Do you have questions about what your massage or MLD appointment will be like? Call me at 818.421.0597 or read the FAQs below:
1. I’ve never had a massage before. What kind should I try first? –You have several choices. Make an appointment for a relaxing Swedish massage for your back, neck, and shoulders. Or try foot reflexology. You take off only your shoes and socks and receive a relaxing session on your feet. When you get up, it feels like you’ve just had a full body massage! Or try a combo Swedish & MLD. Each massage is tailored to your specific needs (relaxation, muscle pain, surgery, geriatric, illness) and may involve several modalities. There are over 200 different types of massage, so don’t worry about the “name”. I ask questions and offer you the massage you are looking for to help you heal. Your session will be soothing and never painful.
2. How often should I get a massage? –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, 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. Should I tip? –Tipping for any service, especially one brought to your home, is very much appreciated, though it’s not required. Most people give 10%-20%. One great way to show gratitude is to write a review online (Yelp or Google), buy gift certificates, and refer others to me. For every new client you refer, you’ll receive a free 20 extra mins on a future massage.
4. How much time should I allow for my appointment?–New clients are asked to fill out a Health Information/Consent Form, have a consultation with me, plus have the massage itself. I will sit & discuss the form with you and learn your goals for the session before the massage begins. Allow 5-10 minutes after the massage to get up slowly from the table, dress, have some water, pay, reschedule, etc. Please note that late arrivals will be given only the remaining time of their appointment slot. For massage in your home, the clock countdown begins when I finish setting up the table & my music so please try to be ready on time.
5. Do I have to get naked when I have a massage or lymphatic drainage session? –No. There really is no reason for you to be naked on the table. I prefer clients to leave their underpants on. If you are coming in for a back massage, then you can leave your slacks on. For MLD, you can wear your bra or tank top and underpants. You will be under a sheet at all times. I uncover only the specific body part I am working on at that moment, and re-drape, keeping your modesty protected. My massages are professional and respectful.
6. 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 only done with lymphedema or cosmetic surgery clients getting MLD.
7. I have cancer. Is massage or MLD OK for me?–Definitely, during all stages of treatment. Oncology massage reduces pain, anxiety, and nausea, and helps the person feel positive about their body again. MLD helps boost your immunity and decreases swelling from lymphedema. I have taken many oncology massage classes and am certified in lymphatic drainage therapy. For more information, see www.s4om.org, (Society for Oncology Massage).
8. Are there ever times when massage or lymphatic drainage therapy are inadvisable? –Yes. If you have a fever, phlebitis, untreated high blood pressure, untreated heart disease, cellulitis or open wounds you should wait to get a massage. If you are coughing or sneezing from a cold, please wait until you’re better. Even if I personally don’t catch your germs, remember I work with clients who have compromised immune systems. I wouldn’t want to be a carrier or spread your germs. Those with damaged kidneys shouldn’t have lymphatic drainage therapy. If you have infusion chemo, wait 48 hours before having MLD. Please call me with any questions and we can discuss your situation.
9. I’m worried that massage will hurt/I was sore after a massage once. –Massage should never hurt, and definitely lymphatic drainage therapy never hurts! If you had a lot of soreness during or after a previous massage, you didn’t go to a professional! He or she should have asked you what kind of pressure you wanted during the massage. If it is too firm, 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 & Geriatric Massage). Another reason for a sore/heavy feeling after a massage could be metabolic wastes that were stagnating in and around muscle tissue & were causing muscle tightness, stiffness, or inflammation 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.
10. What should I do during my massage? –Just close your eyes & think about nothing! If you are “helping” by holding your arm up, for example, then you are tightening your muscles which prevents me from loosening them. Definitely tell me if some point I’m working on needs different pressure, but other than that try to drift off to a meditative place, perhaps just listen to the soothing music. It’s OK not to talk. You decide how much conversation you want during the session.
11. What is a first appointment like? –Whether I come to your home or you come to see me, please freshen up by showering (remember to scrub your feet with a washcloth) & brushing your teeth. At the first visit I’ll have you fill out a Health Information and Consent Form, which asks questions about your health status, such as how often you exercise, do you have skin cancer/arthritis/high blood pressure…I look at your form 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 leave the room and allow you time to dress. At that time I will collect payment and leave you to enjoy the rest of your relaxed day!
12. 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. 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. They may not be licensed by the city or they may hire students or those on a 3-month work Visa who haven’t had legitimate training, both of which is illegal.