- Why is it sometimes difficult to reach you?
- Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
- What is the difference between Massage Therapy and Chiropractic?
- I am uneasy about trying massage. What can I do?
- Can I bring someone with me to my session?
- What if I’m embarrassed about my body or weight?
- Who will perform the massage?
- What does the practitioner need to know?
- Where Will My Massage Session Take Place?
- Do I have to take off all my clothes?
- What parts of my body will be massaged?
- What will the massage feel like?
- What should I do?
- How long of a massage should I schedule? How long will my session last?
- Will oil be used?
- Should I talk during my massage?
- What should I expect afterward?
- Why do I feel like this… ?
- Why is it so important to drink water after my massage?
- How Does Massage Therapy Work?
- How often should I get a massage?
- Should I get a massage if I am ill?
- Am I required to tip you?
- What is Aromatherapy & What are Essential Oils?
- What are “knots”, and what causes them?
- What is Fascia?
Why is it sometimes difficult to reach you?
I do not have a receptionist. Due to the hands-on nature of the business (and my personal policy to not answer my phone or return voicemail messages while in session with a client), I am not always able to answer the phone, or available to immediately return calls or communicate though email. Please allow at least 48 hours for me to contact you by phone or email. For more direct contact and prompt scheduling, feel free to send a text message!
Please be sure your voicemail, text, or email contains the following information:
Your first and last name
Phone number (s) where you can be reached
If you need day time or evening appointments
Your preferred session length
Possible dates and times that you would like to schedule
Gift certificate number, if applicable.
First and last name of the person you were referred by, if applicable.
I will make every effort to return your call/email/text as soon as possible, usually with in 48 hours. I truly appreciate your patience and persistence in contacting me.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that, before you attend your session, you complete the New Client Registration form. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised 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.
What is the difference between Massage Therapy and Chiropractic?
Though there are many different styles of massage therapy, the basic practice is the manipulation of soft tissues to provide improved circulation, flexibility, relaxation, stimulate the nervous system and enhance tissue healing. The massage practitioner can use different techniques such as long strokes, deep tissue massage or pressure point massage to provide relief to sore muscles.
While the basis of massage therapy deals with soft tissue, the primary goal of chiropractic care is Neuroskeletal care. In general, by manually applying force or pressure, Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to adjust bones and joints into proper alignment. Massage therapists cannot make a diagnosis; Chiropractors can.
Both massage therapy and chiropractic care can be a useful preventative measure to avoid the aches and pains that come from everyday life and can boost your body’s immunity to fight off illness and disease.
Most of the chiropractors I have talked to acknowledge that if muscles are too tight, adjustments either can’t be done or will not last. In essence, bones go where muscles put them, and bones stay where muscles keep them.
I am uneasy about trying massage. What can I do?
I believe that safe, nurturing touch is essential for total health and positive self awareness. A 1/2 Hour session for lower arms, hands, lower legs, and feet might be a way of easing yourself into massage. Over time, as you become more comfortable with massage you may want to try a 1/2 hour neck, back, and shoulder massage, and eventually graduate to a longer session. Remember, you will always have control over your massage session.
Can I bring someone with me to my session?
Of course. I believe that any client has the right to have someone present during their session if they wish. People are sometimes more comfortable the first time if someone is with them. In fact, I have frequently done parent-child sessions as a way of introducing a child comfortably to massage therapy. I only ask that you let me know in advance, at the time you schedule your appointment.
Please note: A single session/appointment may not be divided between two people.
What If I’m embarrassed about my body or weight?
I am here to help you feel better, not to judge your physique or ogle your body. I have worked with people of all shapes and sizes, young and old alike. I don’t care what people look like (I work on what’s underneath). Massage is an affirming experience that can help you appreciate your body, develop a better body image, and raise your self-esteem, as well as improve your health. Please, don’t deny yourself the benefits of massage any longer.
Who will perform the massage?
