: Nurturing touch for the expectant mother. Our specialized prenatal massages provide soothing relief from the aches, pains, and discomforts that often accompany pregnancy. We’ll employ gentle techniques to ease muscle tension in areas like the lower back and legs, reduce swelling in the ankles and feet, and promote overall well-being for both mother and baby. For optimal comfort and safety, we utilize a side-lying position recommended by most OBGYNs, ensuring a relaxing and supportive experience.
• Sports Massage: Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or an enthusiastic weekend warrior, sports massage is designed to optimize your performance and recovery. We’ll target specific muscle groups often overused in your chosen sport, employing techniques to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve flexibility. This includes the use of passive stretching to enhance range of motion and prevent injuries. Say goodbye to nagging pain from repetitive movements and hello to enhanced athletic performance.
• Reflexology: Experience the profound connection between your extremities and your overall well-being. Reflexology focuses on specific pressure points in your hands, feet, and ears that correspond to different organs and systems throughout the body. By applying targeted pressure to these points, we can stimulate energy flow, release tension, and promote healing throughout your entire system. It’s truly remarkable how much tension can melt away by giving those hardworking feet some love! Reflexology is particularly beneficial for those experiencing stress, headaches, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances.
• Aromatherapy Massage: Elevate your massage experience with the power of scent. We’ll incorporate customized blends of essential oils tailored to your specific needs, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of your massage. Whether you seek to calm your mind, energize your body, alleviate pain, or promote restful sleep, aromatherapy adds an extra layer of therapeutic goodness to your session. Imagine the soothing aroma of lavender easing your anxiety, the invigorating scent of citrus awakening your senses, or the refreshing notes of peppermint easing your headache.
• CBD Oil Massage: Indulge in the ultimate therapeutic experience with a CBD oil massage. This powerful modality combines the benefits of massage with the therapeutic properties of CBD (cannabidiol), a natural compound known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. CBD-infused oil helps to reduce inflammation, ease muscle soreness and joint pain, and promote deep relaxation. It’s the perfect choice for targeting those overworked, stressed-out muscles and promoting a sense of profound calm.
• Dry Brushing: Prepare your body for the ultimate massage experience with a revitalizing dry brush exfoliation. This invigorating technique involves using a natural bristle brush to gently stimulate your skin, boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage. Dry brushing helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and glowing. It’s also a wonderful way to stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in detoxification and immune function. Consider it the perfect pre-massage prep to enhance the benefits of your chosen massage modality.
• Soft Cupping Therapy: Offers a unique approach to muscle release compared to traditional massage. The gentle suction from the cupping works wonders for fascial release. The fascia is a network of connective tissue that envelops muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When this tissue becomes tight or restricted, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Soft cupping’s suction creates a gentle vacuum, which helps to break up adhesions within the fascia, promoting greater flexibility and ease of movement.

Still not sure which one to choose? Our expert therapists and concierge are here to guide you. Just share your goals, preferences, and any specific aches or issues you’re dealing with—we’ll create a massage experience that’s tailor-made for you.

3. Do I have to completely undress?

No, and this is an important aspect of your comfort. You can undress to your comfort level, whether that means leaving on underwear or more clothing. Your therapist will work around the areas left covered, respecting these as hard boundaries. For example:

• Some people prefer to undress completely for a massage to avoid any restrictions on the massage therapist’s access to their muscles, while others prefer to keep their underwear on for personal comfort or modesty reasons.
• Underwear on: The therapist will avoid glute and psoas work, focusing instead on accessible areas.
• Clothed areas: These are completely off-limits, ensuring you always feel safe and respected.

Rest assured, you’ll remain fully covered except for the specific area being massaged, maintaining your privacy and safety at all times.

4. How do I communicate my preferred pressure level?

Clear communication is key to a massage session that meets your needs. Instead of using subjective terms like “deep” or “relaxing,” consider rating your preferred pressure on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being feather-light and 10 being very deep and intense. This approach helps ensure your therapist understands exactly how much pressure you’re comfortable with.  If you want more or less pressure during your massage, speak up.  You won’t hurt the therapist’s feelings since they want you to have the best experience possible.

Additionally, tell your therapist about any areas that are tight, painful, need extra attention, or that should be avoided. Let them know about your daily routine, including your work habits—whether you sit at a desk all day, drive frequently, or do physical labor like construction. Each type of activity impacts your body differently, and your therapist can tailor their techniques accordingly.

Your recreational activities also matter. For example, soreness from playing golf often differs from that caused by skiing or running. Sharing this information helps your therapist pinpoint likely causes of your discomfort and deliver a more effective, targeted session. Remember, the more details you provide, the better they can address your unique needs and optimize your massage experience.

