Frequently Asked Questions
So where does the massage happen?
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Your massage session will take place in my clean, comfortable massage room. You will lie on a (warmed) massage table covered with a sheet (and blanket if needed). You may choose the lighting, temperature, music, lubricant, pressure, positioning, etc., ultimately it's your session and I will make sure you feel safe and comfortable throughout.
How much should I take off or leave on?Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. Most clients will completely disrobe or just leave on their underpants. Either way, you will be properly draped during the entire session and only the area that I'm working on will be uncovered.
Some areas (such as the Gluteal muscles) can be worked over clothing or through the drape if it makes you more comfortable. Some modalities such as Chair Massage, Acupressure, Energy Balancing, Sports, Thai, Positional Release and Reflexology can be done fully clothed or with minimal undressing. I will leave the room while you undress, and get settled on the table. After a few minutes I will return and knock before entering the room to ensure that you are ready to begin the session. What will you work on?This depends on what your goals are for the session (i.e., what areas you're experiencing pain or if you want more of a relaxation massage) A typical full-body session includes work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head (including face/scalp), neck, and shoulders. But you can choose where you want me to focus or not.
I will ask you to give me written consent to work pectoral (chest), gluteal (hips/buttocks) abdomen (stomach) scalp/face and feet when you fill out the initial intake forms and verbal informed consent before each session. Massaging of breast tissue or genitals is NEVER appropriate and requests for such will terminate your session. Please see my policies for more information. |
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What does a massage feel like?
Awesome! Seriously though, most sessions start with broad, flowing superficial strokes or mild stretching, compressions or rocking. These techniques will help calm your nervous system and relax the surface muscle tension. As your muscles allow, pressure will gradually be increased and techniques applied to release specific areas of muscular tension. Your choice of a light oil, cream, gel or lotion is used prevent excessive friction to the skin as I work.
I will check in with you periodically about pressure and comfort, but you should let me know immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort. Even deep tissue techniques shouldn't produce more than a "hurts so good" type of feeling. If your body is resisting because you're trying to "take" the pressure or pain, any techniques I apply will be counter productive.
If you believe in the "no pain, no gain" credo or think you need a steam roller to iron out your knots then I'm not your girl. There is a difference between a firm Swedish massage and true deep tissue work. Deep tissue doesn't mean I just press harder, it means I do more detailed work accessing the deeper restrictions layer by layer. It's a slower process that starts after I warm up the tissues with more superficial strokes. It shouldn't have to kill you or me to work. That being said, if you receive deep tissue work you may experience mild soreness (similar to doing a workout at the gym) the next day or two, but after that you should feel better than before. For more information about deep tissue massage please see the Massage Techniques section of the site.
I will check in with you periodically about pressure and comfort, but you should let me know immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort. Even deep tissue techniques shouldn't produce more than a "hurts so good" type of feeling. If your body is resisting because you're trying to "take" the pressure or pain, any techniques I apply will be counter productive.
If you believe in the "no pain, no gain" credo or think you need a steam roller to iron out your knots then I'm not your girl. There is a difference between a firm Swedish massage and true deep tissue work. Deep tissue doesn't mean I just press harder, it means I do more detailed work accessing the deeper restrictions layer by layer. It's a slower process that starts after I warm up the tissues with more superficial strokes. It shouldn't have to kill you or me to work. That being said, if you receive deep tissue work you may experience mild soreness (similar to doing a workout at the gym) the next day or two, but after that you should feel better than before. For more information about deep tissue massage please see the Massage Techniques section of the site.
Do I need to do anything during the massage?
Nope, just make yourself comfortable. Close your eyes, relax and let me do all the work. You shouldn't need to assist me in any way unless the techniques require it. In that case, I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed (such as please lift your arm). You also may need to change position (from lying face down to face up or lying on one side) as I work different areas.
How will I feel after the massage?
Most likely you will feel very relaxed pain free. Some techniques can leave you energized as well. I find that just having that time to reflect and really get in touch with your body/mind/spirit usually results in heightened awareness, a sense of well-being and greater productivity which can last for days. As I mentioned before you may feel sore if I applied deeper techniques but that will subside within a day. Applying ice/heat for 10-15 minutes and doing mild stretches at home should help with this. Clients with more chronic pain will experience some relief but it may not be as long lasting and may require more time to really make progress.
Should I tip you? |
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While gratuities are not expected, they are always appreciated. That being said, I would rather you come see me as often as necessary or as you'd like rather than worrying about how you'll pay for a session plus a tip. Sending me referral (or two) or a nice review on your favorite social media site is also wonderful and even more valuable to me than cash. So, however you choose to show your gratitude for a job well done; whether it's a tip, rebook, referral, review or all of the above will be sincerely appreciated!
How long of a session do I need?
This will depend on the goals you have for your initial massage session and what issues you have to work on. I suggest a 60 minute session if your goal is just to relax, de-stress or have only one problem area to address such as general neck or shoulder tension. This gives me enough time to do a full body massage and do some focused work on the single issue. However if you have older or chronic pain in one or more areas such as pain from an old neck injury, plus low back pain, plus your calves are always tight, plus you want to relax too, I suggest a 75 or 90 minute session. This lets me address the problem areas and touch briefly on everything else for a full body experience.
How often should I receive massage?
Again this depends on your issues as well as your overall health goals. Any kind of chronic or ongoing pain will require more time and work to correct. Massage can help improve and maintain your flexibility and range of motion and decrease muscular tension from postural distortions or habitual sitting, slumping, bending, lifting etc. Also if you exercise or workout regularly you can lock out already chronically tight muscles which will cause pain, distortions and lack of flexibility. Most people are tight in their chest muscles (pecs) and weak or overstretched in their back and shoulder muscles, so building up your chest will just aggravate your back/shoulder pain. Massage as well as stretching the tight muscles and strengthening the weak muscles will help with this common imbalance. So if you have only mild pain or stress you can probably get away with a session every 4 to 6 weeks. If you have larger or more chronic issues, weekly, bi-weekly or every third week sessions may be warranted.
What are some of the other benefits of massage?
Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
- Ease medication dependence.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain