FAQ
What happens when I arrive for my massage?
When you arrive for your massage the first thing to expect is to fill out a release form and a medical intake form. The paperwork is not to make the massage overly clinical, but to make sure that there is no reason I should not massage you. We will then discuss the massgae and what you want to achieve with it. We’ll talk about any ailments you may have and what areas of your body are bothering you.
After the massage is discussed I will leave the room to wash my hands and prepare. While I’m gone you’ll undress to your comfort level (if you prefer you can leave bottom underwear on, but I need you at least topless) and get under a sheet on the table. Many clients ask me if it’s ok if they are fully nude. Absolutely. I personally find it more comfortable when receiving body work.
After the massage I’ll leave the room again to let you get dressed. We’ll then discuss what I found and how you felt during the massage.
Do I have to be draped during the massage?
Legally, yes. However, once a working relationship with male clients only is established I am ok with you being undraped. A personal rule is that everyone must be draped during the first massage. Women must always be draped.
What is the atmosphere of the massage?
I work out of my apartment. The space is decorated to be relaxing and warm. I try to keep it as neat as possible, but it is definitely a lived in space. As it grows darker in the evening I have candles to light the space.
As one of my clients said “it’s not glamorous but it’s comfortable and down-to-earth.”
What kind of music do you play?
I listen to many different kinds of music. I tend to not use the standard “Pure Moods” type of massage music, although I do have that if you prefer. Some of my other favorites include: Loreena McKennitt, Sarah McLachlan, Dead Can Dance, Hedningarna, Garmarna, Tori Amos, Phillip Glass, and any number of classical composers. I also have multiple taped books, radio plays and broadcasts if you are interested in something a little more engaging.
I’m always open to new CD’s and types of music. If you have something you particularly enjoy I invite you to bring it with you to the appointment and we can listen to that.
A client and I once listend to a series of Superman radio plays, by his request. I’m open to anything.
Can I talk during the massage?
Absolutely. I may not be super verbose, since I’m concentrating on your massage, but always feel free to ask me about the work I’m doing or just talk about your day. Many people love that they have a committed listener for an hour or more. Just remember what kind of therapist I am.
I most certainly ask that you say things like, “owe,” if the work is too deep, and if something feels odd during the massage I ask that you inquire about it.
If the massage doesn’t hurt, it’s not affective, right?
The answer is a most resounding, no! A massage should never, never be painful. Sometimes during deep work a muscle may be a bit sore, like working out, but that’s all. If you can’t take a deep breath and relax then it’s too deep. When the muscle hurst it contracts to protect itself. If the muscle is engaged it can’t relax.
I’ve gone to other therapists, and they didn’t have enough pressure. Are you strong enough?
I went to a very good school and was taught very good technique. If I wanted to, I could make The Rock cringe, so strength is not an issue.
Keep in mind that if you go to a therapist for the first time and they don’t pull out all their “tricks” you might actually be going to a good therapist. You’ll feel like you were worked on, but I never do super deep work on new clients. I never know how someone may respond to my work, so I want to ease them into it. This is amplified if someone has never had a massage before. Often times, finding the right techniques that work on different bodies is a bit of an expirement. I’d make the bold statement that if you go to a therapist for the first time and they do really deep work you shouldn’t go back. They may not have your best interests in mind.
How often should I be getting massaged?
What I always tell people is that consistent work is what instills permanent change in the body. I recommend to people in extremem pain to come once a week for about six weeks then taper off. If you have the time and funds, then one a week forever is fantastic. Who wouldn’t love that, right? The longest I recommend for regular intervals is once a month.
What regular sessions does for you is get the body used to receiving the work. You actually start to relax and release tension a few days prior to the massage simply due to mental preparation and excitement.
The other reason for regular work is to prevent pain, especially from chronic stresses on the body. If you choose to come get a massage after your neck is so sore you can’t move it you’ll get relief for a few days until you find yourself in pain again. Imagine if you got the massage before the pain set in. You may never feel the pain at all. Which is very exciting.
