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Frequently Asked Questions
Upon your first booking, you will be sent a health history intake form through your provided email, which will need to be updated annually. This will ensure that I am providing the most effective and safest treatments for you, based on your personal needs. This will need to be filled out before your first massage treatment. There will also be a disclaimer and waiver ensuring you have appropriate expectations for massage therapy, and that you understand what massage therapists can do for you. If you are using direct billing there will be a permission form to sign allowing your massage therapist to direct bill on your behalf to your insurance company.
If you did not get the opportunity to fill anything out electronically ahead of time, please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to fill out the required forms in-person.
Once your massage therapist brings you into the treatment room, you might have a quick conversation about what you need for your massage that day. You can explain what you are feeling, any injuries you have had, clarify any medications and effects you are taking, and your preferred pressure.
Your massage therapist may ask additional questions to make the experience tailored to you. You are also welcome to ask any questions that you would like.
Your massage therapist will then leave the room while you undress to your comfort level and lie down between the sheets on the massage table. It is usually best to remove any jewelry and glasses. If you have long hair, it may be a good idea to tie it up.
If your massage therapist did not specify which way to lie, then go ahead and get comfortable any way you would like.
Your massage therapist will be washing their hands and will knock before entering the room to start treatment. Blankets, face cradles, heat, and pillows can all be adjusted at this point to your comfort.
Both! Be sure to be hydrated at all times! Massage can however lead to water loss from the manipulation of soft tissues so drinking water after massage is recommended. Rehydrating your body with water will ensure your muscles and circulation functions properly and can prevent headaches and cramping.
No, you do not need to undress fully for your massage. You’re always encouraged to undress to your personal comfort level.
For most table massages, clients choose to be fully or partially unclothed so that oils or lotions can be applied directly to the skin, allowing for smooth, effective massage techniques. You may choose to leave your underwear on or remove it—whatever feels right for you.
Throughout the session, you will be professionally draped with a sheet and blanket at all times. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered, ensuring your privacy and comfort.
Yes. You can always communicate with your massage therapist about any any part of your body that you do not want to be touched. You do not need to provide a reason. Most times your massage therapist will explain the benefits of massaging certain areas and will confirm that they can massage sensitive areas such as:
Gluteal muscles These are your buttock muscles. They are some of the biggest muscles in the human body and often massage to your glutes can help relieve low back pain and hip pain.
Pectoral Muscles The pecs are the muscles directly below the collarbone. They can be very sensitive to pressure and they are in close proximity to breast tissue.
Armpit There are some muscles very close to the armpit, such as the pectoral muscles. There are also some techniques that support your lymphatic system that require access to the armpit.
Head, neck, and face If you have a sensitivity to having your neck touched in any area, you can let your massage therapist know. If you would prefer the touch to your neck be gentle at first, because you would still like to try, let your massage therapist know this and you will be able to stop them at any point should you feel uncomfortable.
If you do not want your head and face massaged because you do not want to get them oily, you can inform your massage therapist, and they can remove the oil from their hands before touching these areas.
Abdomen, groin, and hip flexors There are many benefits to abdominal massage, including relief for constipation, relaxation, and promoting lymph health. Massage on the stomach is often done skin-to-skin to be most effective. A towel or cover will be provided to cover breast tissue.
The groin is the area on the front and slightly inside of your legs at the very top, near the hips. The muscles here are often very tight and often sensitive and is in close proximity to the genital area. There are many benefits to massage for these muscles however at no time will there be any contact with the genital area.
There are some hip flexor muscles located on the inside of the pelvis and lower part of the abdomen. These do not need to be accessed skin-to-skin. Often it is beneficial to massage these muscles to relieve low back pain however they can be quite sensitive and uncomfortable.
Feet If you are ticklish in the feet (or any area) please let your massage therapist know. Sometimes more pressure or broader pressure can be applied.
Your massage therapist will never massage:
Breast tissue (unless specified with written consent)
Genital area
Orifices (with the exception of intra-oral TMJ massage)
Wounds, bruises, varicose veins, or rashes.
Let your massage therapist know at any time if you are uncomfortable with any techniques or areas of the body being massaged.