Arrival

For office visits, if it’s your first time, please arrive a few minutes early in order to complete your initial paperwork. For home visits, I will arrive to your location approximately 15 minutes before the start of your session in order to set up my table and conduct a brief intake interview.

Intake

The intake interview is very important. I will be asking about your current symptoms (if any) and pertinent medical history. This information allows me to design a treatment plan tailored to your therapeutic goals. It also helps me avoid any areas that may be prone to injury or exacerbation. The interview process will take anywhere from 3-5 minutes for an average client to upwards of 15 minutes if we're doing a posture and gait assessment. This time is not billed.

Clothing

Massage can be performed at all levels of dress, from fully clothed to fully nude. When it's time to get on the table, only undress to your personal comfort level.

Keep in mind:

- Exposed skin is easier to palpate and allows for the application of more varied techniques.

- You will remain carefully draped throughout the entire massage to maintain privacy and respect.

If you choose to wear underwear, silkies are the best (or thongs for women). Boxer-briefs are the hardest to work around and will restrict me from being able to use certain techniques to treat low back, glute and hamstring issues.

Be sure to remove all jewelry prior to the massage. Wedding bands can stay on.

AROUSAL

This is my most frequently asked question, so I’d like to address it in a professional and approachable way. Arousal is a normal physiological response to touch and tends to resolve itself within a few minutes. Accessing a deep state of relaxation is the most important aspect of receiving massage therapy because it is only then, when the Parasympathetic Nervous System has kicked in, that your body is able to begin the process of healing and cellular regeneration. When you are anxious, your body is unable to fully relax and you lose out on the major benefits of massage. I do not judge or even pay attention to anything except the area I’m treating. If you are uncomfortable at any time, I can provide you with a heavy blanket or towel over your lap, turn you over onto your stomach or even leave the room for a few minutes if you request that. You can also simply ask to get up and go to the bathroom. Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable is fine.

After-care

After receiving massage, drink plenty of water for the next 24 hours. Your increased circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid means the toxins they transport will be released into your kidneys in higher concentration. Drinking water will help move those toxins out of your body through your urinary system.

Be sure to get lots of rest. Unless you're coming in for pre-event work, try not to schedule anything after your massage. Instead, use that time to let your body heal.

You may feel sore or even ill the next day after your massage, especially if you've just had Manual Lymphatic Drainage or deep tissue work. This is normal but should NEVER be prolonged, excessive or accompanied by bruising. Some discomfort can be relieved with an Epsom salt bath and gentle stretching.