Om Land Massage - OM LAND YOGA

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Services/Rates

SERVICES

Massage Sessions are offered Monday through Friday, with the first appointment of the day starting at 9:00am and the last starting at 4:30pm. Sessions tend to not follow a specific routine, allowing the client and my hands to tell me where to focus more attention as the session progresses. Having been trained in a variety of techniques (and picking up additional “tricks” on an ongoing basis), I don’t try to limit the content or direction of a massage session to any single modality, rather letting the session flow from one flavor of technique to another as the situation calls for. Following are a few brief descriptions of some styles of massage I will be combining during most sessions.

A dynamic massage mixing a blend of:

Deep Tissue A focused technique for the treatment of overused and tight muscles. Deeper layers of the soft tissue are affected by slowly working specific muscles and performing range-of-motion stretches. Swedish Massage A more general technique involving flowing, gliding strokes and the gentle lifting, kneading and compression of the skin and muscle for more of a relaxing, stress relieving experience. Myofascial Techniques A specific treatment with the intention of elimination of restrictions in the fascia (the thin tissue “wrapping” muscle, bone and organs in the body. With injury, overuse and other trauma, the fascia can become “bound up” and will therefore restrict proper activity of the muscles. These techniques, although performed slowly, can be uncomfortable feeling (often described as a burning or sharp feeling) but have profound results in restoring function.

RATES

60-Minute Session: $80
90-Minute Session: $115
30-Minute Session: $50

I look forward to working with you!

About Eric

ERIC SIROIS

eric-sirois A Maine native, Eric was born and raised in Skowhegan, ME where he became involved with performance arts during high school. Following graduation, Eric gained his B.S. in Theater from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Eric found himself drawn to New York City for a 13-year-career, initially as Assistant to the Managing Director and later as Graphic Designer at New York City Center. Over the years working at this historic theater, Eric was an integral part of the Tony-award honored, Encores! Great American Musicals in Concert, as well as working closely with many world-renowned dance companies such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Martha Graham Dance Company and Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg in addition of many others participating in New York City Center’s annual Fall for Dance festival. In the summer of 2006, Eric moved back to his home state, settling down in the Bangor area with his partner, Terry Lacy and focusing on Om Land Yoga, as well as becoming a licensed massage therapist through Waldoboro’s Downeast School of Massage and opening Om Land Massage (formally Jiva Massage Therapy). An active member of the Maine Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association, Eric volunteers as part of the AMTA Maine Sport Massage Team working on athletes participating in events such at Mount Desert Island Marathon, Beach to Beacon, Tour de Cure, and Lobsterman Triathlon. At Om Land Yoga, in addition to being Co-Owner, Eric is the General Manager and teaches Anatomy and Physiology for the Om Land Yoga Teacher Training program. In the community, Eric serves on the Board of Directors for Robinson Ballet in Bangor.

Why Massage?

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

Not sure if massage is right for you? Think massage is just self-indulgent pampering? Below is a list of many condition massage can help with:

Pain in individuals with lower back pain reduced.
Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments.
Athletic performance enhanced for athletes of any level in preparation for, and recovery from workouts and competitions.
Blood pressure reduced.
Help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms.
Diminishment of stress, which contributes to a large number of diseases and early aging (both internally and externally).
Headaches, eye strain and migraine pain relieved and helps to reduce frequency.
Improve postural function and ability to breathe more fully by reversing limiting holding patterns such as those created by hunching over computer keyboards.
Improves the condition of the skin – the body’s largest organ.
Attentiveness and learning increased, thus improving school and job performance.
Joint flexibility and range of motion increased.
Anxiety and depression lessened.
Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing post surgical scar tissue, adhesions, swelling and stretch marks.
Circulation improved, bringing an increased supply of oxygen to the bodies organs and tissues.
Spasms and cramping reduced.
Endorphins released–the body’s feel-good hormone with works as a natural painkiller.
Stereotypical and off-task behavior for individuals with autism reduced while normalizing social behaviors.
Provides a period of time for individuals with hectic lives to let everything go and focus on themselves.

