FAQ
Before Your Massage
1. How often should I get a massage?
For general wellness and stress relief, many clients find that once or twice a month helps maintain balance and relaxation. If you’re addressing chronic tension, recovering from injury, or working toward a specific goal, weekly sessions may help speed your progress. We’ll create a schedule that works best for your needs and lifestyle.
2. What should I do before my massage?
Drink water, eat a light snack (avoiding heavy meals), and wear comfortable clothing. Arrive a few minutes early so you can relax, settle in, and prepare for your session. This helps ensure you get the most out of your time on the table.
3. How should I prepare for a prenatal massage?
Drink water, have a light snack (avoiding heavy meals), and share any updates from your healthcare provider before your session.
4. What’s the best time of day to get a massage?
There’s no wrong time — early sessions can leave you feeling refreshed and energized for the day ahead, while later sessions can help you unwind and relax for the rest of the evening.
During Your Massage
5. Can I ask for more or less pressure?
Yes — your comfort is always the top priority. You can request more or less pressure at any time, and I’ll adjust right away. Massage should never be painfully uncomfortable, and if you ever need to pause or stop the session for any reason, we can do so immediately.
6. Can I get a massage if I’m sore from exercise?
Yes — massage can help ease soreness, support recovery, and restore a sense of balance after physical activity. I’ll tailor the pressure and techniques to keep you comfortable while encouraging relief and flexibility.
7. Is prenatal massage safe?
Yes — I offer prenatal massage starting at 15 weeks, using a specialized cushion for positioning support, comfort, and safety throughout the session.
8. What’s the difference between Swedish and deep tissue massage?
Swedish massage uses lighter to moderate pressure with flowing movements to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension, and improve circulation. Deep tissue massage uses firmer, more focused pressure to work deeper into the muscles and address chronic tension. Elements of both can be blended for a customized session.
9. What should I expect during my first massage session?
You’ll begin by completing a short intake form, which helps me understand your needs, preferences, and any health considerations. We’ll then have a brief consultation to discuss your goals for the session. You’ll have privacy to undress to your comfort level, and you’ll be fully draped throughout the session, with only the area being worked on uncovered to ensure your modesty and comfort.
10. Do I need to undress completely?
No — most clients undress to their personal comfort level and are fully draped throughout the session, with only the area being worked on uncovered to ensure your modesty and comfort, as well as maintaining a professional environment at all times.
11. Do you talk during the massage?
It’s completely up to you. While some clients enjoy light conversation, others prefer the silence for full relaxation. I’ll always follow your lead so you feel comfortable, at ease, and relaxed throughout your session.
12. Do you use essential oils?
Yes — I use high-quality doTERRA® essential oils in services such as aromatherapy, scalp treatments, and sugar scrubs. Current options include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and wild orange, or you may request unscented.
Massage Benefits & Conditions
13. What are those “knots” in my muscles?
Muscle “knots” are areas of tight, contracted muscle fibers — often caused by stress, overuse, or poor posture. Massage can help release these adhesions, improve circulation, and restore normal muscle function.
14. Can massage help with headaches or stress?
Yes — massage can help ease headaches and reduce stress by relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. Enhancements such as a scalp treatment, targeted trigger point work, or aromatherapy can be especially beneficial.
15. Can massage help with jaw tension or TMJ?
Yes — gentle jaw massage, neck release, and facial trigger point work can help ease discomfort caused by TMJ disorder or teeth clenching/grinding. These techniques can reduce tension, improve mobility, and promote overall relaxation.
16. Can massage help with tech neck or desk-related pain?
Yes — targeted work on the neck, shoulders, and upper back can help relieve discomfort caused by long hours at a desk or looking down at devices. This can ease muscle tension, improve posture, and restore comfort so you can move more freely.
17. Does massage have to hurt to be effective?
No — massage does not have to hurt to be effective. While some people may feel mild soreness afterward, especially if deeper pressure or targeted work was used, this is not required for results. I adjust the pressure to your comfort level so your body can relax and respond without unnecessary discomfort.
18. Can massage help with posture issues?
Yes — massage can help improve posture by reducing muscle tension, increasing flexibility, and supporting better alignment. Over time, this can ease discomfort, improve movement, and help your body maintain a more balanced position.
19. Can massage help with anxiety or trouble sleeping?
Yes — massage encourages the body’s natural relaxation response, helping to calm the nervous system, lower stress, and promote more restful sleep. Many clients find regular sessions help reduce anxiety and improve their overall sense of well-being.
20. Is it normal to feel emotional during a massage?
Yes — it’s completely normal to experience emotions during a massage. Massage can help release stored tension, stress, and even memories held in the body. This response is natural, and you’re always in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space to simply be yourself.
21. Can massage boost the immune system?
Massage may help support immune health by reducing stress, improving circulation, and promoting overall relaxation. While it’s not a cure or prevention for illness, regular massage can be a valuable part of your self-care routine to help keep your body in balance.
22. Does massage help with tennis elbow?
Yes — massage can help ease discomfort from tennis elbow by reducing muscle tension in the forearm and improving circulation around the elbow. I focus on the surrounding muscles to support healing while avoiding techniques that could aggravate the area.
23. Does massage help with plantar fasciitis?
Yes — massage can help relieve discomfort from plantar fasciitis by releasing tension in the feet and calves, improving circulation, and supporting flexibility. I use techniques that focus on the muscles and connective tissues that contribute to the condition to promote relief and mobility.
24. Does massage help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes — massage can help ease symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by relaxing tight muscles in the forearm, wrist, and hand, and improving circulation. It can also complement medical care when combined with stretching, ergonomic adjustments, and other supportive treatments.
25. Can massage help me lose weight?
Massage does not directly cause weight loss, as it doesn’t burn calories the way exercise does. However, it can support your overall wellness by reducing stress, improving circulation, aiding recovery, and helping you feel more comfortable during physical activity — all of which can complement a healthy lifestyle.
26. Can massage help with cellulite?
Massage cannot permanently remove cellulite, but it can improve circulation and lymphatic flow, which may temporarily smooth and tone the appearance of the skin.
Massage Limitations & Safety
27. Should I get a massage if I’m feeling under the weather?
No — if you have a fever, contagious illness, or are feeling unwell, it’s best to reschedule. Massage can sometimes worsen symptoms and also risks spreading illness to others. I want you to be able to fully enjoy your session when you’re feeling your best.
28. Should I get a massage if I’m injured?
It depends on the injury. Acute injuries (within the first 48 hours) usually require rest and medical evaluation first. Once swelling has gone down and you’ve been cleared by your healthcare provider, massage can often help with recovery by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and supporting mobility. Massage should never take the place of care provided by your licensed healthcare provider.
29. Should I get a massage if I have high blood pressure?
Yes — in most cases, massage can help lower stress and promote relaxation, which may support healthy blood pressure. If your blood pressure is uncontrolled or severe, I’ll adapt techniques to ensure safety. Massage should never take the place of care provided by your licensed healthcare provider.
Policies & Etiquette
30. How long are your massage sessions?
I offer 30-, 60-, and 90-minute sessions, each providing true full hands-on time. Any enhancements are added to your session time instead of being blended into it.
31. Do I have to choose my service ahead of time?
Not always — we can decide together during your consultation which service or combination of enhancements will best meet your needs for that day. This ensures you get the most out of your session and leave feeling your best.
32. Is tipping expected?
Tipping is never required, but always appreciated as a reflection of the care and attention you receive. Many clients choose to leave 15% – 20% or more in gratitude for the extra touches and personalized experience provided.