FAQs

1. I've never had a massage before. What kind should I try first?

2. How often should I get a massage?
--This is a great question, one that I am asked often. It is rumored that Bob Hope got a massage every day! We all should be so lucky! How often you have a session is up to you and how your body feels. Massage is preventive medicine, and the effects (such as improved circulation, toxin release, tension release, overall feelings of goodwill) accumulate over time, so it's a good idea to have regular sessions. Some of my clients see me every week, others 2x/month, others occasionally. I recommend making an appointment at least every 4-6 weeks.

3. How much time should I allow for my appointment?
--All new clients are asked to schedule an hour appointment, in order to fill out a Health Information/Consent Form, have a consultation with me, plus have the massage itself.  I will sit and discuss the form with you and learn your goals for the massage session before the massage begins.  Allow 5-10 minutes after the massage to get up slowly from the table, dress, have some water, pay for the session, etc. Please note that late arrivals will be given only the remaining time of their appointment slot.

4. Do I have to get naked when I have a table massage?
--No. In fact, there really is no reason for you to be naked on the table. I prefer clients to leave their panties/shorts on. If you are coming in for a back massage, then you can leave your pants on. Of course, you will be under a sheet at all times.  I uncover only the specific body part I am working on at that moment, and redrape, keeping your modesty protected. My massages are professional and respectful.

5. Do you massage EVERY body part?
--No. During a regular massage (Swedish) the general pattern includes work on the neck, back, arms/hands, legs/feet. The abdomen, rib cage, and face/scalp are not normally included, but can be added by the request of the client. Work on the buttocks is only done on athletes or if a client has verifiable sciatica-related problems. Massaging the breasts or genital region is absolutely NEVER allowed.

6. I'm pregnant. Is it OK for me to get a massage?
--Absolutely! I am certified in pregnancy massage. I also have taken a Shiatsu class and know which points of the body to avoid so as not to induce early labor. Before your appointment, I will have your doctor/midwife give me verbal or written approval stating that you are cleared for massage sessions. I have the Prego Pillow to use during your appointment, too. This allows you to lie comfortably and safely on your stomach or back. I will only massage your abdomen if you give permission. Click HERE  for more information on pregnancy massage.

7. Are there ever times when massage is inadvisable?
--Yes.  If you have a fever, phlebitis, untreated high blood pressure, or open wounds you should wait to get a massage. There are some other health issues where massage is contraindicated. If you are not sure if massage sessions are safe for you, ask your doctor for clearance first and then call me for an appointment. As a side note, I always require a physician's/midwife's clearance before taking on pregnant clients. Your health and safety are my utmost concern!

8. I'm worried that massage will hurt/I was sore after a massage once.
--Massage should never hurt. If you had a lot of soreness during or after a previous massage, you didn't go to a professional masseuse! He or she should have asked you what kind of pressure you wanted during the massage. If it is too firm, feel free to speak up! Seniors should be especially careful that they see a therapist who is certified in Geriatric massage so they receive a more gentle treatment. (My specialty certification in this area is called Medical and Geriatric Massage). Another reason for a sore/heavy feeling after a massage could be substances like normal metabolic wastes that were stagnating in and around muscle tissue & were causing muscle tightness or stiffness that have been pushed into the lymphatic system, in which case one should drink lots of water for the rest of the day to flush them out. Click HERE for more discussion on soreness during or after a massage.

9. What should I do during my massage?
--I usually tell my clients to close their eyes and concentrate on thinking about nothing! This sounds like an oxymoron, but "floating away", stopping the mental chatter, ignoring what I'm doing is exactly what you should attempt to do. Definitely tell me if some point I'm working on is sensitive or hurts, or needs more pressure, but other than that try to drift off to a meditative place, perhaps just listening to the soothing music. It's OK not to talk. You decide how much conversation you want during the session.

10. What is a first appointment like?
--All new table clients are asked to fill out a brief Health Information and Consent Form, which asks questions about your health status, such as how often you exercise, do you have skin cancer, arthritis, or high blood pressure...I sit & discuss the form with you after you fill it out and discuss your goals for the massage. Then I will leave the room & let you get undressed and under the sheet on the table. When you are settled I will perform the massage, & when your time is up I advise you to take 3 or 4 deep breaths before getting up. I leave the room and allow you time to dress, & when you're ready I come out and discuss how you feel, perhaps show you stretches to do at home, remind you to drink water, take payment & send you on your happy way!

11. Why do spas charge a lot more/less?
-- Some day spas charge a lot more so you feel you're getting more value for your money by offering bathrobes, tea, sauna...You are also helping them pay their overhead (electric bill, supplies, salaries, etc.). But you are not necessarily getting better quality by paying more. Also, if you sign up for a 1-hour massage, it usually is only 50 minutes.

On the other side of the spectrum, be wary of low-cost or chain massage centers. Their therapists may not be licensed by the city or they may be students, which is illegal.  The skill of the therapist may be quite low, also, if they are recently out of school & inexperienced, or if they just aren't any good and can't find work at reputable places or on their own. If the going rate is $60-$100/hour, why would a therapist work for a place that pays her only $15-$25/hour? A skilled, well-trained therapist would not devalue herself or the profession by accepting such low wages.

12. Should I tip?
--Tipping for any service, especially one brought to your home, is much appreciated, though it's not required. One great way to show gratitude is to rave about me to your family and coworkers and refer them to me. Remember, clients who refer three people to me receive a FREE massage! No limit.