If you’ve never had a massage before you may have quite a few questions. That’s normal and to be expected. If your questions aren’t answered here please contact me and I’ll be glad to discuss anything else with you so you can feel comfortable and ready to relax when you come in.

Welcome and health review

Plan to arrive a few minutes early so we can go over your health information and plan your massage.

On your first visit you will need to fill out an online intake form. There are some health conditions that massage can actually make worse. Neither of us wants that, so let’s make sure there is nothing to prevent you from getting a massage. In some situations you may be able to get a massage but certain areas need to be avoided.

On each visit I will ask if there are any significant changes to your health. We will then discuss the reason you are here today. If you need pain relief I will customize the massage to address your needs. If you want more time in one area, or want an area not massaged, let me know and I’ll adjust the massage for you.

We’ll talk about the purpose of your massage today. Are you in pain? Do you need to relax? What is your goal for today’s massage? I want to know what will make this an excellent massage for you. I want you feeling great when you walk out the door.

We’ll head back to the massage room where I will give you some …

Simple Instructions

Most likely you are here for a full body treatment. A full body session consists of the head, neck, shoulders, arms, abdomen, back, hips, glutes, legs, and feet. Let me know if you would like me to avoid any of those areas.

60 minute sessions are reserved for specific treatment work. We may target 1-2 areas for therapeutic massage and pain relief. This is not for full body relaxation as we will focus only on a couple of areas.

90 minute sessions are perfect for full body flows. This can be solely for relaxation or can be a blend of therapeutic work and nourishing relaxing work.

I will invite you to dress down to your comfort level, most people take everything off including underwear, however a lot of people prefer to keep them on. It’s up to you.

Usually sessions start face down. I will show you where to place your head and which sheets to go under. You will be draped during the whole massage except for what I am working on at the time.

The massage room will be a comfortable temperature with relaxing music playing. You can even request your own music if you want.

I use an organic massage oil blend.

After making sure all of your questions have been answered I’ll leave and let you get onto the massage table. I’ll go wash my hands and get ready. I’ll knock on the door to make sure you are ready for …

Your Massage

I’ll check on the bolster and adjust it so that it under your knees. I will also ask about the temperature and adjust it as needed. Please let me know if you would prefer the table warmer to be warmer or cooler.

A typical massage will start with you face down. I’ll begin with some work on your back, working up and down your spine, side-body, glutes and hips. I’ll move on to your neck and shoulders from there. I’ll progress to your hands and arms and then your legs. I’ll let you know when it’s time to turn over, and I’ll hold the sheet so you can turn over without being exposed. I will then work on your pecs, neck, shoulders, arms, face, and scalp. Of course if you need something different this will vary.

I invite you to practice staying with your breath and your body. Allowing yourself to settle in and let your body sink into the massage table.

I try to use enough pressure to help but not so much that it hurts and will leave you sore the next day. I’ll ask a few times how the pressure feels. Please speak up anytime if the pressure needs to be adjusted. I may be the expert in how to perform the massage but you are the expert of your body. I want your massage to be great and that won’t happen if the pressure is too hard or too light. I get massages too so I know what it’s like to be on the table.

It’s really important for you to tell me if any massage techniques I use cause pain. Pain is not okay. There may be a certain level of discomfort and ‘good ache’ if we’re working on a problem area. It’s important that you tell me about that, too, so we can tailor the massage to be most effective without causing injury.

You can talk or not talk during the massage. You are not here to entertain me so if you want to let your mind wander or even sleep that’s fine. Ask questions if you want but don’t feel like you are obligated to have a conversation through the massage.

A legitimate massage has nothing to do with sex. Your private areas won’t be exposed or touched. I’m a medical professional who is here to work on your muscles to make them feel and work better. Nothing more.

You will be amazed at how fast an hour goes and the massage comes to an end. I’ll take out the bolster and let you know we are done. I’ll leave the room. Take your time getting up and getting ready. Then come out and we will…

Review and make a plan

You should expect to feel mellow and relaxed after your massage. If we addressed pain issues, you may immediately feel a reduction in pain, or it may take a day or two before you feel that relief. If you are ever very sore following a massage, (it’s rare, but it can happen) please call me so we can discuss the best course of action, and so that I can make notes to adjust your next massage.

I’ll ask a few questions on how you are feeling and how effective the massage was. Let me know was was good or could be improved so I can make your next massage even better.

After making the payment for your massage (I accept cash, venmo, zelle, and gift cards) we can plan your next visit. Most people stay busy and time gets away from them so it’s better to schedule your next appointment before you leave. We can change it later if needed, but it’s better to do that than let many months go by between massages. I have found that the people who get regular massage get more out of them than occasional massages.

I want to see you leave with a contented smile on your face and you feeling great. You will be looking forward to coming back and I will be looking forward to helping you again.

I hope you enjoy your massage and I will do all I can to help you. Click here to schedule online or contact me to schedule your appointment.

You don't need to necessarily shower right before your massage, but do I please ask that you come to your appointments clean and free of fragranced personal care products.

This depends mostly on your comfort level.

For most of the modalities that I offer many people prefer to be completely nude when they receive a massage, while others prefer to keep their undergarments on. It's completely up to you, and you are encouraged to undress to your level of comfort.

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Tight-fitting or bulky undergarments can sometimes get in the way of the massage, especially if your problem areas are the low-back, buttocks, or hips. Women usually remove their bras so no straps are in the way of back and shoulder massage.

Licensed massage therapists must ensure that clients are always properly covered by a sheet or towel, genitals will never be exposed, and only the specific areas being massaged will be uncovered.

Yes, absolutely! However, you may experience more benefits from your session if you just allow yourself to become quiet and relaxed.

Definitely communicate if you feel any pain or discomfort, if you have any concerns during your massage, or if there is anything I can do to make you more comfortable. I strongly encourage feedback to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.

A massage will likely just make you feel worse. If you are sick, you may get your therapist sick and pass it on to other clients that day. Even if you are giving less than a 24 hour notice, we prefer you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell, so let us know as soon as possible.

It's a great idea to give yourself some additional time after your massage to continue relaxing and to allow your body to fully absorb the benefits of massage.

Self-care practices are important such as: staying hydrated, resting, going on a walk in nature, stretching, being mindful of your body and breath.