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How Do I Make an Appointment

There are several ways to make a massage appointment at Pilates Plus of Schaumburg. The best way is to book directly with the massage therapist. You can also book an appointment in person when you are in the studio.

What should I expect of my first massage

Your massage therapist will greet you and ask you to fill out a two page form. The form asks for contact information, health history, exercise routines and general information that will help the therapist customize the massage to meet your needs. The therapist will review the form with you and ask questions to clarify some of the information listed. There are some medical conditions that require a massage to be modified, so it’s important to fill out the intake form as accurately as possible. Please allow an extra 10 minutes in your schedule for this process. After discussing your intake form and goals for the session, the therapist will leave the room while you undress and get on the massage table. When the massage is finished, you are encouraged to take a few moments to relax and come back to the present. Your therapist will meet you at the front desk when you’re ready.

Where will my massage session take place?

The massage room is located near the back of the Pilates Plus of Schaumburg studio through the French doors. The studio is located at the corner of Roselle Road and Weathersfield Way in Schaumburg, IL.

Do I have to undress completely for a massage

No, you can leave on as much or as little as you are comfortable with. For a full body massage, many people undress completely, but a great massage can be achieved regardless of the amount of clothing you choose to wear. A massage is meant to help you relax, so please, do what feels right to you. Your modesty will be respected at all times.

What should I do during a massage therapy session?

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she will either ask you to move or move you herself. Otherwise, change your position anytime you need to in order to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It’s your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

How will a massage feel?

A massage should always feel good! A Swedish massage usually starts with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax 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 therapist will check in with you often to make sure you’re comfortable. Do not hesitate to ask questions or tell the therapist if you need the pressure to be lighter or firmer or if you are too hot or cold. The more you let the therapist know what feels good to you, the better the session will be. Some people experience a brief moment of dizziness when they first sit up after a massage, so always get up from the massage table slowly, sitting for a moment to make sure you have your balance before standing up.

Will the massage oils used make me break out?

The massage oils and lotions used at Pilates Plus of Schaumburg are hypoallergenic and formulated for sensitive skin. However, if you are sensitive to certain types of oils or lotions please bring it to the massage therapist's attention. There are several different types of oils and lotions on hand, and if you prefer, the massage strokes can be modified so no lotion or oil is needed.

Is there any reason I shouldn't get a massage

Generally, massage is safe for most people. But, there are times when massage can do more harm than good. Massage is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy, but it is a great option during the second and third trimesters. If you have a cold or the flu, massage will make your symptoms worse, not better. Also, there are some medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate or which require the therapist to modify the massage which is why you are asked medical questions on the intake form. If you are under a doctor's care for a serious condition, you may be asked to get your doctor’s approval prior to any massage session. So please, if you have a serious medical condition, talk to the massage therapist directly before scheduling an appointment.

How long will a massage take?

We offer 30, 60 and 90 minute massage sessions at Pilates Plus of Schaumburg. The average full-body massage lasts approximately 60 minutes. 30 minute sessions generally focus on just one major body area like the neck, back and arms or the legs and feet. 90 minute sessions allow a for a full body massage with extra time spent on each area of the body, or special focus on areas where you are experiencing pain or extreme muscle tension.

How will I feel after the massage therapy session?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long or short-term aches and pains. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, many people experience increased energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from soft tissue during a massage, it is recommended that you hydrate well for 24 hours following your massage. If you feel any soreness after a massage, many therapists recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up by the massage followed by a warm shower to remove the salts from your body. Just as every massage session is unique, your response to each massage may vary even if you have the same therapist each time.

What is a hot stone massage?

