How do you conduct your massage?
I approach every massage with great respect, empathy, and consideration. A discussion during our first session will allow me to better your specific problems and needs. These can change from session to session, and I will adapt according to them.
If you are cautious about a massage on certain parts of the body, by all means tell me and we can concentrate on other areas. By following a well-established protocol and a pre-established path, the massage always begins gently - to identify the areas of stiffness and tension in your body without rushing. Imagine it as a first contact that allows us to get to know each other and to establish important trust. As the massage progresses, the pressure will intensify and stretching will use hand pulls. I then apply techniques to release tension and rigidity - using a series of repetitive motions on trigger points.
A trigger point is an area of skeletal muscle that is the "source" of pain. My goal is to find these points (knots) and make them disappear – to relieve the tension and reduce the stress they cause. Their limitations and the pain they can create are then reduced. Or even completely corrected.
I often focus on locating multiple trigger points to create complete pain relief. I can work on a broader network of muscles associated with the type of pain my client is experiencing. When I work on apparently ‘unrelated muscles,’ I am targeting related muscle groups. And the immediate relief and long-term benefits make the results noticeably clear. As well as using a number of different movements and techniques when performing myofascial massage, the massage is most often performed using my hands and elbows. However, especially in therapeutic sessions, a range of massage tools are available
What are the requirements for a home massage?
To ensure your massage takes place in the best conditions, a clear space of 2m50 x 3m50 minimum is necessary. Please opt for a quiet space. The temperature in the room should be at least 25 degrees. Below this temperature, you risk getting cold and diminishing the experience.
I use a high-end portable table from the Earthlite brand called Spirit™. It is precision-crafted using the best eco-friendly materials available. My clients love the luxurious cushioning system and at 81cm wide, it offers unique comfort.
I travel within a radius of 75 km around Neffiès between Montpellier and Narbonne. You can check pricing here. For all massages outside this area, please contact me by email or telephone to agree on the terms and price of the service.
What should I wear, is there any preparation?
As I always tell my clients it is "your massage, your choice". I understand and respect everyone's intimacy and privacy. The massage is preferably practiced on a naked body, but nothing obliges you to do so, and you can keep your underwear or shorts on.
It is important to inform me during our initial interview if you have concerns about privacy, discretion or modesty. Massage should never produce physical or mental discomfort. I will always adapt to you to create a safe and secure space. My massage sessions take place in an environment of complete confidentiality and consideration.
There is no particular preparation. It is of course necessary to maintain good hygiene, no transmissible skin diseases, to not be in an immuno-depressed state (fever, disease) before the massage, or to have any cardiac disorders. If possible, avoid heavy lifting or extremely stressful situations after a massage session to get the most of its benefit.
Are any massage oils used?
My massages are always performed with organic and vegetable oils. They are neutral and unscented. Massage oils can hydrate and nourish the skin, release tension, relieve pain, improve elasticity and more. I try to choose my oils to consider a client’s criteria, including your skin type.
I often use coconut oil or grapeseed oil. Arnica massage oil can stand out for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties - making it the perfect choice when soothing muscle and joint pain. Essential oils can be added to the oil to treat particular ailments - and provide additional properties.
Please note that essential oils are prohibited for pregnant women.
Do not hesitate during our first session to highlight any allergies or medical conditions, and any preference for oils you may have.
What Are the Skills a Massage Therapist Needs to Be Successful?
It is easy to see why professionals would gravitate toward a career that allows their clients to tap into the regenerative benefits of myofascial massage. Being successful at myofascial massage requires specific skills and interpersonal qualities.
Dexterity
A massage therapist must have a degree of flexibility to access various muscles and muscle groups on a client’s body. They must be able to reach over the massage table to vigorously apply pressure to muscles. In many cases, this means holding the pressure in place until they can sense the release of the trigger point. The different maneuvers needed for myofascial massage also require a good degree of dexterity. Massage is a “whole-body” application that requires a combination of fast and carefully paced movements. While the entire body is used, it is especially important to have hand and wrist dexterity for the ultra-detailed, fine-point work that needs to be done during a massage session.
Stamina
Stamina is also important for massage therapists. A myofascial massage can last for up to 120 minutes. Due to the demand for this therapy, it is not uncommon to book multiple massage sessions throughout the course of a single day. Ultimately, the stamina to give every message session “my all” is very needed in this field
Communication Skills
A myofascial massage therapist needs to have strong communication skills. Clients often have questions about how this type of massage therapy works. As a massage therapist, it is important to share information that puts clients at ease during what can feel like a very vulnerable experience. Massage therapists must have the skills to gauge client comfort levels, make adaptations to help clients feel more comfortable and “check in” with clients regarding how they are feeling. During an initial meeting, a massage therapist often provides a quick “briefing” on the techniques and benefits behind a specific form of massage. The communication skills of the massage therapist set the tone for the entire experience. While myofascial massage is a highly technical treatment that requires a great deal of technical skill, this is something that is ideal for a “people person” who enjoys one-on-one communication.
What Are the Benefits of Myofascial Massage?
The most immediate and obvious benefit of myofascial massage is pain relief. Many patients experience immediate relief following a release. However, several visits are typically needed to provide muscles with the prolonged, focused healing they need to eliminate pain, strain and inflammation. There are also many secondary benefits to myofascial massage that simply contribute to a healthier body.
One of the big benefits of myofascial massage is the alleviation of knots throughout the impacted area. This helps to relieve tension that was causing reduced mobility. Even areas that were not experiencing acute “pain” can now feel freer and more relaxed. Many clients find that they are able to enjoy better range of motion and flexibility. This is important for clients who are seeking sports massage because the massage therapist is able to utilize myofascial massage to boost recovery and enhance performance.
Next, massage is great for improving blood circulation. The stimulation provided during the massage experience is enough to “wake up” the blood vessels in the affected area to restore blood flow. What’s more, removing the tension caused by knots can also open up the pathways for blood flow that had been blocked by the knots. As a result, the muscles in the area are now receiving more oxygen.
Even people who are not seeking myofascial massages for acute pain can benefit from an overall reduction in muscle soreness. Many active clients seek out this form of massage to keep their muscles at peak performance. Additionally, massage is a great stress-reduction tool for both muscle groups and the full body.
What are Myofascial Massage Techniques?
First, the phrase “myo” refers to the muscular tissue that is affected. The term “fascia” refers to what medical experts call a three-dimensional web of connective tissue. This web of tissue actually extends from the superficial layers of muscular tissue all the way to the deepest layers of tissue that touch the bone. This provides an indication of just how deep and intense a myofascial massage really is. In fact, myofascial tissue can be thought of as the framework of our bodies because it provides the mechanisms that we use to move our muscles.
When the fascia is compromised, we see a reduction in range of motion. In addition, restrictions within the fascia can reduce the flow of nutrition to our joints. This can lead to pain, extreme mobility reductions and inflammation. If left untreated, it’s common for compromised fascia to cause heightened pain sensitivity and premature tissue degeneration. Some clients also experience a narrowing of the spinal cord called stenosis that ultimately leads to muscle weakness.
What does the time of the massage include?
Unlike some spas or institutes, the duration displayed on my services is the actual duration of your massage. For example, a 60-minute massage will actually last 60 minutes. The preliminary interview and the relaxation time after the massage will not be charged or deducted from your 60 minutes. The same applies to all the services offered on my website. That is why I ask you to arrive 10 minutes prior your appointment. The only case for which your massage will last less time is if you are late
Massage therapy services are for the primary purpose of short-term relaxation and the relief of muscular tension. Massage therapy services are in no way a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment by a physician. Proposed services are strictly professional and non-sexual.