Clearly the impact of massage on your therapeutic well being can be substantial, especially when used as a complementary therapy along side treatment received from your physician, chiropractor, physical therapist or other healthcare provider. PLUS … it just feels good!

WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT GET A MASSAGE?

There are certain conditions you may have which should be taken into consideration prior to receiving bodywork. Often the degree of these contraindications are minor or just limit the areas of the body which can be massaged. Through discussions with your massage therapist and, in some cases, your doctor it will be determined whether these conditions will pose a problem. For your well being it is best to be up front about all known conditions despite their perceived insignificance. Below you will find a list of some of the more common conditions which may or may not pose a problem but should be discussed:

Cancer
Active fever, flu or colds
Contagious or unknown skin conditions
Cardiovascular conditions
Recent operations
Diabetes with loss of peripheral sensations
High or low blood pressure
Osteoporosis / Osteopenia
Significant varicose veins
Migraines
Numbness and lack of touch sensations
Edema or swelling
Drug use (both prescribed and illegal)
Alcohol use

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Although massage has been gaining increased recognition through recent years for its therapeutic benefits, for many people who have not experienced a treatment, not knowing what to expect from your first massage is stressful in itself – not the effect we are looking for. Below are some commonly asked questions I have received and other information I think would help you be better informed and hopefully feel more prepared and comfortable for your massage.

Isn't massage therapy a luxury service?

This has long been the perception of massage. However, as more complimentary medicines such as massage therapy gain recognition with the mainstream public, the benefits are becoming more and more understood and seen as a valuable addition to an overall healthy lifestyle. With all of the pressures and stress we place on our bodies today, massage serves as a tune up for the body and soul.

How often should I receive a massage?

If it were a perfect world and we all had more time and money, everyone would receive some form a massage on a daily basis. Understanding this is not very practical, the answer to this question will be personal to each individual. If your reasons for getting massage are to relieve chronic pain, address chronic conditions interfering with your daily life or similar injury recovery, you may want to consider making the commitment to weekly sessions. More significant results are likely to be felt by building upon more frequent results. If you are interested in stress management or basic maintenance for your overall well being, you may be able to wait up to a month between sessions. Going through a more stressful period may waiting less time between appointments. Unfortunately, for most people the financial commitment is the most significant determining factor on the recurrence of receiving massage. For many, once they notice the benefits massage provides to their lives, they find a way to continue regular sessions by incorporating it into their budget. Bottom line … getting some massage is better than no massage.

Do I have to be completely undressed to receive a massage?

While traditionally massage is performed without clothing to allow for better access to the muscles, you should let your personal comfort level dictate what you wear. If modesty is a concern for you, I suggest leaving your underwear on. Bra straps tend to get in the way of working on shoulders and the back, so I would recommend removing them if possible. The sheet on the table will always be covering you. Your comfort is most important – without it you will find it more difficult to relax while on the table and therefore more difficult to experience the benefits massage provides. While on the table you will be under a sheet and blanket and proper draping of the table’s sheet will always be observed for areas of the body while they are being worked on and then be covered again as the massage progresses to the next area.

What is the space like where I'll get my massage?

In 2011, I was able to expand my practice and have moved from Om Land Yoga’s practice space into my own private office on the 5th floor in Suite 510 at 6 State Street in Bangor, ME.

Am I expected to undress with the therapist present?

Absolutely not. After we have had a chance to plan out your massage, I will close the curtains to the therapy space, leaving you alone to disrobe and slide under the blanket and sheet on the table. Once you are covered and ready, I will reenter and your massage will begin. At the conclusion of the massage I will again leave before you get up from the table, giving you privacy to redress. If fact, some clients are so eager to get on the table and get the massage started they will begin peeling out of their clothes before I have to chance to leave the room. For my own modesty I ask that you wait until I have exited the room before undressing. With some therapists you may encounter for some styles of massage, part of the intake to determine a treatment plan will include a postural assessment, where you may be asked to undress to your underwear. While I have learned some of these techniques (through workshops on myofascial and structural integration modalities), I conduct these assessments while you are fully clothed unless we find it necessary to proceed otherwise at your choosing.

