Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?


Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. Most female clients will remove their bras,leaving their backs exposed. This allows for better access to areas of discomfort and provides for a more fluid massage. Their chests are never exposed during the massage. Male or female clients may leave on or off their lower underwear based on their personal comfort, but this area will remain covered. You will be properly draped during the entire session and never completely exposed. I only use full sheets/blankets, no scratchy towel-draping, etc.

Will the massage therapist be present when I disrobe?
I will leave the room before you undress and after I show you how to get on the table and where to put your clothes and items. Take your time to undress, relax onto the table, and then cover yourself with the clean sheet and/or blanket provided. After a few minutes, I will ask if I can enter the room. I will also ask you how the temperature is for you, and if it needs to be adjusted by removing/adding blankets, etc. 

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, glutes, feet, hands, neck, and shoulders. I always ask before our massage begins and during our health intake form questionnaire what areas You would like to be worked on!  I will not massage areas that you do not want massaged. If you want me to spend extra or all time on a certain area, that is fine too.

I always stress this is your massage, not mine!   I want you to reap the benefits and be happy with the results, so don't be afraid to ask!

On the contrary, if non-therapeutic/genital areas are mentioned to be worked on; I will terminate the massage immediately and the client will be responsible for payment of the entire session.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing or "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. I can apply all levels of pressure during a relaxation massage from light to medium-deep. A light oil is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any significant discomfort so that another approach may be taken.  The feeling of "tenderness," or "soreness," over the muscle is a very normal reaction and should not be interpreted as a negative reaction. This feeling most always reduces in intensity as the skin and its nerves become sensitized to being worked on. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not strongly resisting, so I will check in with you periodically to make sure you are comfortable and happy with the level of pressure being used. I also offer Deep Tissue massages. These massages may use techniques that are more treatment orientated, spot-focused and may employ some "trigger-point," or acupressure point work with medium-deep, deep, to very deep pressure being utilized.


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.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed, and possibly a little light-headed. 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, pain relief and greater productivity which can last for days.

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.

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.