Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

A licensed massage therapist will always practice industry guideline draping techniques. Draping is where the massage therapist folds and tucks the towel or sheet around your body, only exposing the areas to be worked on. Many regular clients prefer to be fully undressed with draping. If you feel more comfortable leaving your loose-fitting underwear on, that is totally fine -- you will still be draped. To access certain areas such as the back or glutes, removing your bra strap and/or removing undergarments (with draping) will help the massage therapist work these muscles at a greater depth.

The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax on the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. 

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. 

A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you. 

Before the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask. 

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.

Contractor LMTs receive a commission of 50% or more of the base price for any client service — far above the typical 30% commission rate in Idaho. Additional tips are neither expected nor required at Essence of Massage & Bodywork. However, if you wish to offer an extra tip for exceptional service, you are welcome to do so via cash or Venmo (directly to the LMT).

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. 

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Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. You must inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork before any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
Click for a list of some contraindications.

While massage therapy will assist with pain relief, it may take several hours after your massage for the pain relief effects to kick in. Additional sessions may be needed to reduce pain for chronic conditions.  When you join a gym and want to get into shape, you don't expect to reach your goal with a single workout.

Massage therapy, when applied correctly, may require more than one session to achieve your pain relief goals. If you are suffering from an injury or condition beyond the scope of massage therapy, we will refer you to someone who can best help you.

Always check the training and licensing information for any massage therapist in Idaho before you make an appointment! It is against the law to practice massage therapy without a license in Idaho. You can quickly check the licensing information for any massage therapist in Idaho online through the DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES. Licensed massage therapists should display their state registration clearly in the room they are working. This is to keep you safe as well as researching the background and training information for each therapist will help you find the best therapist for your specific massage therapy goals.

Some clients may prefer working with a female or male therapist only, and that is understandable for any reason.

You can either book online, or text us at (208) 656-4407.