Frequently Asked Questions

What_are_the_benefits_of_massage therapy?

What_should_I_expect_after_a massage therapy session?

What_forms_of_payment_do_you_accept?

What_are_your_polices?

Do_I_have_to_fill_out_a_health_form?

Does_massage_therapy hurt?

Do_you_use_oil_or_lotion?

Is it a full body massage?

Do_I_need_to_remove_all_of_my_clothing?

Do_you_provide_the_same_treatment_for_everyone?

When_should_I_not_have_a_massage?

How_does_Reflexology_work?

Is_Reflexology_painful?

What_are_the_differences_between_reflexology_and_massage?

What_is_Aromatherapy?

Are_all_aromatherapy_sessions_the_same?

What_is_Reiki?

What are the benefits of a massage therapy?

• Calms the nervous system which can aid restoration of many body functions to normal, such as digestion and can promote better sleep.

• Aids recovery from injuries which may shorten recovery time so you can get back to normal quicker.

• Breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, helping the muscles function in a more normal manner.

• Reduces tension in tight muscles and elongates shortened tissues.

• Relieves the pain of muscle spasms.

• Increases blood flow and lymphatic flow, allowing our body to eliminate wastes from the system faster.

• Increases range of motion and movement in joints.

• Relieves stress and tension.
   

Besides massage feels wonderful!

What should I expect after massage therapy?

Massage can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your body's systems. After the session is over, allow yourself a few moments before getting up and do so slowly to allow you to adjust to the changes in your body.   Sometimes you may not feel a dramatic result right away. Over the next few days note any changes such as pain relief, increased mobility, or better sleep. Sometimes people are sore after massage, especially after deep therapeutic work. This is normal, and should go away in a day or two. This should be no more than how you feel after a good work out.

 After every session I recommend drinking some extra water to help the body flush the waste products from your tissues.

After a reflexology session you should feel quite good. Better sleep and increased energy is common. However, a less common reaction is to experience the need to make extra visits to the bathroom, a slight headache, a runny nose or a generally tired feeling. None of these symptoms will last for more than a day or so.

Please let me know of any undue effects from any session.

What are your policies?

Credit Card authorization may be required for first appointment. Payment is due at time of service.

Prices are subject to change - please call for current rates and availability. 

Cancellation policy: Cancellation of appointments must be made 24 hours in advance. Any cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment are subject to a cancellation fee up to the full session price. If you are an insurance client please note that you are liable for this fee and it will not be reimbursed by your insurance carrier. This will be effective immediately.

Session may be terminated for improper conduct and full session price will be due.

 What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept Cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Payment is due at time of service.

Insurance is accepted upon request with a valid prescription. Forms will be provided so that you may receive compensation from your insurance company.

 Does massage therapy hurt?

Massage should feel good, and provide relaxation no matter what type of work is being done. No muscle will relax if it is expecting pain. I start out with lighter strokes which become progressively deeper as the tissues are warmed and better prepared for deeper techniques. If a stroke or move is painful, please let me know and I will adjust the pressure, or stop the technique. Some areas may just be tender, but pain should not be intolerable. You may experience that "feel good" pain as the tensions are being released. A good massage often gives you the feeling of having a good work out.

 Do I have to fill out a health form?

I ask that you fill out a short form for your own benefit. Basic information regarding your personal health history and activities help give me an overview of where stresses may be occurring to your body.

Do you use oil or lotion?

Oil or lotion helps the hands glide over the skin to prevent skin pulling.  I tend to use as little as needed to have techniques be comfortable on the skin. Please let me know if you have a preference about oil or lotion, or have sensitivities to essential oils (scent) or nut oils. Reiki, Thai Massage and Crystal Healing sessions do not require oil or lotion. During reflexology small amounts of oil or lotion is applied to the hands or feet only.

I also take care not to use lotion or oil on the face or hair.

Do I need to remove all of my clothing?

Depending on the massage technique you are receiving, you may or may not need to undress. If you are receiving Thai Massage you will leave your clothing on. For Thai Massage sessions please wear something lightweight, loose and comfortable, such as yoga pants and a t-shirt.

Other types of massage are traditionally applied to bare skin, using oil or lotion. For a full-body Swedish massage, most people undress completely. You will be covered with a sheet during the entire session, and only the area I am working on will be uncovered.

Some clients wear their undergarments or even some of their outer clothing. However, some massage techniques are difficult or impossible to apply through clothing; but we can work around this and treat the areas that you feel comfortable with.

Is it a whole body massage?

Areas massaged will depend on several factors, including the length of the session, a need for specific treatment, the techniques used, and your comfort level.  A typical session includes your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. I regularly include the gluteal region (aka your tush). I can massage the abdomen if there is a specific need or requested. If you find you are uncomfortable with being massaged in a particular area, just inform me of your wishes and I will adjust the massage accordingly.

My massages are non-sexual, and I have the right to terminate a session in which the client is behaving inappropriately. You, as the client, have the same right.

Do you provide the same treatment for everyone?

I like to joke I can't massage both side of the same person the same way! So the answer is no. Each massage while similar, is not the same. Each person has different needs and preferences as well as each side of a person requires different techniques, so I massage accordingly.

Each treatment is unique to the individual need.

When should I not have a massage?

I ask that if you are sick with a cold or flu to please reschedule your massage. Also, if you are running a fever or have had vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours you should not have a massage. If you are feeling under the weather you will not enjoy the massage and it may make some conditions worse. Also, if you have been prescribed an antibiotic for a contagious disease such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, etc. please postpone your massage until you have been on the medication for at least two days.

Also some areas of the body may not be able to receive massage, such as areas of inflammation, burns, open wounds, and broken bones. In these areas I can provide energy work such as Crystal Therapy and Reiki.

How does Reflexology work?

Reflexology works on the principle that there are points (or reflexes) on the feet and hands which correspond to all organs, glands and parts of the body. Sensitive people can tell which areas I am working as they can feel a tingling in the corresponding areas being worked! These points are stimulated using fingers and thumbs.

Is Reflexology painful?

The system of reflexology I use is not painful. You may feel some tenderness, but that should pass quickly.

What are the differences between reflexology and massage?

The first difference is during a reflexology system only shoes and socks are removed. Reflexology works on complete reflex maps on the feet and hand and can profoundly affect the inside of the body, such as whole organ systems.  Massage deals with touch over the body with major emphasis on muscular, circulatory and lymphatic systems.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of inhalation of plant essential oils. The principle of aromatherapy is to strengthen the self-healing process by indirect stimulation of the immune system. Aromatherapy can also be used in massage oils to combine the inhalation of oils and the absorption of oils into the system. This is a natural therapy that is thousands of years old.

Are all aromatherapy sessions the same?

Aromatherapy sessions with me cater to your specific needs. I do not use pre-blended oils during these sessions.

I do sometimes use pre-mixed blends of oils during my massages, with no extra charge. :) Please let me know if you have any allergies of essential oils. If you have any adverse reactions to a blend please discontinue use, and let me know as soon as possible.

What is Reiki?

Click here for more information on Reiki.

 Call 239-248-6079 for an appointment or more information.

Seated massage is also available for offices and events. Call for details.