If this is your first massage visit, it is important to come early to fill out necessary paperwork.  It is also important to have time to discuss any concerns and ask questions prior to your treatment.  Usually, massage starts with client face down.  Depending on time most areas receive about 5-10 minutes of time, but most common areas worked are upper back, low back, neck and shoulders.  If there are multiple areas needing addressed, you may need to schedule an hour session or longer.  

Most people book an hour massage.  However, there are shorter and longer sessions available.  Sessions run from 30, 45, 60, 90 minutes to 2-hour massage, the longest.

In the case of a fever, flu or cold, massage will probably make you feel worse.  We do not want to risk your health or the health of anyone else, so if you feel ill always error on the side of caution and reschedule.  

Professional massage includes appropriate draping, so you are never uncovered while on the massage table.  You may choose to remove all of your clothes for maximum comfort, however, you may choose to keep your underclothes on or stay clothed.  If you are receiving reflexology only socks and shoes are removed.  

Always ask therapist prior to the start of your session if you have any additional questions in regards to undressing.   We want you to feel comfortable to enjoy the full benefits of your massage. 

If you have been recently injured in an auto accident or had a  fall or injury without seeing a doctor massage is not advised. 

 Other issues would be severe osteoporosis, flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis or other auto-immune conditions. 

If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, bulging and painful varicose veins, localized swelling accompanied with redness and pain you should not be massaged.  It is always a good idea to get a doctor’s OK prior to receiving massage therapy if you are concerned.

Everyone has a different level of pressure preference that should be based on your comfort level.  Many people mistakenly believe that adage “no pain, no gain” and assume that goes for massage as well.  Painful massage causes more tension and doesn’t allow for the deep breathing that is so beneficial.  In order for massage to produce maximum results,  you must be able to breathe through all that the therapist is doing.  On the flipside, if the pressure is too light, it may cause the strokes to feel uncomfortable and ticklish. 

Your massage therapist will ask you about the pressure, however, you may speak up at any time during your seesion to say if you want more or less pressure so the therapist can tailor the treatment to your personal preference.

Many people think deep tissue means pain.  However, deep is referring to the multiple layers of skin, fascia, and muscle that is being worked in a session.  Sometimes, deeper work may hurt as it locates a sore spot or section on the body- but usually it should feel good and effective. 

 Deep tissue is also synonymous with detailed body work on specified areas.  If you  have multiple areas of pain and discomfort, you may appreciate deeper and concentrated massage therapy for an extended period of time.  

There is no right and wrong way to behave after a massage.  Some people feel more energetic and want to exercise others may feel sleepy enough to nap afterwards.  It is advised that after massage you drink plenty of clear liquids, avoid alcohol and rest adequately.  Injury could increase after massage since muscles are lengthened, so being cautious with activity is always a good idea. 

Prenatal massages are done during all stages of pregnancy.  There is no trimester that massage is counter-indicated unless the pregnancy is high risk.  However, many women take precaution in the first trimester.  They may avoid it or they often get doctor’s approval prior to receiving massage before 12 weeks.  After that time,  massages will be performed side-lying or with a body pillow to fit the growing belly.  Most women report prenatal massage to be a wonderful experience and credit it with helping with low back and hip pain that is so common in the last few months

Studies show that one hour of massage is equal to 8 hours of restful sleep.  One should take advantage of the healing time on the massage table and drift off if that’s comfortable.  Others prefer staying awake to enjoy the massage.  There is no right answer here, only experience will tell your body what is best.  

Yes.  Always inform the therapist if you have a rash – it could be contagious and spread.  If it is not contagious, it is important to avoid the area.  Open sores should be disclosed and covered to the best of the client’s ability.

 Typically health insurances will not pay for massage therapy, however, you can always call the number on the back of your insurance card to see if your insurance plan does allow for it. 

If you have a health saving account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA) you may be able to pay  with those accounts depending on your plan.