FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of massage therapy?A: General benefits include reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, lowered stress, and pain relief. Individual results may vary, but clients have reported improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, an increase in flexibility, and chronic pain management. Massage can help if you are recovering from an injury, starting a new wellness routine, or if you just need some time to center yourself.
Q: How do I know which massage to book?
A: If you've never had a massage before, I recommend starting with a 60 minute full body Swedish massage. This is a light to medium pressure massage that will get you familiar with the massage sequence, and give me an opportunity to do a full body assessment.
If you're not sure which massage is for you, just focus on booking the correct amount of time-60 minutes or 90 minutes. During our intake we will discuss your goals and massage history and figure out what modality will best help you achieve that.
Q: How do I prepare for the massage?
I recommend eating a light snack: you don't want to be hungry on the massage table, but you also don't want to be digesting a big meal. Same with water: you want to be hydrated without having to interrupt the session to use the restroom (although if you need to that is always totally fine and you should speak up!). First time clients should arrive 15 minutes early so you can fill out your paperwork and we can have a thorough intake to clarify your goals and expectations.
Q: What if I don't like the temperature, lighting, pressure, etc.?
A: A skilled massage therapist should check in with you towards the beginning of the massage to make sure that everything is comfortable, but you should always feel safe advocating for yourself. This is your time to rest and relax, and it is sacred. It is especially important to speak up if the pressure feels wrong or you don't feel that the issue that brought you into the spa is being addressed.
Q: How do I know if the pressure is wrong?
A: This can be difficult for a first-time client to understand right away, because our pain tolerance and our expectations are subjective. After receiving a few massages and seeing how your body responds not just in the moment but during the recovery process, you will begin to have a good idea of what you can tolerate. Listen to your body and communicate what you are feeling to your massage therapist.
Q: What happens after the massage?
A: When the massage is over you may experience feelings of peace or even euphoria. You may be lightheaded, or even a little sleepy. It is important to drink some water to clear your mind and ground yourself before driving a car or trying to do anything too stressful. I recommend sitting in the spa and relaxing for 5-10 minutes before leaving the spa. Depending on the kind of massage you received, you may have some pain, but it should be a light soreness-I call it "the healing pain".
Q: How often can I get massages?
A: If you're already feeling good, getting a massage once a month is going to keep you feeling good. If you are recovering from an injury or have a specific goal, then getting a massage more frequently may be beneficial. I think the most important thing is consistency, carving out that time for yourself and making self-care a part of your routine, whether that means once a week or once every few months.
Q: Is your Spa accessible?
A: The front entrance to the building and the spa itself are wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately the restroom is down a short flight of stairs. The massage table has a maximum weight of 650 pounds, and there is also a Thai floor mat that can accommodate those who have difficulty getting on a massage table. We keep masks in the spa and I am happy to wear one upon request. If you have any specific access needs, please feel free to contact me before booking to be sure I can meet your needs.
Q: What are some common DOs and DONTs of getting a massage?
A: DO try to arrive ten minutes before your appointment so you can use the restroom, fill out any paperwork, and get centered before your appointment begins.
DO turn off your phone so you can completely relax and focus on yourself without any distractions
DO take off any watches or jewelry before the session begins
DON’T be afraid to ask your therapist questions about the massage process
DON’T forget to tell your massage therapist if you have any medical conditions, possibility of pregnancy, areas to avoid, or other important information that could affect your treatment
Q: "I got a massage once and the therapist made me uncomfortable / hurt me / made me feel worse than when I came in"
A: I have heard variations on this statement many times in my years as a bodyworker. I believe that massage can be one of the most healing and loving things that someone can do for themselves, and I hate to think of someone being discouraged by a bad experience. Some things that can make massage feel uncomfortable is if a person isn't comfortable being touched by a stranger, or feels claustrophobic, or has a hard time sitting still for too long. I recommend trying a massage once or twice to see if these feelings of discomfort are something that can be worked through, or if we can modify any part of the process to make it feel safer. Then there are the red flags, which would include a therapist who does not listen to you when you tell them that they are using too much pressure, or doing something that makes you uncomfortable.
Most massage therapists are skilled ethical professionals that will respect your boundaries. If a massage therapist is not doing this, you should feel free to terminate the session at any time. Remember: you are the authority on your body-your massage therapist is just there to offer support.