Your session will be conducted by a properly trained professional. In general, a Massage Professional has had training in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, treatment of injuries, general health applications, and a variety of therapeutic massage and bodywork techniques. Some Massage & Bodywork Professionals are licensed by the state, while others are locally regulated. Please feel free to ask questions about my training, background, and experience.
Members of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals have met stringent requirements regarding training and must adhere to a strict code of ethics to remain members.
What does the practitioner need to know?
First and foremost I need to make sure there are not any conditions present that rule out having a massage due to any health risks. It is very important that you disclose accurate and complete health information including any health problems, all medications, reasons for receiving massage, current physical condition, brief medical history, stress level, and experiences with specific areas of pain and limited range of motion. *If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any body work.
Second, I need to know what your needs are regarding the massage, and be sure both of us are clear about what your expectations are for the outcome of your session. Tell me about
any areas of your body that are injured, tense, or sore before each session. Communicate what your needs are before and during your massage. Please, don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns.
Where Will My Massage Session Take Place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place comfortable room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a warmed table especially designed for your comfort. See studio office photos.
Do I have to take off all my clothes?
Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer for your own comfort. You will be provided privacy while you disrobe, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with the clean sheet and blanket, or towel. You will be properly draped during the entire session to keep you warm and comfortable, and to protect your privacy. Only the part of your body being massaged will be uncovered, insuring that modesty is respected at all times. Please remove ALL jewelry and other articles that might interfere with the massage.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full body session will include work on your upper and lower back, hips/ gluteal area, legs, feet, upper chest/pectoral area, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, and a little scalp and face. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female), and breast tissue will not be massaged. Therapeutic massage is not designed to be a sexual experience. It is not intended to stimulate or indulge sexual desires.
What will the massage feel like?
Depending on the techniques used, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes which help to calm your nervous system, and warm and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve muscular tension. The purpose of massage is not to induce pain, but rather to relieve it.
In cases where there may be muscle and tissue damage or where there is persistent soreness, there may be some discomfort as the area is manipulated during the session. In those instances, it is important to work closely with me so that you can derive the most benefit from your session without approaching or exceeding your personal pain threshold.
What should I do?
A) If possible, take a warm bath or shower, and drink a glass of water before your session. Arrive about 5 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer into get to a relaxed state. If you are a new client, please arrive about 5 to 10 minutes early for a brief consultation, and be sure to submit your online new client registration form at least one day prior to your appointment. Try to avoid being very full or very hungry just before your session and remember to use the restroom before you get on the table.
B) Be as receptive and open to the process as possible. Let yourself breathe, and relax your muscles. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious, or when a sore or sensitive area is massaged. Take deep, slow breaths throughout your massage. Breathing facilitates relaxation. Tightening up your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Allow your limbs to be moved into various positions. Be limp, like a rag doll, let yourself feel heavy and sink into the table. Please, do not try to help move your arms, legs, or head.
C) If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body centered and to quiet the mind is to follow the massage, and to focus on your breathing and how the massage feels. If anything is happening during the massage that you dislike, seems improper, or is uncomfortable, you have the right to ask me to stop.
Please see Make The Most of Your Massage for more detailed information.
How long of a massage should I schedule? How long will my session last?
The average session length scheduled for a full massage is 1 Hour. A half hour session only allows time for a partial massage such as back and shoulders. Many people prefer a 1½ Hour session for ideal relaxation and concentrated work on specific areas of tension. When you schedule any session length, you will receive the full amount of that time unless you are late to your appointment (1½ Hour = a full 90 minutes). I recommend arriving at least 5 minutes early to your scheduled appointment time. Please read my Arrival Policy for information.
Please note: You may pay the difference to extend a session (upgrade) for a gift certificate or scheduled appointment. Extending a session should be scheduled in advance. A single session/appointment may not be divided between two people.
