Here are a few common questions many ask (or at least think about) before getting a massage…
Who's going to massage me? What's a LMT, MAT, MAE? Do I have a choice?
You will have a licensed massage therapist (LMT) or apprentice in massage therapy whenever you have a massage here at Ka Hale Ola Massage Therapy. Licensed massage therapists in the state of Hawaii will have a MAT number (to see ours, check out our “Meet the Therapists” page and massage therapy establishments will have a MAE number- we’re MAE-1943). Before you become licensed in the state of Hawaii, you need to spend at least 570 hours in an accredited school or spend an equal amount of time as an apprentice. Without a MAT or MAE license (for establishments), you are not legally able to practice massage in the state of Hawaii (for more information, please visit http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/pvl/boards/massage/ ! You do have a choice on who works on you, so if you do have a male or female preference, please let us know ahead of time so we may accommodate you! Heck, you can even choose the music you want to hear!!!
Do I have to be sore or in pain to come in?
In a word… NO! Massage is not only for pain relief, but pain PREVENTION. Like a car, your body needs to be taken care of, even though it may seem to be in total working order. Often times, we neglect the minor signs of wear and tear (muscle strains, headaches) until something major happens (unable to get out of bed, inability to turn your head while driving). Muscles that are tight or in spasm don’t work properly, unconsciously causing you to baby the affected muscle (or muscles), and eventually lead you to injury and pain. Massage can reduce those spasms and ultimately prevent the pain from ever happening! You’ll feel less physical stress, thus reducing your mental stress, and ultimately improving your overall well-being! So, to maximize your massage experience, please let us know your goals for the massage. The therapists here specialize is providing therapeutic relief so if there’s something bothering you please let us know. If your goal to relax, let us know that too! The outcome of your massage is directly related the information your provide us!
I have (some medical condition), can I still get a massage?
It depends… We do have a client intake form that must be signed prior to the initial visit which lists a variety of medical conditions. We do have the right to decline your request for a massage if we feel uncomfortable or unsure about your ailment. A simple note or call from your doctor can clear it all up! And if there are any new conditions which may occur down the road, please notify us as soon as possible.
Can I leave my clothes on?
Of course you can! You can dress down to whatever YOU are comfortable with. Normally full body massages are performed with the client in some sort of undress to allow for better contact and accessibility to the muscles, but it all depends on your particular comfort level. We will step out of the treatment room while you undress. Fully clothed (or any other state of undress), you will be draped with a clean sheet at all times. We will expose an area only when we are working in that specific area.
What will the massage feel like? Can I choose what I want worked on?
The entire massage depends on YOU! Fan of deep pressure and you’d like more from the therapist… or maybe you just want to have a relaxing massage… perhaps you remember a particular technique from a past massage and want to try it again…maybe you just want your neck and back worked on and not your legs… JUST ASK! Our therapists have their own particular strengths and areas of expertise that we use to meet your desired goals, but if there’s some specific technique you want or area or the body you’d like us to focus on, let us know (for a list of the types of massage available, please visit the “SERVICES” page)!
We will ask you what your expectations are before the session and see how you’re feeling during, but don’t be afraid to say something if you have any questions. We’re good, but unfortunately, we aren’t mind readers! We want you to enjoy the massage, so you can sleep, talk, or just close your eyes and relax…everything is up to you.
The massage was GREAT, can I tip?
While not necessary, gratuities are DEFINITELY APPRECIATED!!! We realize that while our prices are very reasonable, you are spending your hard earned money. The therapists at Ka Hale Ola Massage Therapy do everything in our abilities to ensure you get the most out of your massage experience, so if you feel they deserve it, by all means!
How will I feel AFTER the massage?
We hope you feel better, that’s for sure!!! Everyone’s bodies are different in how they respond to the massage. Immediately following a massage, you may feel sleepy, tired, somewhat lightheaded, energetic, more awake, maybe a little sore, like you have to use the bathroom (really, no joke!)… the main thing is that you drink a lot of water right after the massage as well as when you go home. Also take a warm bath (with Hawaiian salt) or shower or better yet, take a dip at the beach! Your body (especially if stressed for an extended period of time) has a lot of toxins and waste products that have built up in the muscles. The massage started to move those waste products out of the muscles and into the rest of the body. Occasionally, people will have what we call a “healing crisis” where you may feel physically sick for a short period of time. Water, rest, and the warm bath will help to flush those toxins out and enhance the effects of the massage. Please visit this website for more information: http://www.falconblanco.com/health/crisis.htm
There are other effects which may occur, please visit the “BENEFITS” page!
If you have any other questions or comments, please call or e-mail us!