5. Can massage help with specific pain points?

Absolutely! Massage therapy can work wonders for a variety of pain points and chronic issues and is highly effective for addressing localized pain. Techniques like trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and deep tissue work target problem areas directly. Here are some additional areas and conditions where massage can make a real difference:

•  Neck and Shoulder Tension:
  Many of us carry stress in our neck and shoulders, especially if we sit at a desk or spend a lot of time on our phones. Massage helps release those knots, improves blood flow, and even alleviates tension headaches stemming from tight muscles.
• Lower Back Pain:
  Whether from poor posture, heavy lifting, or long periods of sitting, lower back pain is a common complaint. A customized massage can target the deep muscles in this area, improving mobility and reducing chronic pain.
• Hip Pain:
  Tight hip flexors or misalignment can lead to pain radiating through your hips and even down your legs. Massage can provide significant relief, particularly techniques focusing on the glutes and psoas. (Remember, if you leave your underwear on, this signals to your therapist not to work on the glutes or psoas.)
• Sciatic Pain:
  Massage can alleviate the discomfort caused by sciatica by relaxing tight muscles in the lower back and glutes, which may be compressing the sciatic nerve. Techniques like deep tissue work or targeted glute releases can bring relief.
• TMJ Disorders:
  Tension in the jaw can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, causing pain and headaches. Massage therapy can focus on the jaw, neck, and even inside the mouth (if consented) to relieve this tension.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
  For individuals experiencing wrist pain from repetitive tasks like typing or manual work, massage can reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the forearms, wrists, and hands, relieving symptoms and preventing flare-ups.
• Plantar Fasciitis:
  Massage can effectively address foot pain and stiffness associated with plantar fasciitis by targeting the fascia and muscles of the feet and calves, improving flexibility, and reducing inflammation.
• IT Band Tightness:
  Runners, cyclists, or people sitting all day often struggle with tight iliotibial (IT) bands along the outer thigh. Massage can release this tension, prevent knee pain, and improve overall leg mobility.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):
  Massage can improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain by focusing on the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, aiding in recovery and restoring range of motion.

Massage isn’t just about relaxation—it’s a powerful tool for addressing these and many other specific areas of pain. Always communicate your pain points and goals with your therapist so they can customize the session to your needs. The more they know, the more they can help!

6. Are there any health conditions that would prevent me from getting a massage?

Certain conditions may make massage unsafe or require modifications. These include:

• Contagious illnesses: If you have a cold, flu, or other infectious disease, you should skip the massage to avoid spreading germs to the therapist and other clients.
• Fever: Having a fever is a contraindication for massage, as it may increase the severity of the infection.
• Skin conditions: Certain skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or severe acne can be aggravated by massage. Contagious rashes like poison ivy, impetigo, or ringworm should be completely gone before receiving a massage.
• Recent surgery or acute injury: Consult with your healthcare provider before getting a massage after surgery or if you have an acute injury.
• Intoxication: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to provide reliable feedback to the therapist, increasing the risk of injury.
• Blood clots: Massage can potentially loosen blood clots, which may be dangerous.
• Severe medical conditions: People with advanced kidney failure, liver failure, or severe atherosclerosis should avoid massages.
• Cancer: Massage for cancer patients should only be performed by therapists trained to work with this population.
• Inflammation: Massaging inflamed areas can further aggravate the condition.
• Uncontrolled hypertension: Massage increases blood flow, which may cause problems for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Hemophilia or use of blood-thinning medication: These conditions increase the risk of bruising or bleeding during massage.
• Autoimmune diseases: During acute flare-ups of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus, massage should be avoided.

Always inform your therapist of any medical conditions and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns before getting a massage.

7. How much do massages cost in Denver, CO?

Massage prices vary based on duration, type of massage, the location of the studio, and the massage therapist’s experience. At Elixir, a 60-minute session ranges from $129 to $147. Elixir offers Wellness Membership options, series, and packages for regular clients, making ongoing self-care more accessible. Elixir also has a variety of special offers every month so be sure to check the website for deals.

8. What are the possible side effects after a massage?

Most clients feel relaxed and refreshed, but for a few people mild side effects can include:

• Soreness: Especially after deep tissue work, as muscles adjust.  A warm bath with mineral salts can help ease any soreness.
• Fatigue: Your body is releasing tension and lactic acid, which can be tiring. This is a good time to rest and recuperate. 
• Emotional release: Stored emotions may surface during or after your session. This is a natural and healthy part of the healing process.
• Headaches: Some people may experience headaches due to increased circulation and lymphatic stimulation. Staying hydrated can help.
• Nausea: This can occur if you have been drinking or are hungover. Alcohol and pain medication are contraindicated when getting a massage.
• Increased urination or bowel movements: This can happen due to stimulation of the lymphatic system, especially after massage to the lower back and abdomen.
• Flu-like symptoms: A deep tissue massage can leave the muscles feeling sore, as with intense exercise. When there is muscle soreness, the immune system naturally activates T-cells to try to repair those muscles. As such, this immune system response can make some clients feel as if they are ill.
• Thirst: Increased bodily functions during and after massage can lead to thirst. Drink plenty of water post-massage to help flush lactic acid and stay hydrated.

9. What is an emotional release from massage and why does it happen?

Emotions and physical tension are deeply connected. When muscles release tension, it can also release stored emotional stress. This may manifest as tears, a sense of vulnerability, or even unexpected laughter. It’s completely normal and a sign that your body is healing. Our therapists are trained to handle this with sensitivity and care—no judgment, just support.

10. What other services would complement my massage and provide even more relief?

Want to take your massage to the next level? Try combining it with some cutting-edge wellness treatments.

• Infrared saunas offer deep, gentle heat that melts away muscle tension and boosts circulation, making your massage even more effective.
• Cold Plunges will help reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery, minimizing any post-massage soreness.
• Aromatherapy uses strategic essential oil blends that calm your mind, ease stress, and enhance the overall therapeutic experience.

Together, these treatments create a powerhouse wellness session that’ll leave you feeling completely renewed – body and mind.

At Elixir Mind Body Massage, we’re here to make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.

Ready to experience the benefits of massage for yourself or someone you care about? Visit www.elixirinlodo.com to make an appointment online 24/7 or call 303-571-4455 to schedule your next session. Your well-being deserves it!