The following information is a general idea of what you can expect with each session length:
- 1/2 Hour Session: An excellent way to refresh the mind and body when your short on time, but not enough time for a full massage (unless you are a small child). A 1/2 hour is good for clients who: have never received massage and may be a little apprehensive; may be overly sensitive to touch; would like to focus on one or two areas only; are trying to fit regular massage into a busy schedule; or, are small children.
- 1 Hour Session: Great for maintaining your health and well being, and continuing on the path of prevention. 1 Hour is a common session length that usually provides enough time for a full massage, and allows you to take a break, while your muscles get some much needed circulation. Some clients request a good deal of time focused on one or two areas and not as much time on another area, or to skip an area completely. Some like an upper body massage only, and no work on the legs. That’s fine – it’s your massage, and your time to be taken care of and have your needs met.
- 1½ Hour Session: The ideal selection to allow yourself time to breathe, drift away into a completely relaxed state, and truly unwind. If you are suffering from chronic or acute pain an 1-1/2 Hour session also provides enough time to set the focus on one or two specific areas while addressing the full body. 1-1/2 Hour will help to rebalance the body, and relieve stress and tension while promoting an overall sense of well-being. A 1½ Hour session is also nice if you are a taller/bigger person in general.
- 2 Hour Session: Provides ample time for a full massage, and allows optimal care when the body and mind are need of deep relaxation and maximum therapeutic relief, with multiple areas of focus. Schedule 2 Hours when you just need to get away for while. A 2 Hour session is also nice if you are a taller/bigger person in general.
Will oil be used?
For most massage techniques a light, moisturizing, and skin nourishing Shea butter cream will be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without excessive friction to the skin, and will be readily absorbed. Although I do not apply cream to the face or scalp (unless requested); face, scalp and neck massage may disturb the appearance of your hair and makeup. If this is a concern, please advise me before we begin. We can simply choose to avoid this area, or I can modify my selection of techniques to prevent an excessively disheveled appearance after the session. The massage cream will not harm your clothing.
Should I talk during my massage?
Many people prefer silence during their sessions to enhance the deep sense of relaxation that is such a compelling aspect of a massage. People frequently go to sleep on the table. If you are inclined however, please feel free to talk at any time throughout your session. Talking can be a way of unburdening yourself and opening up, or it can be a way of “being in the head” and out of touch with your body or feelings. Sometimes being silent can be a way of letting go of thoughts and concentrating, or it can be a way of holding back and not opening up. Conversation is always up to you, and anything that is shared during your session is confidential.
Indeed, I always encourage feedback during the session so that we can best achieve a comfortable and effective treatment. Please inform me of any discomfort, whether it is from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment (room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.) Feel free to give feedback regarding the massage (amount of pressure, speed of movement, etc.). Feedback is essential to getting the best
massage possible. Remember, we are working together.
What should I expect afterward?
Massage and bodywork can be profoundly relaxing, yet stimulating, affecting all your body’s systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up. After an initial period
of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days. Sometimes you may not feel dramatic results right away. Watch for changes over the following days, such as pain relief, increased mobility and reduced stress. On occasions where there may be delayed soreness following a session. I recommend a warm bath or shower, stretching, and, as always, drinking plenty of water to help the body in eliminating waste products.
Why do I feel like this… ?
A) Frequently, people experience mild aches, some soreness, headaches, or flu-like symptoms for 24 to 72 hours or so after a massage. This is due to tight muscles having been stretched and realigned; increased circulation, and muscle and connective tissues becoming flooded with fresh, oxygenated blood; the body trying to flush metabolic waste, and stored toxins; adhesions and scar tissue having been broken apart so soft tissues can repair themselves and lay down correctly; and/or deep pressure having been applied to an injured muscle to release spasm. This condition is seldom severe and usually passes quite rapidly. I always recommend drinking plenty of water after your session to reduce these symptoms, and the possibility of the symptoms lingering for more than three days. If you feel sore or think that you might, stretch gently in a hot shower or take a warm bath with Epsom salts. I also highly recommend icing any particularly sore areas after Deep Tissue Bodywork to aid your body’s healing processes. Also, depending on the amount of toxins and wastes accumulated in your body, you may become nauseated and/or experience headaches after your first few massage sessions. Again, drinking plenty water will help, and these effects should diminish with regular massage and daily, sufficient, water intake.
