Frequently Asked Questions

Before your massage therapy session and in general

Are there contraindications for Massage Therapy? The answer is yes and here are some guidelines:

• People who have infectious disease or open wounds.
• Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation unless prescribed by a doctor.
• People who are prone to blood clots. There is a risk of a blood clot being dislodged. If you have heart disease check with your doctor to get approval for massage.
• Pregnant women should first check with a doctor before getting a massage.  I have been trained in pregnancy massage and know what precautions to take.
• Certain medications can be accelerated through the blood stream or cause bruising during massage.  Check with your doctor to see if your medication will affect your body during a massage. 

I feel a little achy as though I am coming down with something.  Should I still get a massage?

• Even though massage will expedite healing for a person who is on the verge of sick. The answer is no due to spread of sickness and disease. 

What should I expect out of a single massage session? Out of a series of massage sessions?

• It really depends on what kind of condition your body is in.  For chronic pain or relaxation one session can provide much relief, but some times it's a work in process for the body to change as it needs time to rebalance and heal. This length of time needed depends on the chronic ness of the pain.  After a session, often clients, report dramatic and long lasting changes in such areas as relaxation, comfort, freedom of movement, or emotional stability.
• We work together each time to determine the frequency and best techniques for you since your body will and does change from each visit due to the work and other outside influences.
• Over the course of a session or a series of sessions, with enough communication and collaboration, we evolve to meet your needs better over time.

What is the massage office environment like?

• Even though the office is based out of my home, it has a private setting and is set up for clinical and relaxation massage (please see testimonials link).  The front entrance leads directly to the massage office and is separated from the rest of the home as a private section.  The restroom is also in the same area, separate from the massage office and secluded from the home. The office is private, quiet, comfortably warm, and setup for massage.  Also, I do not have signage outside to advertise my office.

How long will the first appointment take?

• First appointments are longer since you will need to fill out a health history form that we go over together to make sure massage is appropriate for you and to determine the best therapies for you.  For the first session could take from 5-30 extra minutes depending on your health history intake form.  I just have clients include an additional 30 minutes time.  This initial paper work time is not billed. 

How should I prepare for a session?

• For your first appointment be prepared to fill out an intake health history consent form. This is required in Virginia and necessary for the therapist to properly evaluate for contraindications. Always let me know if there have been any changes to your health from the time of your last session.

Are the sessions confidential?

• Yes. I uphold an ethical practice and this is part of my training.  All sessions are confidential unless you provide written permission for me to release S.O.A.P. notes to your physician or an attorney. You should feel secure that my office is a safe space, and sessions are kept confidential.  

What should I wear to a session?

• For relaxation, come as you are. Proper draping techniques are used with a sheet or towel and I always err on the side of modesty so that we both feel comfortable through the entire massage.  At times, I will ask you to wear shorts or a bathing suit if the session requires stretching movements or orthopedic evaluation. 

Should I eat before a massage?

• A small meal or snack is ok, but please do not eat a heavy meal so that you will comfortable in all positions.

Should I drink water before the massage?

• It is best to be well hydrated for the massage. Just don't over do it or you will be uncomfortable and need to take bathroom breaks.  Hydration helps move fluid through the body, making it easier to work with tissue and allow the release of cellular debris easily into the lymphatic system when promoted by massage.

Are all massages alike?

• No. Since we use our bodies differently from day to day, and stress to out body can be different from day to day, each massage may feel a little different to you. The good thing is that, I will work with you where you are to make sure the right therapy and the right pressure is used. Your massage is as individual as you are that day. Massage is truly about being in the moment.

After the massage therapy session

Are there any post-massage requirements?

• Aftercare for massage varies depending on the kind of work received and may include recommendations for ice, heat, stretching, salt baths, warm showers, sauna treatments, biofreeze, castor oil packs, sleep, etc.  Most everyone benefits from drinking extra water after their massage session and taking some quiet time alone to let the work sink in.

How often should I come in for a massage?

• It depends on what you are trying to accomplish and how stress builds up in your body.  Maintenance mode for some people is every week, 2 wks, 3wks or month or couple months.  I will work with you to help you evaluate your body each visit so that you can stay ahead of pain and stress.  When you keep ahead of stress, your body is more balanced and generally healthier. If you have a chronic pain condition then your visits for massage may be more frequent (ex: 1-3 times a week, 4-8 times a month) until you get to a comfort level which generally tapers off. Everyone eventually learns how often massage is best for them.   

Is word of mouth important to you?

• Well yes of course.  Word of mouth is one of the best forms of advertisement.  I am very grateful to those that refer my services. If you have enjoyed or benefited from your massage session, please let others know about me.

Will I be sore or feel bad or be light headed after a massage?

• Everyone is different, depending on how they hold their stress physically, emotionally and mentally.  If you are not well hydrated for a massage you could feel a little nauseous because cellular debris will not move fluidly through the body.  This is why it is important to drink water and not caffeinated drinks before a massage.  
• Sometimes you may feel sore after some deep tissue work but this is minimal and should not last more than a day.  If you require a lot of work to loosen muscles, it is best to schedule multiple appointments to work through issues comfortably.
• Being light headed can be caused by the increase of oxygenated blood flow to the body during massage. This is a healing response for the most part.  If this happens then we will make sure you are stabile before you leave the office. This may mean more fluids or gradually getting up off the table and sitting for a while.
• Certain medications can affect of the massage also causing a variety of sensations and reactions.

About my massage therapy practice

Do I do out calls?

• I offer on-site chair massage and event massage, and can arrange for multiple therapists when needed.  I enjoy getting out of the office when I can.
• I also do table massage on location.  Some of my clients are immobile for various reasons and it is easier for me to go to them than for them to make a visit to my office. 

Do you do erotic, or sensual massage?

• No.  This is not considered massage by Certified Massage Therapist and I do not perform this type of massage. 

Do you work with children? 

• Yes, from infants on up both male and female.  Children require shorter sessions. Depending on the age of the child, I will try to make the session like a fun play session, and talk them through what we are doing and do all the little things to divert their attention. Children respond very well to myofascial and cranial work.

Do you keep your CEU's current?

• Yes.  To be a Certified Massage Therapist in Virginia. I am required to take 50 continuing education units (CEU's) every few years and report those to NCBTMB.  I love doing body work and learning different therapies, so I always surpass my requirements. Please visit my About Us links page to see more.