How are appointments handled?
We realize that this is a busy and traffic filled city. We always plan to be a little early and we appreciate it you are also. We do understand that things come up that make people late and we will do our best to accommodate you. However if there is another appointment after yours we will give you a massage in the remaining time and still charge you for your full appointment.

What if I need to cancel?
Just like most of our clients we are very busy and work by appointment. We recognize that in life things come up and ask you to cancel or change your appointment at least 24 hrs in advance for massages scheduled more than 1 day in advance. If you cancel a scheduled massage, you will be liable for up to 100% of the massage price. Please understand that our therapists reserve time to provide services to you. If their schedules are unduly disrupted, they must still be compensated.

What should I expect?
If it’s your first time seeing the massage therapist, he or she will likely ask you some questions. The massage therapist might ask about the reasons you are getting a massage, current physical condition, medical history, life style and stress level, experiences with specific areas of pain, and whether there is any specific need you want addressed during the massage. First and foremost, the massage therapist needs to make sure there aren’t any conditions present that rule out having a massage due to any health risks. Second, the massage therapist needs to know what your needs are regarding the massage and be sure both of you are clear about what your expectations and goals for the session are. Third, the information you provide helps the massage therapist determine what techniques to use and how to structure the session.

Next, you will be asked to remove your clothing. The therapist will either leave the room or otherwise provide privacy while you undress. You should take off only as much as you are comfortable removing. A sheet or towel is provided for draping during the massage. The therapist will uncover only the part of the body being massaged, insuring that modesty is respected at all times. The draping also keeps the person receiving the massage warm. You should also remove any jewelry or other articles that might interfere with the massage.

The massage takes place on a comfortable, padded massage table. The massage therapist will tell you what position to lie in on the table. The table may have some extra attachments or cushions, such as a face rest (which allows you to lie in a face down position without turning your head and neck). If you don’t like using any attachments, ask the massage therapist to remove it or not use it.

Expect a peaceful and comfortable environment for the massage. The massage therapist may play music during the massage. Some people find music playing to be relaxing, some find it distracting. If you don’t like music playing, ask the massage therapist to change the music or turn the music off.

Before the massage begins, the massage therapist may offer some advice that will improve the quality of your massage. A common one is to breathe, especially if a sensitive area is being massaged. The massage therapist may use oil or lotion, which reduces drag on the skin while performing the massage strokes. If you are allergic to some oils or lotions, be sure to tell your massage therapist so you both can make sure the ingredients in the oil or lotion do not bother you. Some massage therapists will use a powder instead of oil if you are allergic. Depending on your needs, the massage therapist will massage either the full body or only specific areas that need attention. For example, general relaxation or stress reduction sessions usually include all the major areas of the body, while a session for a localized injury, pain, or tightness will be focused on a specific area. It is possible to spend most of an entire session on only one area. If there is anything that does not feel comfortable or right or you do not like, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop.

After the massage is finished, you will once again be provided with privacy in order to get dressed. If there is time to do so, you may ask the massage therapist any questions you have. The usual length of a session is an hour. A massage session on a table generally should be a minimum of 30 minutes and maximum of 90 minutes. An exception to the above description would be a seated massage. In this case, you sit in a specially designed massage chair. The chair supports the front of the body, which allows access to most of the body. You remain clothed and oil or lotion is not used. Seated massages are usually shorter sessions that typically run from 10 to 30 minutes. Since the chairs are highly portable, seated massages can take place in a variety of settings, including the workplace.

How do I get the most out of my massage?
  1. Be as receptive and open to the process as possible.
  2. Do not eat just before a massage session.
  3. Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to get to a relaxed state. Please let your massage therapist know in advance if you need to cancel. Many massage therapists require a 24 hour notice.
  4. If you do not want to remove all your clothing, wear clothing that you will be comfortable wearing during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be worked on.
  5. Give the massage therapist accurate health information.
  6. Good communication is very important. Before the session, let your massage therapist know what your needs are. During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it is from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc. Feel free to give feedback to the massage therapist regarding the massage, e.g., amount of pressure, speed of movement, etc.
  7. Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It is important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.
  8. Some massage therapists like to play music during the massage session and may have music specially composed for relaxation and other effects. Others may find music distracting. Let you massage therapist know if you have any preferences regarding music if it is available.
  9. Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. If your massage therapist encourages you to talk or not talk, it is usually based on whether or not it seems to help let go of tension and getting in touch with oneself. Sometimes talking can be a way of unburdening oneself or opening up. Sometimes being silent can be a way of letting go of thoughts or concentrating. On the other hand, talking can be a way of "being in the head" and out of touch with one’s body or feelings; and being silent can be a way of holding back or not opening up.
  10. Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathe when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize you are stopping your breathing, let yourself breathe.
  11. Tightening up, i.e., contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. If you are able to, relax those muscles. Let your massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.
  12. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.
  13. If anything is happening during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.
  14. If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast.
  15. Drink extra water after a massage.
  16. Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session if possible. Sometimes one needs a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session or needs some "re-entry" time.
  17. Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. These changes are readily felt in day-to-day life as well, which adds another dimension of reinforcement. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.
Is tipping required?
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. Most of our clients tip anywhere from 15% to 35% of the services.