Frequently Asked Questions

Office Policies

In our desire to be effective and fair to all of our clients and out of consideration for our therapists’ time, we have adopted the following policies. Please read them carefully.

Appointments

Appointment times have been arranged specifically for you. To expedite our patient schedule, please arrive on or before your scheduled appointment. Please allow time to use the restroom before your appointment.

A 48-hour advance notice is required for cancellations. This allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment. If you are unable to give 24-hours advance notice you will be charged the full amount of your appointment. This amount must be paid prior to your next scheduled appointment.

No-Shows

Anyone who either forgets or consciously chooses to forego their next appointment for whatever reason will be considered a “no-show.” They will be charged in full for their missed appointment.

Arriving Late

If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accomodate others whose appointments follow yours. Depending on how late you arrive, your therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. The therapist reserves the right to shorten your massage and/or reschedule your appointment.

Regardless of the length of treatment given, you will be responsible for payment of the FULL session.

Payment

All balances are due and payable the day of service.

Conduct

Please refrain from the use of mood altering chemicals the day of the appointment (alcohol, drugs) as it can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment, and make you feel ill.

Please also refrain from heavy use of perfume and cologne.

Clients and therapists will conduct themselves in a professional and non-sexual manner.

Out of respect and consideration to your therapist and other customers, please plan accordingly and be on time.

Massage FAQs

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed?

Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed, however you may decide on the level of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. All clients are properly covered/draped by a sheet and blanket at all times.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?

The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.

Will I be covered during the session?

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?

A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lotion also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you. For more information on each style of bodywork, please visit the massage services and rates page.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask. You may in the course of the massage, experience some tenderness or soreness of the muscles. This is expected; just inform your massage therapist, and pressure adjustments will be made to fit your comfort level. During a massage it is important to breathe. Breathing will help you become aware of the muscles you have been holding tense so you can start to relax. Breathing also brings your attention back to your body. Ask questions or share concerns whenever they come up. Your questions are important and vital to receive the appropriate care in all areas that need to be addressed, and for your proper healing. Trust your feelings and you will get the most out of each session.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Drinking ample amounts of water after your massage will help keep your body and muscles well-hydrated, and help ease some potential aches or pains.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. For a more in-depth list and description of benefits, please visit the benefits of massage page.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.