Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music will be played to help create a space of peace. You will lie underneath an opaque sheet and blanket on a comfortable table.

Must I be completely undressed?
No. You should undress to your level of comfort. A lot of people choose to keep their underwear on (even I do, when I get bodywork done) and some people even choose to keep a bra on. You will be securely draped with a sheet and blanket during the entire session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
No. The practitioner will always leave the room to allow you to undress to your comfort level and place your belongings on an ottoman. The Therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket, then will knock and listen for your reply before re-entering.

Will I be covered during the session?
Yes. You will be appropriately draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. However, sessions can be tailored to avoid any of these areas if you feel discomfort about them being worked on. 

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
My sessions start with long, firm, flowing strokes that help to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. I generally use forearms, palms, or loose, gentle fists. I use unrefined, organic coconut oil to reduce friction during the therapeutic massage as well as to hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your muscles don't feel the need to resist. As always, we can tailor these sessions to eliminate any techniques or modalities that you do not want. 

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; I use gentler versions of techniques used in Neuromuscular and myofascial release therapies.  

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, I ask general health questions and a health intake form is filled out. It is very important that you inform me of any health problems or medications you are taking. This information can allow me to determine if massage therapy is contraindicated or needs to be adjusted. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.