Frequently Asked Questions
<p class="font_9">What should I expect when I get a massage from you?</p>
You can expect to have your massage in a safe, non-judgmental, nurturing environment. You can expect to feel calm, completely peaceful and relaxed afterwards. You can expect to be listened to – you are the one who knows your body. You can expect to have a high quality massage session every time you walk into my treatment room.
I've never received a massage, what happens during a session?
You'll be greeted by me when you first arrive, and you'll start the session by filling out confidential paperwork about your health to make sure massage is safe for you. Before the massage, we’ll discuss your therapeutic goals. I'll ask your preference as to whether you'd like to start the treatment in the face up position or face down position, then give you instructions as to how to lie on the massage table. You will be left alone in the massage room to undress to your level of comfort. (Some feel the most comfortable with no clothing on and some leave their undergarments on---it’s completely up to you. Only the body part being worked on will be un-draped as your privacy will be respected at all times.) You’ll lie on the massage table, where you will cover yourself up with the linens and blanket. I won’t enter the room until I've asked if you are ready, and you give the “OK” for me to come in. Using the preference of starting the treatment face up as an example, your session will start with a scalp massage, a facial massage, and a neck and shoulder massage. From there, your arms, legs and feet will be massaged. I'll gently ask you to turn over (under the linens and blanket) and then the backs of your legs are worked on. The session will end with a back massage. Once the massage is done, I will leave the room, and you can get dressed and meet me outside the treatment room to discuss further health and wellness goals.
How long will a massage treatment last?
Most commonly, a full body therapeutic massage takes an hour and a half---but can be done in a hour. If you’re in a time crunch, there are 30 minute options for partial massages (like your head, neck, shoulders and back, or legs and feet) or if you are looking for the best option to relax and unwind completely, the 120 or 150 minute option is recommended.
When I make an appointment for a 90 minute massage, am I actually receiving bodywork for 90 minutes?
Appointment times refer to table time. If you have an appointment for 90 minutes, you will be receiving massage for 90 minutes. If your appointment is at 1:30pm, plan to arrive about 5 minutes early, have a short chat with the me about your goals, start the massage at 1:30pm and finish at 3:00pm. Allow some time for resting on the table for a few moments after the massage and time to redress. However, if you are late to your appointment, you will receive the time remaining in your appointment slot---all sessions are ended at the scheduled time (unless you arrived early, in which case the appointment will end of the scheduled duration). It's important for me to stay on schedule out of respect for all of my clients. Depending on how late you are, I will decide if there is enough time to start a session. Please see my cancellation/no-show/late arrival policy here.
Do I need to remove all of my clothing?
Absolutely not. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. For relaxation to take place, you first need to be completely comfortable. Many people leave their underwear on, and I've provided treatments where a woman has left her bra on as well. If you are most comfortable wearing no clothing (many are), then that is ok too. When you are receiving a massage, your privacy will be respected and you will be conservatively draped at all times whether or not you choose to leave clothing on. If you choose to keep your bra (or more) on, I will simply modify the massage techniques used.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Please wear whatever you are comfortable in. Clients that come straight from work like to bring a change of clothes for after the massage. If you choose to receive massage through your clothing, you should consider wearing something that isn’t too tight, like loose, comfortable pants and shirt.
I just got a massage, and I don’t feel good. Is it normal to be nauseous and have a headache?
It is completely normal to feel that way---especially if it is your first or second massage. Some clients notice being nauseous, having a headache, or feeling like they are starting to get a cold. The reason you might be feeling that way is because there is an increase of metabolic waste in your circulatory system. If the feeling lasts for more than a day, you should consult your primary care provider. In the mean time, drink a lot of water, sometimes that can help get rid of the "icky" feeling.
Is it OK to talk during my session?
It's your massage – you get to choose if you want to talk to not, but don’t feel like you need to make conversation with me. Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do. You will occasionally be asked a few questions pertaining to your comfort level, and how you are feeling. Some people really relax by talking, and others relax by resting and remaining quiet---I'll follow your lead. Whatever helps you to relax the most is ideal. Be sure to speak up if:
Do you change the sheets in between clients?
Yes, and the blanket too. The impermeable surface under the sheets is also cleaned and sanitized. Also, this is good time to mention that before and after each massage, I thoroughly wash my hands, forearms and elbows. Cleanliness is a priority when you receive treatments from me.
I am allergic to nearly everything! Can I still get a massage?
Let me know right away what you are allergic to, so I can use the appropriate oil. I will do my best to make sure you can receive wellness through massage---even if that means using no oil at all.
How often should I get a massage?
Depending on your goals, I recommend getting a massage at least once a month, as the effects are cumulative---which means the more you go, the better you'll feel. Some clients come in once or twice a week, most of them come in every other week, a few every 3 weeks, and some once a month. All of them recognize the importance of taking care of themselves, and the health benefits that they enjoy from receiving massage on a regular basis.
I forgot to shave my legs; Does that gross you out?
I hear this question all the time---the answer is absolutely not. When I am giving a massage treatment, I am very focused on the muscles, tendons and fascia below the skin’s surface. Also, it is important to remember that when you get a massage from me, it is a safe, caring, nurturing and absolute judgment-free zone. You're allowed to feel safe and not worry about how you look when you're on my table.
I am friends with one of your current clients; If I become a client, will I come up in your conversations?
No. In order to remain licensed and insured for my profession, I have agreed to keep all client information confidential, and I take that VERY seriously. I will never share your name, personal information or health history with any person unless a life is threatened. It's important to me to create and maintain a safe environment for my clients.
Do you clean after every client?
I do. I clean A LOT after every client. I schedule appointments 30 minutes apart so I can clean thoroughly and have things ready to go for the next person. Check out my blog post for more details on all the things I sanitize.