Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first session like?
The first time you come see me, you will have to fill out a brief medical history form. You will get plenty of massage, but the interview and assessment will take up much of this visit, depending on your issues. For this reason I recommend scheduling 90 minutes for your first time.
I will take time to assess your movement and the condition of your muscles and soft tissues. I can then be able to tell how much I can help you.
Do I have to take off my clothes?
Absolutely not. In fact, if you come needing help with specific injuries, it is often better that you remain clothed. This way I can easily re-evaluate you throughout the session. If I need to access an area for more thorough work, I will make sure you stay draped and will only expose the target body area.
For the wellness massage, you can undress to your comfort level. We will work with whatever this comfort level is, and I will undrape only where I’ll be working, using great discretion.
Do you take insurance?
I do not take insurance. I do accept HSA/FSA cards as long as you have a doctor’s “prescription”, including a diagnosis and recommended amount of massage sessions. You will be asked for this later, so please have this ready.
What types of problems can massage help?
Massage can help a variety of soft tissue-based injuries. “Soft tissue” refers to muscles and fascia (the tissue surrounding muscles, joints and organs). From carpal tunel to plantar fasciitis to headaches, there is a wide range of issue that originate in soft tissue dysfunction. If this is the case, my style of work will be most of what you need. If there is an underlying structural or otherwise non-soft tissue issue, I can refer you to out to other practitioners who may be able to help you better.
Will it hurt? Will I be sore?
It may, but in a good way! Truth be told, at times it is appropriate to use a lot of pressure in a massage. This high stimulus can feel uncomfortable at first, but it should ultimately feel therapeutic. You will know this at a body level, and I have enough training and experience to read when your limbic system is about to be overstimulated (i.e. you feel like slapping your therapist!). If the hurt ever feels like its not therapeutic anymore, and just a BAD pain, please let me know and I will gladly adjust the pressure.
You may be sore the day following deep tissue massage work. This is normal. Stay hydrated and, not unlike workout soreness, it will pass.
Do you go to people's houses?
I do not go to people’s houses. I only work out of my office.
How long before I get better?
This can be difficult to determine. Sometimes just one or two sessions is all you need, sometimes more. Generally, the longer you’ve had the issue, the longer it will take to resolve.
After the second treatment I can give you an estimate of how many sessions I’m willing to do before it may be time to refer you out. I’m invested in your well-being, and take a results-based approach. As as we get good results we will keep going until we have achieved your functional outcomes.
If the results don’t persist (if you’re better for a day or two but the symptoms come right back) then soft tissue dysfunction is likely not the driver of your injury. Often times it takes one or two sessions before this becomes clear.