B) Occasionally people discover that during and after a session, massage therapy brings emotions to the surface. We strive to achieve total relaxation during each session. As tense muscles begin to relax a normal, natural part of massage therapy is to let loose of the constraints on emotions and begin to experience them at their fullest. Pent-up emotions ranging from peace and joy to sadness and anger are often experienced in varying degrees of intensity that can be surprising and disorienting. This may manifest itself as an overwhelming need to laugh, cry or sigh. Where there has been a great deal of stress and nervous tension the emotional release may be experienced as uncontrollable shaking, though this rarely continues for more than a few minutes. Allowing yourself to experience and releasing these emotions is a significant facet of the benefits of massage therapy. In every case, however, there is a subsequent feeling of renewed vitality. If necessary, you have the right stop the massage until you feel ready to continue, or to end the session. Allow for some quiet time after your massage session if possible. Often, a little time to absorb the results of the massage is needed. Again, I encourage you to discuss any concerns you might have about this with me.
If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist for more than three days, please remember to tell me about your experience so I can take it into consideration for your next session.
Why is it so important to drink water after my massage?
Naturally, our body is in a constant state of renewal and repair. Throughout the day, every cell is working through the metabolic process and therefore, wastes need to be transported outside of the cell. Some of these cells are not close to bloodstreams, and can sit in their own metabolic wastes for long amounts of time, due to lack of movement within the tissues.
Massage greatly increases general circulation, and moves wastes away from cells toward the circulatory system, helping your body to flush toxins and metabolic wastes that have accumulated in organs and soft tissues, including muscles. Increasing water intake is crucial to help this natural process and flush the additional “debris” out of your body so those toxins don’t resettle back into the tissues; aiding the functioning of the whole body including circulation and the kidneys, which are both involved in relieving the body of waste products. Drinking extra water also helps to reduce soreness, fatigue, and dizziness after massage. Drinking plenty of water on a regular basis will help to keep joints, tissues, and muscle fibers hydrated and lubricated.
How Does Massage Therapy Work?
Bodywork tricks the proprioceptors in the muscles into thinking there’s too much tension, thus forcing the muscle to RELAX.
If you’re wondering what proprioception is, just hold your hand above and behind your head without looking at it. How do you know your hand is there without seeing it? Proprioception is your body’s ability to know where it is in space.
Through life in general, repetitive movements, and injury or trauma to the body, proprioception may become distorted. This is where massage can be greatly rehabilitative. Massage works by resetting these proprioceptors to restore the delicate balance of standing upright and moving around, which is often under appreciated and taken for granted.
How often should I get a massage?
We should always look for the simplest solution first. Massage therapy is the least risky, least invasive, least expensive treatment for stress, pain, dysfunction and misalignment of the musculo-skeletal system.
The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative; the more often you receive massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. These changes are readily felt in day-to-day life as well. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension, poor circulation, ongoing stress, or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed.
Many clients find that weekly, or bi-monthly sessions are most beneficial, particularly in the beginning. Some clients receive monthly sessions. Frequency of sessions will depend on your needs, goals and budget. Receiving massage consistently is most important. I believe that massage is an excellent preventative and “maintenance tool”, and should not just be used to “fix a problem” or as an occasional “treat”, but should be received on a regular basis as part of a health and wellness strategy to improve the quality of one’s life.
Should I get a massage if I am ill?
A fever or local or systemic infection, even a common cold, is a good reason to postpone your massage appointment. You may be contagious, especially in the first stages of a viral or bacterial infection, and massage may not feel good at this time. One of the major impacts of massage is on the circulation (including the removal of wasteful by-products and infectious materials). When you are sick your immune system is already working hard and circulatory massage can actually increase the spread of infection in your body, possibly making you feel worse, overwhelming your organs, and causing the illness to linger. Receiving massage while you are sick may also spread germs to the massage practitioner, and to other clients.
