Services

What is the difference between all these types of massage? Which one should I choose?

If you are new to massage and confused by all the different types of massage, our therapeutic massage is a great place to start. These sessions are a blend of Swedish massage, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy depending on what you need. Our LMT’s always check in beforehand regarding the type of pressure and area of focus you prefer. You can easily add any our signature upgrades Hot Stones, Aromatherapy & Steam Towels, or CBD Massage Oil to any therapeutic massage.

Although any specialized service is always an option, a straightforward therapeutic Swedish massage gives your LMT the opportunity to do a broad overview of where your repetitive stresses may be accumulating, as well as identifying any patterns of referral and restriction. After your initial session with a new therapist, they will can suggest a specific treatment, if appropriate. 

What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

Your massage therapist will ask you some questions about your experience with receiving massage, and what brings you to receive today. There will be questions about any outstanding illness, injury, or range of motion issues that may need addressing. Your therapist may do some standing assessments of your posture to determine how your body is holding repetitive patterns, and will let you know how they want you positioned on the table. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please share them with your therapist and they will immediately adjust to accommodate. Once the intake is completed, the therapist will leave the room, allowing client to disrobe to their comfort level and get settled on the table. After a few minutes, the practitioner will return with a knock, re-enter the room, and begin the session. 

How can I be sure I will get the right amount of pressure or the areas I need addressed? 

If you want anything changed: more or less pressure, focus, or attention in any area, a temperature shift warmer or colder, different music, adjustments to the face cradle or bolsters, ANYTHING - just let your therapist know. 

You will not hurt the therapist's feelings by asking for something that will make you more comfortable. Your therapist wants this to be the best possible experience for you. 

Also, what you requested in one session may be different in another. If you had a full body massage last time you had a session, but this time you only want your back/neck/shoulders/arms worked, it's perfectly fine to be specific. Your therapist is here for you and wants to provide the relief you seek. 

Do I remove all clothing/jewelry for my massage? 

Clients should disrobe to their comfort level. It is acceptable to remove all clothing. Clients undress without the therapist in the room, slip onto the table beneath a sheet and blanket, and remain covered during the entirety of the session. The therapist will only undrape and expose the area(s) of the body on which they are actively working. If a client is more comfortable receiving massage while wearing undergarments, this is also completely acceptable; the client’s comfort is paramount. 

Will the therapist be in the room while I undress?

Absolutely not. After the massage therapist shows you how to position yourself on the massage table, they will exit the room and allow the you to disrobe and get comfortable. Prior to re-entering the room, the massage therapist will knock on the door to ensure that you are ready to begin the massage session. Once the session is ended, the massage therapist will leave the room, allowing for the gentle return back into the body. When you are dressed and ready, open the door for your therapist to re-enter the room. 

What is included in the session time?

An appointment consists of a brief check-in and general intake to connect with your therapist and address the day’s concerns. Once the session’s expectations are established, your therapist will exit the room, allow you to disrobe and get settled, and upon re-entering with a knock, will begin your table time. A 60 minute session equals one full hour of massage, 75 minutes is one hour and 15 minutes, 90 minutes equals one and a half hours, etc.  Intakes, outtakes, and compensation happen in the buffer between sessions and do not encroach upon client’s massage time. Late arrivals to appointments will still complete at scheduled end times. 

Is it okay to talk (or not talk) during a massage?

You should always feel free to express any shift needed to maximize your comfort when receiving massage. The amount of communication you engage in during your massage is always up to you. Be sure to give your practitioner feedback on the amount of pressure you require and which specific areas feel painful or tight. Less conversation can provide more opportunities for deeper relaxation, though it’s not unusual to verbalize certain sensations or memories that may arise. 

How often should I receive a massage?

For those who use massage as preventative care or to manage daily stress, one massage a month may be adequate. Weekly sessions may be desirable if you are receiving massage for injury relief or to address chronic tightness that is interfering with your daily life. There are many people who incorporate massage therapy at least twice a month for optimal therapeutic benefits. Once a month, ideally, and at the very least, seasonally. As often as you would change the oil in your car, give yourself the space for basic maintenance. Double check with your insurance provider to determine whether or not massage is one of your benefits. The mainstream medical model is rapidly recognizing massage as an invaluable tool in disease and illness prevention and as a complement to many protocols and procedures. We are happy to work with your primary healthcare providers to customize a wellness plan that serves your needs, holistically.