FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

​Upon scheduling your initial appointment, you will receive an email with a link to complete your intake form. This is a required health history form. At the appointment, I will ask you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if any conditions are needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. I may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.

It is important to list all health concerns and medications so I can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so I am aware if I need to use a different oil or lotion during the session.

A few minutes into your session, after I've warmed the tissues with some light to medium strokes, I will check in with you about the pressure. I will not be offended if you ask for more or less pressure, so please speak up. 

What should I expect at subsequent visits?

I will always do a quick check in with you prior to the session. I'm always interested to hear how you felt after your last session, how effective your results were, how long they lasted, if your routine has changed, if you're having any particular stressors in your life, etc. We can talk about whether we still need to address areas we worked on last time or if something new is bothering you. If you'd like to focus on just upper body (for example), let me know. If you want something different than last time (maybe last time we did some deep work, but this time you'd prefer something more relaxing), let me know. If I did something last time that you really enjoyed, let me know!

Is massage painful?

Massage should never be outright painful. Some deeper work can be intense, but it shouldn't go past the feeling of "hurts so good". If anything is ever painful or uncomfortable or the pressure is too much, please let me know right away. Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it. It's normal to feel a bit sore for a day or two after a deep tissue massage and drinking plenty of water in the 24 hours after your session can help ease this feeling. 

Is there parking?

In front of the studio, there is 2 hour street parking. If that is full, there is a parking lot behind the building, which you can access from Dorcas St. Usually there is available parking in either of those two areas, but on a particularly busy day, you may need to look in the surrounding neighborhood (I've never had to do this yet).

Do I have to take my clothes off?

You should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed. Because of my style (I do long, flowing strokes that run the length of the body), it is helpful if you remove everything, but if you are more comfortable leaving your underwear on, please do so - I can work around it. I will give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table. If you prefer to stay fully clothed, I will perform the massage over the clothes.

Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?

​This is known as draping and depends on the therapist and in some cases, the law. The vast majority of therapists will insist on draping. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, I will only uncover the part of your body being worked on. The genitals will always be covered. If I am going to work on a woman's abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen.
 

I am self-conscious about a certain part of my body...or ticklish!

Please don't let this stop you from getting bodywork! We all have our insecurities and I assure you, Homebody is a safe, supportive, judgment-free zone. If you're sensitive about a particular area, you can ask me to avoid it.

If you are ticklish, let me know before your session. I can use firm, slow pressure or, if you're extremely sensitive, I can avoid your tickle spots.

What do I do during a massage treatment?

​Make yourself comfortable. If I want you to adjust your position, I will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time. If you need any adjustments (pressure, temperature, positioning, different music, etc.) during the massage, I encourage you to ask. Your comfort is my top priority.

Should I see a Massage Therapist if I’m not in pain? 

Massage therapy is a great natural solution when you want relief from pain, but it can also be used as a preventive treatment too. Seeing your massage therapist regularly can help:

• Lower cortisol and raise serotonin levels to calm and relax your body

• Loosen tight muscles, which may increase blood flow, leading to lowering your blood pressure

Often, depending on what you are seeing your massage therapist for, they may use a different technique or massage modality. 

Is massage just for relaxation?

Massage is excellent for relaxation! But it also has many other benefits.

Massage helps with chronic muscle aches and pains. It helps to reduce stress and ease muscle tension. It's also great to improve circulation, alleviate breathing problems, lower your blood pressure, reduce headaches, improve your daily mobility and wellbeing, and help you manage anxiety and depression. Massage also helps to promote good, healthy sleep.

How often should I get a massage?

It varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.
The frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment when I have a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues.

What if I fall asleep and drool or snore or get a runny nose?

It's normal to fall asleep during a massage. You might be feeling stressed and sleep-deprived, so falling asleep is normal once you're in a relaxed state. There's zero judgment from massage therapists if you snore. We're pleased you're relaxed enough to fall asleep, and we won’t mention it.

Drooling or getting a runny nose is not uncommon, especially if you're on your front. Ask for a tissue, and I'll be glad to grab one for you.

Do I have to listen to whale calls or flutes during my massage?

​No. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
While many therapists play slower, quieter, 'new age' type music, you can choose to have different music or no music at all. Studies have shown that music at under 60 beats-per-minute has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and therefore can enhance your experience.
However, while this may be true, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be listened to while you get a massage. If it relaxes you and you enjoy it at home, why wouldn't it do the same during your treatment? I will offer various types of music but you are welcome to use your music as well. As a melomaniac (music-lover), I encourage you to create your own massage playlist. This exposes me to music I might otherwise not hear and that's a fun session for me! If you’d prefer to listen to a podcast or audiobook from your phone, that’s fine too! If you’d prefer to wear earbuds or even earplugs, I’m fine with that and will only communicate with you when necessary. 

How will I feel after my massage treatment?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness, and increased productivity which can last for days.
If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day - much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness - bonus points for an epsom salt bath.
After your session, you should increase your water intake a bit. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy.

When should I not get a massage?

In my opinion, there are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, contagious skin infection, or uncontrolled hypertension. 

There are many other conditions in which I may need to adapt my techniques (i.e. arthritis, osteoporosis, or varicose veins) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns, sunburn). With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get a massage. But it's always better to err on the side of caution. 

What if I need the bathroom?

We recommend going to the bathroom before your session, but it can occasionally happen that you'll need to go during the massage. We want you to be relaxed, so if you're focusing on holding it in, it’ll interfere with your experience. So do speak up, and we'll let you know where the bathroom is.

How can I be sure a massage clinic is reputable?

Do your research by checking out their website or calling them to find out what services they offer. A reputable clinic will offer therapeutic massage from licensed or certified therapists. They'll also always get you to do a health questionnaire on your first visit.

Should I shower before or after a massage?

Good personal hygiene is always appreciated, so please arrive with a clean body and deodorant, but no excessive  perfumes or strong lotions. After your massage, you may want to wait a few hours before showering because the oils used are nice and nourishing to the skin!