Am I required to tip you?
Gratuity is your option; a personal decision based on your satisfaction. While tips are always greatly appreciated, they are never required or expected; nor does tipping affect the quality or nature of your service in any way. I would prefer that you were able to come back soon and often without stress about finances.
What is Aromatherapy & What are Essential Oils?
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using pure essential oils to enhance the health, well being, and harmony of the body, mind and spirit.
Essential oils are the complex, highly concentrated, volatile aromatic essences of plants.
These oils are extracted from various botanical sources (flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rind & rhizome). They are made up of tiny molecules which are able to enter into the blood stream when inhaled, by diffusion across the tiny air sacs of the lungs. Essential oils also have a major impact on the olfactory nerves which lead from the nose to the Limbic system, a part of the brain which stores responses to memory, mood, and emotions. They contain hundreds of organic constituents providing a variety of natural elements that work on many levels. Essential oils contain antiviral, antiseptic, antibiotic, sedating, analgesic and other therapeutic properties.
What are “knots”?
Often times you’ll hear someone complain “I have such a huge knot in my shoulder” or “my back is full of knots”. You may feel around your own shoulder and notice some crunchy, lumpy spots. Most people become more aware them while receiving massage.
So what are “knots” exactly? It can be difficult know everything about what they are or pinpoint exactly why and how they form. However, myofascial trigger points, tender points, and adhesions are frequently the cause of some of the pain and discomfort you feel in daily life, and during a massage. They may be caused by things such as injury, chronic muscle tension, repetitive motion, dehydration, stress, or a build up of abnormal proteins and excessive connective tissue.
Our muscles are layered and are oriented in many different directions. Their layers cross each other at various angles – think of some as parallel and others as perpendicular. To add complication, there are often several layers of muscles right on top of each other. You may find that sections of muscle fibers at these crossings, from time to time, rather than gliding smoothly past each other as usual, become constricted and adhered to their surrounding structures, causing the cells in the muscle fibers (called proprioceptors) to hyper react, resulting in a continuous state of active contraction.
The body’s proprioceptors control balance, coordination and agility. Proprioceptors are sensory and motor nerve endings that send and receive information to and from the brain and central nervous system, from stimuli within the skin, muscles, joints and tendons. These impulses transmit vital information about the angle of joints, length of muscles, the amount of tension in a given muscle, and the relative position of a body part during a given movement. All of this information is brought together to tell the body about the position of a limb or joint, so that even with the eyes closed the body knows just where that limb is and what it is doing.
Essentially, muscle knots are sections within the various muscles that have contracted and are being constricted by connective tissues, resulting in a crunchy, lumpy, hard and painful spot that can feel stuck, uncomfortable, and create pain that is consistent. (“Knot” is a misnomer, as muscles aren’t literally tangled up). An adhesion can start to limit your range of motion, making it harder to move or stretch in a certain direction, which is often uncomfortable and painful.
- Adhesions are bands of painful, rigid tissue that are usually found in areas where there is chronic muscle tension or injury. They can also be found in areas where there is scar tissue (see below). Adhesions are usually felt as “knots” and are tender to the touch. They can block circulation, cause pain, impinge nerves, limit range of motion/movement, and cause inflammation. The massage therapist uses direct pressure or friction with or across the grain of the muscles to physically break down adhesions.
- Trigger points are tight bands of tissue that have referred pain. Like adhesions, trigger points are often felt as “knots” but when the massage preactitioner goes over a trigger point there is usually a localized twitch response, referred pain to another area of the body, and an area of localized intense pain. When a trigger point is touched clients frequently report pain in another area of the body. For example, when the massage practitioner applies pressure to a tight muscle in the neck of a client who has been complaining of tension headaches the pressure may cause localized pain as well as recreate the pain associated with the headache. By applying prolonged pressure to the trigger point the practitioner is relieving the trigger point, which allows the muscle to relax. This helps to reduce localized pain in the area and the areas of referred pain. Trigger points often occur in muscles that are overused or on constant stretch like in the area between the shoulder blades on the upper back.