Will I be covered during the massage?

Yes. You will have a sheet and blanket covering you to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the massage. Only the area being worked on will be exposed with proper draping and covered again as the massage moves to the next area. On occasion, if the office temperature in high (which sometimes happens with so many south-facing windows), you may the provided blanket too much, at which point you should let me know and we can continue using just the sheet.

What if I have body areas I don't want massaged?

On your Medical History Form you will complete prior to having a massage you will be given an opportunity to exclude any areas you do not give permission to be massaged. The session is about you and your comfort. That being said, it is advisable to give permission to work on areas giving you problems. For example, many people dislike having their abdomen worked on, however if you have chronic lower back issues the cause may be originating from your abdominal muscles (which wrap fully around to attach in your lower back). Likewise, leg pain may be caused by an muscular issues in your buttock area (E.g. Piriformis Syndrome). Everyone has areas of their bodies they would like to change. As much as possible, try leaving your judgements of your body at the door. Think how jealous your legs will feel toward your back because you didn’t allow them to get a massage too. And ladies: the fact that you didn’t shave your legs will not bother your therapist (for my part, I can promise you I didn’t shave my legs this morning either). Discuss your concerns with your therapist and together you will be able to come up with a session plan you are comfortable with.

What kinds of oils do you use? Do you have to use oil?

I typically use either Biotone massage cream or 100% jojoba oil from The Jojoba Company (based in Waldoboro, ME) for your massage. Some clients have a preference of one over another. In general, oil provides more glide over the skin and seem to work best for men with more body hair to prevent pulling. While still maintaining a considerable amount of glide, cream provides slightly more drag, allowing the therapist to engage the tissues with firmer pressure. It provides a good amount of engagement with the tissues, allowing for deeper work while being able to absorb into the skin as any body moisturizer would for a less greasy feeling after the massage. For most traditional massage, using some sort of lubrication is normally recommended. The majority of Swedish relaxing techniques need a certain amount of glide provided by the lubrication. Deeper tissue work needs significantly less, but some light use is still recommended for comfort. Myofascial and structural integration work on the other hand typically does not use any lubricant at all – the therapist’s intention is to “velcro” themselves to the skin and tissue, causing it to lengthen, stretch and release and they want to glide as little as possible. Sometimes for more hairy individuals, the therapist will use a few drops lubrication or even water to provide minimal lubrication.Close

What do I need to do during the massage?

Relax. This is your massage time. Make yourself comfortable on the table and allow the therapist to do the work. You don’t need to help lift an arm or leg – in fact you shouldn’t. “Helping” actually causes you to tense the muscles we are trying to relax. For some techniques (especially during myofascial and deep tissue work) you may be asked to resist a motion in order to do some more active techniques, however for most of the session, you should focus on breathing deeply and letting go.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for the massage?

If you are a new client or you have had significant changes to your health since your initial Medical History Form, you can print a copy from the Forms tab above to save yourself from needing to complete one upon arrival. Try to avoid eating a large meal or drinking excessive amounts of liquid prior to arriving for your massage. Taking a shower before arriving would be ideal, however for individuals coming from work you should be fine (so long as your work doesn’t entail walking around barefoot on a farm… please use your best judgment and clean up as best you can).

How should I expect to feel following a massage?

Typically clients get off the table following a massage feeling rejuvenated and energized or ready for a nap… How you will react to your massage may be different. If you are new to the whole massage experience, a few hours or even the next day your muscles may feel a little sore (particularly if the work you received was deep tissue oriented) – similiar to the feeling your get after a good workout. You can help alleviate this feeling by increasing the amount of water you take in, especially over the first 24 hours following you massage. Remember to communicate about the amount of pressure throughout your session as well. Individuals have different tolerances and while any good therapist should have some idea on pressure, only you know what is right for you.

What type of massage is right for me?

