FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What can I expect at my first massage?

Plan to arrive for your first appointment approximately 5-10 minutes early from your scheduled appointment in order to fill out the necessary paperwork. You will be asked about your health history, current or past injuries, and any other medical conditions you may have. All paperwork is confidential and never released to anyone without a signed release from you. From there, a discussion of your goals and what you would like accomplished from the session will be addressed. This is the time to ask any questions you may have about massage therapy or any concerns you have before the massage session begins.

Do I need to completely undress?

No. Your level of comfort is most important. If you are not able to relax or feel uncomfortable in any way, your massage will not be as effective. Some people choose to leave their underwear on, and others feel more at ease wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Just make sure to bring these items with you to your appointment. You will be properly draped throughout the entire session with a sheet and a blanket. Only the area that is being worked on at one time will be uncovered.

How long of a massage session should I schedule my appointment for?

That will depend on the reason for your appointment and, of course, your budget. The longer the session, the more time I have to focus on your complaints. However, depending on your particular situation, a longer session may not be necessary or appropriate. If you are unsure, we can discuss your needs and come up with an appropriate time length. Keep in mind, your massage time on the table does not affect the time spent during the initial evaluation process. Extra time is set aside to allow for a thorough evaluation before the actual massage begins.

What can I expect after I receive a massage?

Be aware that after a massage, your blood pressure may drop and dizziness may occur. You are allowed as much time as you need to relax on the table prior to getting up. When you are ready, remember to move slowly in order for your body to adjust.

Will I be sore after receiving a massage?

It is very important to remember to drink plenty of water after your massage session. This allows your body to flush out the toxins that have been trapped and then released from tight muscles. By not drinking enough water, toxins are allowed to re-circulate throughout the body which may cause stiffness and soreness the following day. If you do experience some soreness even after consuming plenty of water after the session, this is normal and will subside within one or two days.

Is massage therapy always appropriate?

No. There are certain medical conditions that are a contraindication for massage. For your safety, it is very important to disclose any medical conditions you may have during the intake and evaluation process, even if you think the information is not relevant to massage therapy. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly recommended you get written approval from your doctor before receiving a massage.

Is Deep Tissue Massage painful?

Many people have the wrong idea of what a deep tissue massage should feel like. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to drift off while receiving deep massage work. There may be some discomfort, but it should never feel painful. It is best described as a “good hurt”. Pain is an indication that pressure is too deep which can trigger a reflex response from the muscle causing it to tighten even further. The goal during a massage session is to relax and elongate these tissues. Each session builds on to the next allowing for deeper penetration into the muscles. It can take several sessions before the body’s soft tissue will allow for deeper work into these areas.

How often should I receive massage therapy?

That depends on your lifestyle. It is recommended to receive therapeutic massage at least once a month for general health and well-being. However, since the benefits of massage are cumulative, receiving more frequent sessions in the beginning can jump start your progress, especially if you are experiencing some sort of pain or discomfort. Many people find scheduling more frequent massage sessions works best for them.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not submit claims to your insurance company.  However, a receipt can be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. 

Do I get a full 60 minutes when I schedule an hour massage?

Yes. You receive the full amount of actual massage time no matter how much time you schedule your session for. The only exception is if you are late for your appointment. If you are late, the time remaining of your scheduled appointment will be the amount of time you will receive and the full charge will apply.

Do you accept credit cards?

I accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express).

Am I supposed to tip?

Tipping is a personal choice. It is neither required nor expected, but always appreciated. You will still be provided with the same exceptional care regardless if you tip or not. In fact, the best tip you can give are referrals to your family and friends.