Frequently Asked Questions
It is perfectly normal to be a little worried or unsure about receiving a massage. Below are a few frequently asked questions which should put any fears behind you and help prepare you for what to expect during your session!
What can I do to prepare for my massage?
Wearing necklaces or bulky jewelry can interfere with massage treatment and pose a threat to client injury. I also do not want to ruin any jewelry with the product I use during sessions. Try to avoid wearing large hoops or earrings that hang low, necklaces, bracelets, watches, ect. I understand some jewelry cannot be removed and that’s okay, we will just work around it! Clients get undressed to whatever their comfort level is. If you are more comfortable leaving clothes on, I ask to wear loose fitting clothes so I can work with the material.
Should I eat before my massage?
You can eat before your massage. I always suggest not eating anything heavy up to two hours prior to your session. This allows you to be comfortable and decrease the chances of having to stop the massage to use the restroom.
When should I schedule my massage?
A lot of clients choose to wait until they are experiencing pain or discomfort to schedule a massage. The best thing about massage therapy is it can be a preventative treatment for many conditions. Why wait until you are suffering, book an appointment that is most conducive to your schedule now!
How long will my massage session take?
Session time varies depending on the services you would like to have. I always ask new clients to come in 15 minutes prior to the massage to fill out paperwork and discuss your massage beforehand. I also spend roughly 5 minutes after the session to discuss what I found through the session and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What to expect during my massage?
When you first book an appointment with me, you will receive paperwork you can fill out online or in person when you arrive in the office. This paperwork is designed to help you understand my business conditions and allow me to understand your body and medical history to ensure the massage treatment is best for you. Next, we will sit down to discuss your health history and ensure I understand your expectations for the massage. During this time I will inform you what position and techniques I plan use. Then, I will step out of the room let you get undressed to your comfortability and lay onto the table under the sheets. Finally, I will knock before I re-enter and begin the massage. After the session has concluded, I will step out to allow you to dress. Once you are fully clothed, we will process a payment and discuss further treatment.
What if I have medical conditions that may impact my massage?
One of the forms I have you fill out is called an “Intake Form.” Here is where you describe your health history and make comments on the areas where you would like worked on and the areas you prefer to avoid. In my education and experience, I am aware of what conditions require massage modifications and will make my best judgement to proceed with treatment.
Will my massage hurt?
Your massage should never cause you extreme pain. Deep tissue and therapeutic techniques may be sensitive due to the tightness and knots being worked on; however, your pain should never be unbearable. Please at any time if the pressure or massage is ever too uncomfortable let me know and I will explore other approaches.
What if I fall asleep during the massage?
That is perfectly okay and happens more than you would think! I do not mind one bit when the client falls asleep. I continue our massage as I normally would and gently wake you up when we conclude.
What if my nose feels congested when I have my face in the headrest?
This is also a common event. When I massage around the face and neck, I help open the sinuses. When you lay your head into the headrest, pressure is applied on your sinuses and can cause you to feel congested. I will have tissues available for you to use when you need them. Please feel free to ask for one at any time. Typically, this experience is short term and clients feel sinus relief when they remove their head out of the headrest.
What if I need to use the restroom or blow my nose?
I understand this can happen and it is completely okay if you need to stop the massage to feel more comfortable. I do however have to disclose that at times I cannot adjust the timing of the session if one were in need of getting off the table. I do have robes available for clients to slip on to use the private restroom across the hall and return so they do not need to get completely redressed.
What can I do to prolong the effects of my massage?
I always recommend increasing your water intake throughout the day to stay hydrated and to flush out any toxins I released through the massage. Additionally, I recommend taking warm showers/baths and periodically stretch and/or use heat packs to help keep muscles relaxed and stretched.