There are many types of bodywork and each has its own techniques. Some modes of bodywork, such as polarity, shiatsu and reiki work with a light touch and in an energetic way, while Swedish, Structural Integration (Rolfing) and Myofascial Release are much more firm pressure and manipulative of the tissues. I suggest doing some research before hand on the various types of massage available to you to find what would be right for you and your intention for receiving massage. A couple of resources to help you sort out what all of the different names mean are the glossary at MassageTherapy.com and Wikipedia’s page on Massage. For the type of massage I am skilled in, please read through my “Services/Rates” tab above.

Do I need to tell you about all my health issues?

The best practice is to include all health issues you have been diagnosed with and even all medications you are currently taking on your Medical History Form for your own safety. Even if you believe that a condition will be unaffected by a massage treatment, there may be issues you are unaware of. Likewise, some conditions may benefit from the massage if the therapist is aware they exist. All information (related to your health or otherwise) shared with your massage therapist will kept confidential between the two of you.

How will getting a massage be good for me?

Massage has a number of benefits – from relaxation and stress reduction to restoring range of motion and helping with other medical conditions. For a more detail description of a few of the benefits attributed to massage, take a look through the “Why Massage?” tab above.

Policies

POLICIES

Please take a moment to carefully read the following information.

EXPECTATIONS

A massage therapy session is an experience jointly created by the therapist and the client. Working together, massage encourages stress relief and body awareness. Your therapist will listen and respond to your words and to the tissues in your body to create a safe, healthy and supportive experience. All sessions are client-centered — your comfort and well-being are the highest priority. If you experience any pain or discomfort during the session, you will immediately inform the therapist so that the pressure and/or stokes may be adjusted to your level of comfort. You agree to keep the therapist updated as to any changes in your medical profile and understand that there shall be no liability on the practitioner’s part should you fail to do so.

APPOINTMENTS and CANCELLATIONS

Please be on time for your appointment. Cancellation notice is expected 24 hours in advance for both client and therapist. If you provide less than 24 hours notice, and we are unable to fill you appointment time you will be responsible for full payment of the missed appointment. If you are late arriving, you will receive only the amount of time remaining from your scheduled appointment.

ALCOHOL, DRUGS and OTHER ISSUES

A client’s use of alcohol and other drugs diminishes the ability of the therapist to achieve desired results and may be cause to terminate the session. Any behavior that might be interpreted as sexual in nature is cause to terminate the session. Cancellation policy applies and you will be responsible for full payment of the session.

REFERRALS

If you have a specific medical condition or specific symptoms, massage may be contraindicated. If you are experiencing a condition that contraindicates massage, you may be referred to another appropriate healthcare provider. Massage should not be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis or treatment and you should see a physician, chiropractor, or other qualified medical specialist for any mental or physical ailment you are aware of. The therapist will not diagnose, prescribe drugs or give advice to clients regarding their medical conditions. Referral from your primary care provider may be required prior to service being provided.

PRIVACY

All client information is held strictly confidential except where required by law.

Forms

Client Intake and Consent Form

In order to save time when arriving for your initial appointment, new clients and returning clients with significant changes to your health may print and complete the Client Intake and Consent Form below. If you would rather complete the form at your appointment, please arrive about 5-10 minutes early in order to not take time away from your massage.

Client Intake and Consent Form (Female)
Client Intake and Consent Form (Male)

Contact

DIRECTIONS and CONTACT FORM

Located in downtown Bangor, the door to 6 State Street is located across the street from Bangor Savings Bank and next to the Kenduskeag Stream Park. Check Downtown Bangor’s website for convenient parking locations, or choose on street parking. Most of the street parking around Om Land is 90-minute parking. Please call or email me before stopping by. I will most likely only be at the office when I have an appointment with a client or if I am tied in knots with yoga classes.

Email:
[contact-form-7 id=”48260″ title=”Eric@OmLandMassage.com Email Form”]

Street Address:
Om Land Massage
6 State Street, Suite 510
Bangor, ME 04401

Telephone:
207.735.7447

Om Land Yoga

It's about the journey... Not the pretzel.