Massage FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some massage FAQs (frequently asked questions). If you have other questions, please use the contact form to email me, and I will be happy to answer them.

What can I expect from a massage?
What happens during a session?
I've never had a massage before - how long of a session should I book?
Do I get a full 60 minutes if I book an hour massage?
What should I wear to a session?
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my session?
How much water should I drink?
How often should I get a massage?
Will I be sore after my massage?
Do I need to disrobe?
Is it OK to talk during my session?
Do you accept insurance?
What if I'm ticklish?
Am I supposed to tip?
Do your hands ever get tired?
What type of massage do you do?

What can I expect from a massage?

You can expect to have your massage in a safe, nurturing environment. You can expect to feel peaceful, totally relaxed and calm afterwards. You can expect to be listened to - you are the one who knows your body. I cannot "fix" you, since you are not broken. I can assist your body in finding it's way to optimal health through stress-relief and relaxation. I view my clients as whole, and hold that vision for them.

What happens during a session?

You'll start the session by filling out some confidential paperwork, and we will discuss your goals, even if it is just to relax and de-stress. You will then be left alone in the massage room to undress to your level of comfort. You'll get on the massage table, where you will cover yourself up with the sheet and blankets. I don't enter the room until you tell me that you are ready. The massage begins with my placing warm, moist towels around your neck to help relax those muscles. I generally take a few minutes to send healing energy to you, then start the actual massage. There is music playing in the background, unless you prefer silence. When the massage is done, I leave the room for you to re-dress in private.

I've never had a massage before - how long of a session should I book?

This is one of the most common massage FAQs that I get. I find that most people start with an hour massage. That's enough time to cover the entire body. A half hour is only enough time for a specific area or two - such as back and neck. A lot of people prefer to come in for an hour and 1/2, as that way they can get the full body massage, with extra time on any problem areas.

Do I get a full 60 minutes if I book an hour massage?

Yes. If you book a massage for an hour, you get a full 60 minutes of "table time". Same for 1/2 hour, or hour and 1/2 sessions. I schedule plenty of time for intakes, and finding out what your needs are for that day, to ensure that you get your full amount of actual massage time. The only exception to that is if you are late to your appointment - please see my Massage Office Policies page for that information, which is located under "Session Time".

What should I wear to a session?

Wear whatever you are comfortable in. Some people that come straight from work like to bring a change of clothes for after the massage. If you prefer to receive massage through your clothing, then you might want to wear something that isn't too tight, for example sweat pants/t-shirts.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my session?

It helps to be well hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids the day before and day of your massage. If you are coming in for a facial massage, please have any make-up removed prior.

How much water should I drink?

One of the most common massage faqs is about how much water to drink. The best way to tell if you are drinking enough is to check your urine. If it is clear and odor free, you are drinking enough. If it has a strong odor and color, then you probably will want to increase the amount you drink, unless you are on water restriction for medical reasons.

How often should I get a massage?

One of my favorite massage FAQs. That really depends on what your goals are, and your budget. I recommend getting a massage at least once a month, as the effects are cumulative. A few of my clients come in once a week, most of them come in every other week, some every 3 weeks, and some once a month. All of them recognize the importance of self-care, and the health benefits that they enjoy from receiving massage on a regular basis.

Will I be sore after my massage?

Possibly, but not necessarily. It is very important for you to let me know if I am using too much pressure at any time. I don't operate under the "no pain - no gain" theory, so please don't "take" the pressure or pain thinking that it is supposed to be that way. Sometimes working with an injured area might be painful, but even that should be within a good tolerance level... think "good hurt" vs. "bad hurt". If you are not used to receiving massage, it is similar to not being used to working out. Just as you can feel sore after a good workout, you might feel a little sore after a massage, but that feeling should not last more than a day or two. Again, communication is key to getting your best massage. I think that this is one of the most important massage FAQs.

Do I need to disrobe?

This is one of those massage FAQs that a lot of people want to know, but don't always ask. You only have to undress to your level of comfort. You will be on the massage table, with sheets and blankets covering you at all times. Only the part of your body being worked on will be exposed, for example arm, leg, back. If you are not comfortable getting undressed at all, I have techniques that I can use through your clothing. It is always your choice on how much clothing to take off or leave on. You will always be properly draped for your privacy and comfort level.

Is it OK to talk during my session?

That is totally up to you. I will occasionally ask a few questions, pertaining to your comfort level, and how you are feeling. I have learned that some people relax by talking, others prefer to have their massage in silence. It's your massage - you get to decide if you want to talk to not. Often times people will start out talking, then "drift away" as the massage goes on. Whatever helps you to relax the most is best.

Do you accept insurance?

No, I do not do insurance billing of any kind.

What if I'm ticklish?

I've worked with many people who were ticklish. I can vary the pressure, depth, and pace of the massage strokes so that you won't feel tickled.

Am I supposed to tip?

Another one of the massage FAQs that people want to know about. Tipping is a matter of personal discretion. Some of my clients do tip, some do not. You will get the same level of excellent service whether you tip or not. Tips are never required, but always appreciated. One of the best ways to "tip" me is to refer your friends and family to me for massage or energy work!

Do your hands ever get tired?

Rarely. This is another one of the most common massage FAQs. I think that the question behind this really is: "Will you be able to give me a good massage if I am your last client of the day?". The answer is yes. One of the ways that I've been able to stay in this profession for 15 years is to not over-book myself. I leave plenty of time in-between clients - both to give them time to sit and relax before driving home and to give myself time to clean the room and prepare for my next client.

What type of massage do you do?

My main focus now is on wellness and relaxation massage. Stress has a bad effect on our bodies, and massage is a great way to help reduce those stress levels and help the body heal itself. For specific techniques that I've studied, please visit my Massage and Bodywork Techniques page.

As I receive more massage FAQs, I will post them here.