Stones are heated in a roaster to between 120 and 140 degrees and integrated into a Swedish massage. The hot stones are first placed on top of the draping over the large muscles of the back and legs. This helps to relax the muscles before the therapist starts working on those areas directly. The stones are then integrated into the massage by stroking them over your oiled muscles. The heat from the stones relaxes the muscles allowing the therapist to work more deeply yet gently. As you can imagine, communication with the therapist is vital during this kind of massage because each person’s sensitivity to heat is different and varies from body area to body area. The therapist introduces the hot stones into the massage gradually and verbally checks to make sure the temperature is alright. The massage ends with cool stones used on the muscles of the face. The contrast between warm and cool stones restores the temperature balance in the body and is an invigorating way to end the massage. A full body, hot stone massage, as you may have read about or experienced at a spa, requires a 90 minute session. But hot stones can easily be incorporated into a 60-minute session. There is no additional charge for adding hot stones to a massage at Pilates Plus of Schaumburg.

What is prenatal massage?

Prenatal massage is a customized massage for the expectant mom. It is given in a side-lying position using pillows for support and comfort. Prenatal massage can help relieve low back pain, sciatica, fatigue and swelling of the hands and feet. Done only after the first trimester, it’s a wonderful way to connect with both your changing body and your baby. Therapists offering prenatal massage have taken specialized classes so they understand how to modify a massage making it safe for both the mother to be and her baby.

How does a geriatric massage differ from a regular massage?

Age related medical conditions are taken into consideration when planning a session and great care is taken not to overburden the client’s system. Geriatric massage is generally a more gentle massage than a traditional Swedish massage and it lasts one hour or less. Some age related conditions make it difficult for seniors to lie flat either on their backs or stomachs, so side-lying and seated positions are often used. As seniors age, isolation is often the most difficult challenge they have to overcome, even more than physical limitations. Seniors, more than any other age group, experience a lack of nurturing touch in their lives. Massage is a great way for them to connect with another person and to receive the gift of being touched with care and respect. Therapists offering geriatric massage have taken specialized classes so they understand the special needs of a geriatric client.

What is Positional Release?

Positional release is a type of bodywork that uses the position of a joint combined with compression or traction to the joint to affect a change. It is a gentle type of bodywork that done with the client fully clothed when used as a stand alone therapy or it can be combined with Swedish massage and used as part of an integrated massage. It is very effective in reducing chronic muscle tension, soothing joints, improving circulation, increasing flexibility and relaxing the entire body.

What is EFT?

EFT was founded by Gary Craig and stands for Emotional Freedom Technique. It falls under the category of energy psychology and is completely different than massage or bodywork. The client and EFT practitioner discuss what issue the client would like to work on. Then the practitioner leads the client through a series of affirmations while tapping on specific energy meridian points located on the hands, face, head and upper body. EFT has been very successful with reducing or eliminating pain, emotional trauma, phobias and craving and for many other issues. The EFT motto is “try it on everything”. The first session is generally 60 – 90 minutes long. Additionally, workshops on both basic and advanced techniques are offered several times a year. To learn more about EFT please go to the EFT website at www.emofree.com.

What kind of training do your therapists have?

The therapists at Pilates Plus of Schaumburg are licensed by the state of Illinois. In order to be licensed, the therapist must graduate from a massage program at an accredited school and pass an exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The therapists must also complete twenty-four hours of continuing education during each two year licensing period. Therapists offering prenatal and geriatric massage have taken additional courses in those specialties.

Is my information kept confidential?

Any information you give the therapist on the intake form or during your sessions together is kept completely confidential. Your name, address, phone and email are entered into the Pilates Plus of Schaumburg system for payment purposes. However, the intake forms are kept secured by the therapist and cannot be accessed by anyone else. You and your massage therapist or EFT practitioner have the same level of confidentiality as a doctor and patient do.

Should I tip the therapist?

No, Pilates Plus of Schaumburg is a non-tipping massage studio. We have set our pricing based on the therapist’s education and experience and no additional compensation is expected or accepted. We ask that if you enjoyed the massage enough to tip, that you put that tip money toward a return visit.

Do you accept credit cards?

Pilates Plus of Schaumburg accepts MasterCard and Visa and cash or check.

What are your hours?

We offer flexible morning, afternoon and evening hours, seven days a week. Specific times depend on the therapist’s openings for the day.