Massage FAQ's
First Massage Session
- Arrive 10 minutes early to fill out the COVID Information & Consent and the Client Information Form or print them and have them ready when you get here.
- A few moments of privacy is allotted to allow disrobing. Wear comfortable clothing and remove jewelry prior to appointment. Don't risk leaving your valuables behind, or having to tackle those eighty-four buttons.
- A towel is provided for coverage, as well as a sheet. Only the areas being worked on are undraped.
- Treatments are tailored to the individual.
- If anything is uncomfortable or uneasy for you, say something. I can read your muscles... not your mind.
- Drink water following your treatment. Any toxins freed from tissues, are now roaming around your body... they need to be flushed out of your system, lest they settle back in. Water, coupled with bathroom visits, will assist this process. If you get a headache, you did not drink enough.
General Information
- Hours: Please contact for availability.
- Please arrive on time. Windows of availability are limited. If you are late, accommodating the full session may not be possible.
- Cancellations: 24 hours notice would be appreciated. However, whatever the timing, if you develop a fever or any symptoms of illness please cancel.
- Take a moment to review any concerns regarding when is it not okay to get a massage. (aka Contraindications located below.)
Add Stretching
Postural issues are the root cause of most chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Muscles that are locked short are a principal factor in these conditions.
Skilled stretching techniques re-educate muscles and restore healthy resting lengths... we feel longer, wider, more alive.
What if I'm sick?
My rule of thumb: If you have a fever, are contagious, or are within the first 2-3 days of being sick, please stay home to rest. Believe me, it's no fun to be face down, with congested sinuses pressing into the face cradle.
On top of this, in the hopes of not sharing illnesses with the next client, as well as keeping myself and my family healthy and strong, I would ask that we reschedule when you are feeling better. I can't work if I am sick, coughing and/or sneezing.
Of course, I will make every effort to fit you back in, as soon as you are well. I will extend the same courtesy if I'm ill.
Garlic wards off more than Vampires!
My #1 go-to when I have a cold... nature's antibiotic, a.k.a. Garlic! It lowers blood pressure, as well as is super immune boosting, anti-bacterial and anti-viral.
On top of being super effective, it's simple to bake and tastes amazing: Roast it with olive oil, thyme, dill, salt and pepper, or whatever favorite spices you choose. It softens and can be spread on toast (Yum!), mushed in mashed potatoes (YUM!), soups, or any and everything you want.
Can I have a few cocktails before the massage to help me relax?
Actually, if you're intoxicated or otherwise impaired, massage is not a good idea. Mixing the two poses a risk because you're desensitized. This makes it difficult to provide accurate reliable feedback. As well, the increased circulation via massage, may increase intoxication by increasing tissue absorption. Please refrain from relaxing too much prior to your appointment.
Contraindications
Having the most current and accurate health information is imperative. Please provide any recent changes in medications, health history and/or underlying medical conditions. (Medications may effect blood clotting, neurosensory feedback, tissue integrity and pain perception. It is important to have valid feedback for a successful treatment.)
Any condition that can spread along the skin, through the lymph or the blood stream.Impetigo - Staph/Strep - Lymphangitis - Malignant Melanoma
Do not massage near or over any area where there is bleeding.Whiplash or other acute injury where there is tearing of tissue - may be bleeding into the tissue during the first 24 to 48 hours after the trauma.Areas of acute inflammation - Ecchymosis (aka a bruise)
*Wounds or infections - especially diabetics - must have doctors release
Get a physician's recommendation when dealing with the following:Cardiac Arrhythmias - Phlebitis - Deep Vein Thrombosis and clotting disorders - Severe varicose veins
Areas with loss of integrity -Recent surgery - Joint replacements - Severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)Those with compromised immune systemsAIDS
Care must be taken when dealing with areas of abnormal sensation:Stroke - Diabetes* - Medications
Edema - based on origin and/or cause.
Any condition that can spread along the skin, through the lymph or the blood stream.Impetigo - Staph/Strep - Lymphangitis - Malignant Melanoma
Do not massage near or over any area where there is bleeding.Whiplash or other acute injury where there is tearing of tissue - may be bleeding into the tissue during the first 24 to 48 hours after the trauma.Areas of acute inflammation - Ecchymosis (aka a bruise)
*Wounds or infections - especially diabetics - must have doctors release
Get a physician's recommendation when dealing with the following:Cardiac Arrhythmias - Phlebitis - Deep Vein Thrombosis and clotting disorders - Severe varicose veins
Areas with loss of integrity -Recent surgery - Joint replacements - Severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)Those with compromised immune systemsAIDS
Care must be taken when dealing with areas of abnormal sensation:Stroke - Diabetes* - Medications
Edema - based on origin and/or cause.
Medical Coverage
Insurance: I do not accept insurance. Insurance providers normally do not cover massage therapy. That said, I can provide a receipts for treatments. You may submit to your insurance company, along with a doctors prescription, for possible reimbursement.
Disclaimer
Please understand that Massage services are designed to be a Health Aid. They are in no way to take the place of a Doctors care when indicated. Information exchanged during any Massage session, or on this site, is educational in nature and is intended to help you become more familiar and conscious of your Health Status. It is to be used at your own discretion.