Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What do I wear during a massage?
- What about massage for minors?
- What should I expect in my first massage?
- When should I tell you if something makes me feel uncomfortable?
- What if there are areas I'd prefer you not to work?
- Do any medical conditions make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
- Sometimes I need to cancel. What is your policy? In what situations do you suggest canceling a session?
What do I wear during a massage?
Partial or full disrobing is recommended for your massage session. Each client should undress to their comfort level. Underwear is optional—this should be a consideration when deciding on the type of massage requested. I create a very safe environment and give great attention to proper draping. Feel free to speak with me if you have any questions or concerns.
What about massage for minors?
Therapists may provide massage for minors (under age 18) with parental consent. I ask parents/guardians to email and schedule the session. The parent/guardian must sign the client information form. The parent/guardian must be present in the room for the session.
What should I expect in my first massage?
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill out our brief client information form. Once you have been greeted and escorted to your room, you will be asked certain questions to ensure that the session will fulfill your needs. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable.
When should I tell you if something makes me feel uncomfortable?
Right away. The massage is for you, the client. Everything about the room should assist in helping you to relax and heal yourself. As we start the session, I will check in with you about music volume, room temperature and light levels, and the position of the face cradle or pillows. If at any point in the massage something causes you discomfort, whether physical or emotional, please let me know what I can do to correct the situation immediately. And, sometimes what seemed comfortable at the beginning of the session may cause discomfort later in the session—I need to know as soon as possible so that we can make the session more comfortable and allow you to relax.
Some examples of things that clients bring to my attention:
- Being too warm or too cool
- Pressure that is too light
- Pressure that is too deep
- Music playing too loud
- Scent of the oil/lotion/cream is unpleasant
- Uncomfortable with work in a particular area
- Preferring to talk or not to talk
- Being thirsty
- Needing a tissue
- Wanting additional pillows or draping
- Needing a pillow or towel while a woman is face down on the table to feel more comfortable
- Wanting to turn over (because sinuses become stuffy)
- Changed mind about what needs focus
- Needing a pillow or neck-roll while face up
- Want to change subject of conversation
The important thing for me is that I know what I can do to make you as comfortable as possible. The session is for you—I am providing a service for you, and I need your communication if you experience any discomfort.
What if there are areas I'd prefer you not to work?
Please let me know if you have areas you do not want worked. In addition, if I'm working on an area and it becomes uncomfortable, I would like to know as well.
Do any medical conditions make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, I ask general health questions. 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, I strongly advise 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.
Sometimes I need to cancel. What is your policy? In what situations do you suggest canceling a session?
I ask that my clients give me 24 hours notice if they need to cancel. That gives me time to re-fill the appointment, and allows me to contact my waiting list when available. If you cancel later than that, you are responsible for paying for the appointment.
If you have the flu or a cold, and you have a fever, it's best to cancel. Since massage stirs up so much in the body, having a massage while you're sick can sometimes make you feel worse.
If you're pregnant in the first trimester, it's also best to cancel. Given the risks associated with the first three months; most massage therapists suggest you wait. After the first trimester, massage can be done regularly up until the birth.
