This page contains information for Marian's Listening Touch and Marian Fritsch-Gerl, LMT, M.Ed.
For information on other practioners at Juniper House, please visit www.juniperhouse.net.
Marian's Listening Touch FAQ's
Why consider getting bodywork?
Massage therapy can be used to enhance comfort in your body and encourage a relaxed state of mental and emotional well-being. It benefits muscle tone and posture, improves circulation, and supports conditions in your body for health and healing. Massage can be an important part of your healthy and happy lifestyle.
What Added Value Can I Expect?
Advanced Training – You benefit from years of experience and dedicated training. Efficacy and depth of knowledge are my constant goals in continuing education.
Relaxed Scheduling – Relaxing transitions before and after your session enhance the effectiveness of your therapy.
Smaller Client Load – Personalized care and attention are never sacrificed for the sake of increased business.
Attention to Excellent Quality – Quality lotions and oils, mindful presence, and a comfortable environment enhance the healing benefits of your session.
Which type of therapy should I choose?
You will probably find an integrated therapy to be most helpful. This way, your session can be tailored to your situation by combining techniques from various modalities as needed. Some of my training includes, to varying degrees, Relaxation Massage, Connective Tissue Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Neural and Visceral Manipulation, Deep Tissue Massage, Fascial Stretch Therapy™, Muscle Release Technique™, Structural Bodywork, and Aromatherapy. Please let me know if you would like to focus on a specific modality.
How often do people usually get massage?
Many people enjoy a regularly scheduled massage as part of their healthy and happy lifestyle. Frequency can vary from weekly to monthly or even every six weeks or every couple of months, depending on budget, time constraints, and individual goals. More frequent sessions may be helpful when dealing with specific issues of concern. Alternatively, some people choose not to make bodywork a part of their day to day lifestyle, but use it as a remedial approach to discomfort as needed.
Will massage be helpful in my situation?
For most people, bodywork can be a helpful part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. And it can be especially helpful for certain types of pain, unbalance, and discomfort in the body. If massage is right for you, you will probably notice some benefit right away. Repeated therapy sessions may help your body to feel comfortable in a more relaxed and balanced alignment. The time frame for improvement varies and is affected by how long a pattern of discomfort has been held, your overall health, and lifestyle factors such as posture, stretching, and exercise.
How long should I plan for my appointment?
Please plan for a few minutes to connect and discuss your intention for your session before we get started. You will also have time to finish up and prepare for your journey home in a relaxed manner. Most clients end up spending an additional 20 or 30 minutes. Of course, I value your time and will make adjustments if needed. If you have time constraints, please mention them when you arrive.
What can I do to get the most benefit from my session?
It will be most helpful if you have a clear intention for your massage, such as relaxation, comfort in your body, relief from pain, improved overall health, etc. Set this intention before we start so we can work together during your therapy. You can help by focusing on relaxed breathing, providing feedback as needed, or just allowing yourself to relax into the session. After your therapy, you may find it helpful to relax with a hot bath, do some light stretching, go for a walk, take a nap, or other activities to help your body/mind integrate the work you have received.
Do I have to get undressed?
You will never be asked to undress past your own comfort level. An effective therapy can be given with the client fully dressed in loose comfortable clothing. However, should you decide to undress, your modesty will be preserved at all times with the use of a covering sheet. This option can be helpful in improving circulation, allowing continuity of contact, and helping the therapist to better assess the condition of the body. Your comfort is my first priority, and I will always respect your choices in this regard.
Is a gratuity expected?
You probably wouldn’t think of tipping your doctor or chiropractor. On the other hand, if you were to visit a spa for your massage, you would probably expect to offer a tip. I appreciate your trust and your business, and your comfort is my first priority. Gratuities are appreciated, but never expected.
Additional FAQ's from ABMP
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
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.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will 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.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
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.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to 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.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
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 is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you 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 prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
