Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I arrive?
I will welcome you in the waiting area where you will have an opportunity to discuss your needs for the massage session ask any questions you may have. Then, I will show you into the practice room and leave you to undress in private, get onto the massage table, and cover yourself before the massage begins.

Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage 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, with heating and blankets available if you are cold.

What should I do during the massage session?
At the start, make yourself comfortable on the table, and during the massage please ask any questions or communicate any needs you may have. Many massage clients feel shy about asking questions or requesting adjustments to the treatment, but your feedback during the massage helps me ensure that you receive the best massage I can give you. Your massage is your time and ensuring that I am meeting your needs is of the utmost importance to me. Please let me know if you would like a change in pressure or technique, if you would like more or less heat on the table, if you have a question, or anything else – I will be grateful to hear from you.
During the session I may gently move you (such as lifting your arm) or tell you what is needed (such as asking you to roll over). Many people simply close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. Again, if you have any questions during the session, please feel welcome to ask.

What types of massage technique do you use?
There are numerous types of massage; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What does a massage from you feel like?
I communicate with all clients before and during a massage to tailor the experience to their needs. In general, my instinct as a massage therapist is to use deep, slow pressure in order to relax the body and release tissue adhesions. How this is applied depends on communication with the client and the needs of their body.

How will I feel after a massage session?
The feeling immediately after a massage can vary based on the individual and on the type of treatment and areas of the body addressed. Many people feel deep relaxation. 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 and heightened alertness.

What are the benefits of massage?
Massage 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 is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. For this reason, before each session I will ask you some general health questions, and before your first session I will ask you to fill out an intake form to report any medical conditions. It is very important that you inform me 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 prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Will I have privacy while I disrobe?
You will have the room to yourself while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet, and I will check with you to make sure you're ready before entering the room.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage techniques are typically performed with the client unclothed. Undergarments that cover your pelvis do not significantly affect a massage as this part of your body is never uncovered during a session, while clothing on your torso or legs can limit the types of massage techniques that can be applied to you. However, your massage can be adjusted to suit any degree of dress or undress. Your comfort during the massage is the most important thing, and it is entirely up to you what you want to wear.

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area of your body that is actively 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, glutes, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. The chest or abdomen are not usually included in a full-body massage but may be requested. If you have any areas of your body you want me to avoid, or pay extra attention to, let me know.

What types of payment do you accept?
I accept payment via cash, card, and check.

Am I expected to leave a tip?
Tips are welcome, but neither expected nor required. If you wish to tip, cash is preferred but tipping via card is also available.

Do you accept medical insurance?
Unfortunately I am not able to bill insurance at this time. However, I may do so in the future, so if you have insurance that covers massage therapy and you would like to work with me, please contact me with the details of your policy and I will look into whether I might be able to take it in the future.

Is your practice wheelchair accessible?
The building I work in has steps at the entrance, but there is a portable ramp that can be set up to access the building. If you will require assistance entering the building, please let me know in advance so I can be ready to meet you outside. My massage table cannot be adjusted once a client is on it, but I am happy to assist you onto the table if you require. If you have concerns about accessibility, feel free to contact me.

What is the parking availability?
There is limited parking directly outside, with additional public parking just up the street, and even more just around the block. In the map below, public parking is highlighted in green. My practice is located at the red pin marker on the right.

What precautions do you take to prevent the transmission of Covid and other illnesses?
In order to make my practice safe and welcoming for immunocompromised people and other medically vulnerable individuals, I continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of transmissible illness, including wearing an N95 mask during massage sessions, using an air purifier in my clinic space, and thorough sanitizing of all equipment.

I have a scent sensitivity. Do you use strong scents in your practice?
I use unscented products (massage oil, laundry detergent, etc.), although even gentle cleaning products can have a slight scent. However, I currently share space with an acupuncture and herbal medicine clinic, so there is an herbal scent in my space.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Privacy and Undressing

Payment and Tips

Accessibility