If you’re new to massage and bodywork, you may have a few questions… for any not answered here, please contact me.

what can i expect during my first appointment?

I will have paperwork (just 2 pages!) waiting for you to complete, asking some brief information on you and your health history, along with informed consent for massage therapy. Once you’re ready, we’ll have a consultation in the private treatment room to go over your health, goals for treatment, and any concerns or questions you may have. From this we can decide what modalities (types of massage and bodywork) are needed to best suit your body that day.

I will leave the room while you undress to your most comfortable level and lay down on the table. Sheets and blankets will cover you at all times, apart from the area of the body I’m working on. During the session it is completely up to you whether we talk, or you can drift off in your mind (even to sleep if you prefer!) At any point in the session, if you are not absolutely comfortable, whether it be with the depth of massage, bolstering, or temperature, you are encouraged to let me know and we will modify as needed.

After the session I will leave the room, allowing you to spend a few moments to come back to the world and dress. Water and follow-up consult will be provided prior to payment.

how often should I get bodywork?

This will always depend most on your budget- both financial and time. I have clients I see weekly, and some only once a year. Everyone’s body is unique, and you may find your own schedule that works best for your wellbeing. The average massage schedule for my clients is every 4 weeks; however, many begin with weekly massages to undo chronic tension patterns, and over the course of a few months space appointments out until they hit the monthly maintenance schedule.

Should I take all my clothes off or just some?

Short answer: The less you are wearing, nothing being best, the better your experience will be and the easier I can get to areas of concern and connect your muscular and fascial chains in single strokes.

Long answer: My standard instruction is “undress to your most comfortable.” This is because, even with my preference stated previously, if you are not comfortable being naked, even in only underwear, during a massage, you will be worried and stressed and that is completely counter to the goal of massage. It is my job, over time, to gain your trust with secure draping and professionalism, to where you will build up to wearing less while receiving treatment. I will occasionally suggest to someone to move an article of clothing away from an area I need to work on, if the area is one that has been requested to receive work (examples would be: boxer waist band for low back/SI joint issues, or bra strap for mid back tightness.)

Do you accept tips?

I do not expect gratuity on top of treatment costs, pricing is inclusive. For those who have the means and wish to pay it forward, I accept donations that allow me to offer additional subsidized plans for clientele in need.

What should I wear to my massage? Should I take a shower?

First of all, it does not matter how you are dressed! You will be undressing for the session and will be covered with a sheet and (optional) blanket for the length of the massage. Whether you are coming from work, the gym, or dropping your kids off from school, you are welcome as-is:)

You may want to consider, if coming straight from a function where you were wearing uncomfortable clothes or shoes, to bring a more comfortable outfit to change into afterwards (assuming you are able to go home.)

As far as showering, I appreciate it when clients do not come straight from the gym or activity where you would be dirty. Even without the obvious reasons of hygiene, it is difficult to massage a sweaty body and any sand/dirt will get in the sheets and lotion and make it unpleasant for everyone.

That being said, if you are generally clean, you may prefer to shower after your session instead- especially if you like getting your scalp massaged, and don't want to have oil in your hair the rest of the day.

What kind of oil do you use?

I am currently using Natural Formulations' Organic Blend lotion.* I love this lotion because it has the glide of an oil, but absorbs well so most clients do not leave the massage greasy.

For those of you who have sensitivities (the lotion is hypoallergenic, but individual ingredients may be a concern for some) I have organic jojoba oil on hand. If you would prefer another option, please contact me with your concerns and acceptable options ahead of time, and (depending on circumstances) I will either have it to use or I will encourage you to bring in something that you trust.

*INGREDIENTS: Purified Water, Fractionated Coconut oil, Organic Sunflower oil, sodium stearate (from topical oils), cetyl alcohol (from Coconut oil), glycerol stearate, sodium isostearoyl lactylate, ethylhexyl glycerin and caprylyl , Organic Flaxseed oil, Organic Evening Primrose oil, Jojoba oil, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Arnica montana extract, Organic White Willow Bark extract, Cat's claw extract, Soy lecithin, cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein

What is Reiki?

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