- Tender points are similar to trigger points but there is no referred pain. They frequently occur in the antagonist (opposite) muscle to where a person is feeling pain. So if you are feeling pain in your back and shoulder area there are frequently tender points in your chest muscles. Tender points are also frequently found in muscle attachment sites and tendons rather than in the belly of a muscle. Tender points are relieved in a similar way as trigger points by applying direct pressure.
- Scar tissue is more than skin deep. As scars are healing they can pull the deeper connective tissues and muscles into the scar causing adhesions (see above), restricting range of motion, impinging nerves, and causing pain. By gently massaging scar tissue the deeper scar tissue is broken down and the area can heal normally. The earlier and more consistently scar tissue is exercised, massaged and warmed the less the likelihood of adhesions to form. Massage can usually be done gently over scars as soon as they have healed and there is no inflammation and can assist in the recovery from surgery.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is what supports and holds your body together. It is a continuous membranous connective tissue made of collagen and elastin fibers, which surrounds and connects your muscles, bones, organs, nerves, and blood vessels. Fascia provides the lubricating barrier that prevents one muscle from catching on another muscle during muscle contraction. Picture an orange: The orange hard peal is like the skin, the soft white inner layer of the peal is the superficial fascia just under the skin; the membranes that wrap each section of the orange is like the deep fascia that surrounds the muscles; and each juicy cell is wrapped in more fascia, which is like the fascia surrounding individual muscle fibers.
Because fascia is continuous throughout your body, fascial restrictions in one area may cause pain to be felt in another area. For example, if a person is feeling hip pain they may have fascial restrictions in their knee, which pull on the fascia of the thigh and hip causing pain to be felt in the hip and low back. This is known as “fascial drag.”
To illustrate fascial drag stand up, grab hold of your pants next to your hip, and twist your hand while holding tight to your pants. You should feel the pant leg pull tight around your thigh all the way down to your ankle and up around your waist band. Try walking or sitting down while holding your pants. Do you feel the tightness increase and pull you to one side? Imagine spending a day like this doing your daily activities. Over time the restriction in your pant leg will transmit throughout your body limiting your range of motion and changing your posture, movement, and body alignment. The same thing happens with fascia. (A common fascial condition is Plantar Fasciitis: inflammation of the fascia in the bottom of the foot).
Fascial restrictions can be caused by scar tissue, injuries, repetitive motion/stress, surgery, posture, trauma, disease, inactivity, and inflammation. These restrictions can change your body alignment, posture, and range of motion. Massage helps to break down fascia restrictions allowing your body to return to a balanced and natural state.
Caring for Your Fascia
- Stretching and Movement: Stretching and moving helps to warm up your fascia and prevent adhesions. After sleeping or sitting still take a few moments to move and slowly stretch. When your muscles get tight your fascia tightens as well, which compresses nerves and can lead to pain.
- Stay Hydrated: Your fascia is a lubricating tissue by staying hydrated you are giving your fascia what it needs to move and glide as it needs to.
- Relax: Find ways to escape from stress and relax.
- Stretch Your Fascia: Stretching fascia is a bit different than stretching muscles. Fascia responds best by slow gentle stretches which are held for three to five minutes. A great way to learn fascia stretches is through yoga.
- Massage: Massage is one of the best ways to work on your fascia because it warms up your fascia throughout your body, stretches specific areas, frees up adhesions, works on trigger points and relaxes your body. Depending on your needs and and preferences, I may use variety of myofascial release techniques during my Signature Wellness Massage, including assisted stretching, trigger point release, skin rolling, deep transverse friction/cross fiber friction, traction, pin and stretch, and broad plane release.