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GETTING STARTED AT PHASES OF WELLNESS

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports & Therapeutic Massage

  • Whatever makes you comfortable. Many clients undress to their comfort level - some prefer to keep their undergarments on, while others don't. Professional draping ensures your privacy and comfort throughout the session. We'll discuss your preferences before we begin.

  • Your first session begins with a brief conversation about your goals, any areas of concern, athletic training, and what you're hoping to achieve. We'll discuss your comfort preferences, then create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. No lengthy forms - just honest conversation about how we can best help you.

  • Come as you are! Avoid eating a heavy meal right beforehand, stay hydrated, and arrive a few minutes early to settle in. If you're an athlete, let us know about recent training or competitions so we can adjust the session accordingly.

  • Some mild soreness is normal, especially after deep tissue work or sports massage. This typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Drinking water and gentle movement help. Think of it like the good soreness after a productive workout - it means we've created positive change in your tissues.

Common Questions About How Massage Supports Athletic Recovery

  • This depends on your training intensity and goals. Most athletes benefit from weekly sessions during heavy training periods, bi-weekly for maintenance, or monthly for general wellness. We'll discuss what frequency makes sense for your sport and training cycle.

  • Absolutely. Therapeutic massage can help with many common athletic issues, including IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tennis elbow, and more. We work with everything from chronic pain to sports-related injuries, helping reduce recovery time and improve performance.

  • For maintenance and recovery, schedule 2-3 days after intense training. Avoid deep work within 48 hours of competition - lighter maintenance work is better. Post-competition massage can begin 24-48 hours after your event to aid recovery.

  • Sports massage is specifically designed to enhance athletic performance and fitness training, using techniques like compression, myofascial release, and active stretching. It addresses the specific demands of your sport and training, focusing on performance enhancement and injury prevention.

Common Questions about Cupping Therapy, Gua Sha and Scraping

  • Cupping uses suction to pull blood toward the surface of your skin, increasing your body's natural healing response. It can help increase range of motion and decrease general tightness. You'll feel suction and pressure, but cupping shouldn't cause pain, though you may experience some skin tightness during the procedure. The round marks fade within 1-2 weeks. 

  • Research suggests cupping may help with back pain, neck pain, headaches, arthritis, and other pain conditions by reducing inflammation, decreasing muscle tightness, improving blood flow, and increasing range of motion.

  • Gua Sha and scraping is a technique that uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. Research shows it can reduce pain, improve soft tissue function, and restore range of motion, often showing results within 6-12 treatment sessions.

  • It's common to experience minor discomfort during the procedure and some bruising afterward. This is a normal response and part of the healing process. The discomfort is temporary, and most clients find the results worth it.

  • Gua Sha and scraping are effective for carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, back pain, IT band issues, plantar fasciitis, and various sports injuries. It's particularly helpful for chronic conditions where scar tissue limits movement.

Common Questions about Scheduling an Appointment at Phases of Wellness 

  • The best is to book directly online by going to our BOOKING PAGE. If you have a special request, you can always text at 518-243-9655 for the fastest response. Include your name, preferred session length (60 or 90 minutes), preferred location, and any specific areas of focus.

  • We offer sessions at three convenient locations:

    • Aevitas Fitness - 1 Charles Blvd, Albany

    • Suarez Physical Therapy - 1097 New Loudon Road, Cohoes

    • Kaliber Fitness - 36 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs

  • Cash, check, or Venmo for your convenience.

  • Life happens - we understand. Please provide as much notice as possible for schedule changes. We value both your time and our therapists' time.

  • Yes! They make perfect gifts for athletes, active friends, or anyone who deserves therapeutic care. Contact me here to arrange.

    • 60-Minute Session: $130 - Perfect for addressing specific areas while still providing full-body work

    • 90-Minute Session: $160 - Extended time for deeper work and complete restoration

Ready to Take a Deep Exhale and Give Your Body the Recovery it Needs?

Book Your Next Massage Appointment Here