What is your Cancellation Policy?
Out of respect for my other clients and myself, I require a 24 hour cancellation notice or you may be charged full price.
Why?
This policy is designed to (hopefully) give me enough time to fill canceled appointments. When an appointment is canceled at the last minute or missed entirely, not only am I unable to work on the scheduled client, I am also unable to put another client in that slot... making that appointment void... making it impossible for me to care for another client and it also prevents me from making ANY money during that time.
What is your Gift Certifiacte Policy?
Gift Certificates Expire in 1 year from purchase date, 24 hour cancellation policy applies, Must present gift cerificate at time of appointment, No refunds, No cash back, Maybe transferred, Must be used in 1 session unless otherwise stated
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept Cash, Personal Checks* and Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express Credit and Debit Cards.
* Please note there is a $50.00 charge for ALL returned checks
Is massage sexual?
NO! A professional massage has nothing to do with sex and is not sexual in nature. Massage Therapy is for relaxation and healing and the focus of a professional massage is your health and well being.
What should I expect the first time I come to get a massage?
The first time you come in to get a massage you will need to fill out some forms that will ask about your medical history. This gives the me the information I need to decide if massage is appropriate for you and what kind of massage you may need (it is also required by law). You will then be brought into the massage room where we will discuss your medical history. I will ask how you are feeling, if you are experiencing any pain, stress or tension, and what your goals are for the massage. (For example: Are you wanting to just relax? Are you wanting to get rid of pain? Are you wanting to increase your range of motion?)
Once we have determined what kind of massage is appropriate, I will explain how the massage will be done and what you should expect. I will then leave the room to wash my hands and prepare for the massage and allow you to get undressed and on the table in privacy. After a few minutes I will knock on the door and ask if you are ready--if you are, I will enter the room and we will begin your session.
Do I have to take off all my clothes?
No. You only need undress to your level of comfort. You will be under the sheet and your modesty will be respected at all times--only the areas being massaged will be uncovered, as necessary, and you will be draped with the sheet to maintain privacy.
What type of massage should I get?
It is rare that a client only receives one type of massage during a session, and the type (or types) of massage will depend on several factors: what you are wanting to accomplish through massage; any pain, stress or tension you may be experiencing; and how long a session you have scheduled. All of this should be discussed when you book the appointment to make sure we have enough time to accomplish your goals. This will also be discussed in depth at the time of your appointment and we will customize a massage session just for you and your needs.
How long a session should I get?
This also depends on your goal for the massage. If you are just wanting to relax I usually suggest an hour to and hour and a half. This gives ample time to massage the whole body, inducing a state of relaxation. If you are needing to get rid of pain it would depend on the nature of your pain, how long you have been experiencing it, if you have been injured, and several other factors. Most pain management sessions are done in 30 to 45 minute sessions. If you are wanting to both relax and get rid of pain a longer session is called for.
Why should I get a massage? How will a massage benefit me?
Massage is a wonderful way to relax, relieve stress and tension and promotes a sense of well being. Massage therapy can also help with a myriad of pain and health issues, including neck, shoulder, and back pain, poor circulation, headaches, muscle spams, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Parkinson's Syndrom, to name just a few.
I'm under a doctor's care. Can I still receive a massage?
That would depend on why you are under a doctor's care. Massage can be very beneficial and a wonderful complement to your medical care in many cases, but there are some things that massage can make worse and/or complicate. We would need to discuss why you are under a doctor's care, and if there are any concerns I may need a note from your doctor stating you can have massage therapy.
Do you massage men?
Yes. Men need massage therapy just as much as women do.
Do you massage children?
Yes. Children can need massage therapy as well.
I have heard that massage can cause a man to get an erection. If that happened to me I would be uncomfortable and embarrassed. How do you handle this situation?
There is no need to be embarrassed. An erection can be a natural response to massage therapy. The primary reason is that massage therapy increases circulation. This means that the blood in the body is flowing easier--sometimes it flows to the pelvic region, and causes an uncontrolled erection. The second reason can be a learned and ingrained response: the body is receiving a caring, soothing, relaxing touch and the unconscious brain interprets this as foreplay without the conscience brain realizing what is happening. This can happen to women also, but is, of course, less noticeable.
If an erection should occur, I am respectful and ignore it--and so should you. It is nothing to be embarrassed about.
How often should I get a massage?
The effects of a good massage last, on the cellular level, for about a month--so once a month is good "body maintenance." However, if you are trying to get rid of pain sessions may be needed more often, until the problem is resolved--and then once a month to maintain health. Of course you may get a massage more or less often according to your needs and desire.
The last massage I received hurt and left me feeling bruised and sore for days. Is this normal?
Massage therapy should not hurt! Pain is the body's way of saying something is wrong. I work on a scale from one to ten with my clients: ONE being "no pain" and TEN being the most extreme pain you can handle. If we ever approach six you will need to let me know because at that point we can be causing problems instead of fixing them. "No pain, no gain" does not apply to massage therapy. Now, if it's the kind of pain that hurts but feels good, that is fine--but if it just hurts, you need to let me know.
Will a body wrap make me lose weight/inches?
Yes, but only temporarily. The effect can last from 48 hours to a week.
Do you wax men?
Yes.
Does waxing hurt?
I wish I could tell you no, but the fact is waxing involves ripping the hair out by the roots so there is going to be some amount of pain and discomfort. What I can't tell you is how much. I have some clients that actually fall asleep during a waxing, while others experience pain as the wax is being applied, before any hair is removed at all. I can tell you that there are some areas that seem to be universally uncomfortable (for example, the arm pits) while some are universally easy (for example, the back).
Do you accept insurance?
Not at this time; but I will work with you, and your insurance company, so you can be reimbursed for any massage therapy sessions that may be covered under your policy.
I have sensitive skin. Will this be a problem?
It shouldn't be. All the products that I use are made with sensitive skin in mind and none of my clients have ever had a negative reaction to any of them. If you are still concerned, we can go over the ingredients lists to make sure there is nothing to which you may be allergic. We could also set up a time for a "patch test"--you come in and have a very small amount of the product placed on the inside of your elbow and we check the area after 24 hours to see if any reaction has occurred.
If for any reason we do find a problem I will do my best to find a product that will suit your needs.
Do I have to talk during the massage?
There is no need to talk during a session. The only time talk is needed is to give feedback to any questions I may have. (For example: Is this sore? Is my pressure ok?) Your massage is your time to relax and heal. Some clients like to just enjoy their time and not talk at all, while others talk as a way to help let go of their stress. I take my cue from you: if you don't talk, I don't talk; if you wish to talk, I'll talk with you.
Is it appropriate to tip a massage therapist? If so, how much should I tip?
That depends on where the massage session is being held. If it is in a medical setting (doctor's office, chiropractor's office or physical therapy clinic) then usually tipping is not appropriate. For a massage therapy session held in a massage clinic, spa or salon, etc., tipping is allowed and encouraged.
Much like the question of how much to tip a waiter or waitress, how much you should tip a massage therapist is widely disputed. The general consensus is to tip between 10%-20%. My personal experience is that most people tip between $5-$10 a session, regardless of how much the session cost. Although tips are greatly appreciated, I do not require or expect a tip. I have many clients that do tip and many that don't tip. Everyone receives the same type of personal attention and care regardless of tipping.