Ask a Massage Therapist: 7 Common Questions, Answered by Recenter Therapeutic Massage

Courtney Greth
Jun 24
3 min read

Updated: Jul 6

Whether you’re new to bodywork or have been receiving massages for years, it’s totally normal to have questions, especially when you're looking for more than just physical relief. At Recenter Therapeutic Massage, I offer sessions designed to support your whole self: body, mind, and energy.

Below, I’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions I receive as a massage therapist and energy worker, answered with care, honesty, and the intention to support your path to feeling more like yourself.

1. What type of massage is best for me?

The “best” type of massage depends on what your body is asking for. At Recenter, I often blend different modalities in a single session, such as:

Ashiatsu massage (using my feet for broad, deep pressure)
Swedish and therapeutic massage (using my hands for nervous system regulation and relief)
Reiki and energy work (for subtle, emotional, and energetic balancing)

We’ll always discuss your goals before the session, so you don’t have to decide ahead of time. I’ll guide you based on what you need that day.

2. What are the benefits of massage therapy beyond relaxation?

Massage is well known for relieving muscle tension and increasing range of motion, but it does so much more than that. Here are a few benefits people often experience after consistent sessions:

Reduced anxiety and stress
Better sleep and digestion
Decreased headaches and jaw pain
Improved mood and emotional balance
Support for grief, burnout, and trauma recovery
A stronger connection to your body and nervous system

Many of my clients say massage is the only time they truly drop in—a chance to rest, feel, and simply be.

3. Can massage therapy help with anxiety or emotional stress?

Yes, absolutely. Massage is one of the most powerful tools for nervous system regulation, and the physical touch (when safe and consensual) can reduce cortisol, increase serotonin, and help the body shift into rest-and-digest mode.

In our sessions, we hold space for whatever arises, whether it’s physical tension or emotional overwhelm. There’s no need to explain or perform. You’re welcome here, fully as you are.

4. What should I do before and after a massage?

Before your massage:

Hydrate with a tall glass of water
Eat a snack or a light meal
Wear comfortable clothing
Arrive 5 minutes early to settle in
Use the restroom
Turn your phone to silent mode

After your massage:

Have another tall glass of water
Allow space in your schedule for rest, ease, and relaxation
Rest or take it slow if you feel spacey or tender
Journal, stretch, or walk gently to integrate
Notice what shifts in your body or mood over the next few days

Your body will continue processing the work after the session ends. Let it.

5. How often should I get a massage?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Some clients come once a year, most monthly, others every 2–3 weeks, and some weekly when they’re going through something big, emotionally or physically.

Together, we can come up with a rhythm that supports your healing and your lifestyle.

6. What if I get emotional during a session?

This is more common than you might think. When your nervous system starts to relax, the emotional layers underneath can rise up.

At Recenter, emotional release is welcome. Crying, laughing, shaking, or zoning out are all normal responses. You don’t need to apologize or explain. I’m here to hold a nonjudgmental, compassionate space for you.

7. Can energy work really make a difference?

Yes, and usually in subtle, beautiful ways. Energy work supports the unseen aspects of your being: your emotions, your spiritual balance, your energetic flow. It’s deeply grounding and can help with:

Fatigue or fogginess
Feeling stuck or emotionally blocked
Grief, anxiety, or overthinking
Processing a breakup or a big life change
A desire to feel more in alignment with your true self

Many clients tell me they leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected after sessions that include energy work.

Still have questions?

I’d love to hear from you. Every body, and every nervous system, is different, and that’s why Recenter is designed to be a safe space for you to explore, heal, and reconnect.

You can book your session here, or send me a message on my website if you’d like to chat before coming in.

See you soon,