Frequently Asked Questions About Massage

What are the benefits of massage?

There are many benefits of massage, some of which have been know for thousands of years. Hippocrates writes about physicians needing to know about “rubbing” in the 4th century.

Benefits of massage:

Calms the nervous system
Decreases pain
Increases circulation
Lowers heart rate
Relaxes the body
Increases flexibility
Increases range of motion
Breaks up scar tissue
Heals injury 50% faster than rest alone
Decreases anxiety
Decreases depression symptoms

More Benefits of Massage

Best Massage Advice: Speak Up!

Truly. We want to know. Try not to feel embarrassed and just ask or say something. Here are some things to speak up about:

Your therapist has bad breath (it’s an easy fix!)
You hate the music
You can feel a hang nail or something similar
The pressure is too hard and hurts (don’t assume they know, or grit and take it)
Your too cold or too hot
You need to turn over

Why get a massage at Athletic Touch Therapeutic Massage?

Because Ruth gets results. I don’t do a “Fluff & Buff” massage like a “cookie-cutter” massage business. I have had 60,000+ hours & 25+ years of experience, not months. My business was started in Albuquerque by word of mouth advertising only, before websites were around. Or cell phones!

I have been working with my clients for years, not months. Come to Athletic Touch Therapeutic Massage to experience feeling your best.

How often should I get a massage?

Once a week if you are an active athlete. Seriously, make the time commitment.

Once a month if you are a busy parent. And once every 6 weeks for everyone else.

If you have a nagging issue, stick with your massage therapist 1/week until the issue is resolved, then make a commitment for 1 massage per month.

What should I wear during my massage?

It’s up to you what to wear. Really. You will always be covered with a sheet at Athletic Touch Therapeutic Massage. We use sheets & a blanket, not towels.

You can choose to wear all your clothes, none of your clothes or anything in between. Each person has different levels of comfort. We meet you at your comfort level-not the other way around.

If you are NOT modest, take everything off.

If you ARE modest, keep your underwear on and maybe even wear comfortable shorts & a sports bra.

Truly, I am happy if you are comfortable. I work on Nuns who leave all layers on and I am still able to deliver a great massage.

Bottom line: be comfortable.

Should I talk or stay quiet?

This is your time, so if you want to chat or be quiet, we will follow your lead.

There are times I need to check in to see how you are, if you are experiencing pain or not, or whether you have referring pain. But, besides that, I won’t talk unless you want to. If I need to distract you, I will ask you open ended questions like, “What is your favorite family vacation.”

Some people sleep during their massage. It’s up to you.

Please communicate anything that you don’t like: the music, if the room is too cold or too hot, if your skin is being pulled, or maybe there is too much oil, or you feel sharp nails. Communicate things good or bad.

Should I take a shower before my massage?

If you smell, yes.

Most people come in either showered or quite clean. But, if you don’t have time, don’t worry and come in anyway.

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

No problem. I have a bathrobe just for you, so you can quickly get to the restroom and back quickly.

What if I’m running late for my appointment?

Try to let me know asap with a call or text that you are running late. The time you scheduled is reserved JUST for you, and I may have another person or appointment right after your scheduled time. Either way, don’t cancel, come in and try to relax and we’ll do our best to make that happen in as much time as we can spare.

Can I tip my massage therapist?

Yes. I appreciate being tipped! The average tip for massage therapists in the US is 20%, but don’t feel obligated!

You can leave cash or you can leave a tip on a credit card or check. Though some offices discourage this practice, at Athletic Touch Therapeutic Massage, I am comfortable receiving tips.