Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, and quiet room. Soft music will be playing to help you relax.  If you prefer to bring your own music, a CD player and a blue tooth speaker are both readily available. During the session, you will lie on a heated massage table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client minimally clothed. It would be preferrable, so as to not hinder the benefit of techniques being utilized, if you could dress down to panties or briefs.  However, it is entirely up to you at which level of undress you feel comfortable. Your comfort and well-being is always my highest concern.  You will be properly draped during the entire session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
I will leave the room while you undress, but be immediately available should you need any assistance or have questions or concerns. There is also a bathroom with a shower, stool and sink within the room for your convenience before, during and after the session.

Once you have the room to yourself, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with the clean sheet and blanket provided there for you.

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.  Limited abdominal work is also available in special cases.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Swedish massage techniques are the core of each session in my practice. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to target specific areas of significant muscular tension, offering release of restrictions and ease of soreness or pain. A rich massage ceam will be used to allow your muscles to be massaged at the superficial and deeper levels without causing excessive friction to the skin and to help hydrate your skin. Please feel free to tell me immediately if any pressure feels too intense or if you would like more pressure to be applied in a certain area of tension for more relief.  I will adjust my approach.  Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not guarding and resisting for fear of pain or discomfort, so please always make me aware of your level of tolerance.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork.  Various bodywork styles utilize different strokes like basic gliding and kneading strokes, rocking movements, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Each person will be best served by a combination of several of these techniques. If you have any questions about the techniques I am using during your session or any others you have heard of in your own search for relief, please don't hesitate to ask.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to and during the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about the techniques we have been using in the past or the upcoming session. While on the table for the massage, your main jobs are to make yourself as comfortable as possible, relax your head and limbs into the table padding, breath easy with steady abdominal breathing and communicate to me anything that comes to mind that you feel is of value to the session at hand. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting or relaxing a limb or changing positions). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax.  You may speak as little or as much as you feel necessary, telling me if you need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else you feel may be relevant to the session. Also, as stated before, if you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, I am more than happy to answer them as completely as a I am able.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed and maybe even a bit sleepy. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity.  After an initial period of feeling a little "loosey goosey" and possibly experiencing some slight soreness in areas that needed deeper work for release, people often experience increased range of motion, increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. You will also be more aware of any imbalances in your posture and musculature.  This will give you a starting point to change certain movements and behaviors that have been contributing to tension and pain in your body, improve your health and reduce your likelihood of regression to disfunction. Any soreness you have after a deep tissue massage should not exceed a level of soreness you might have after a good work out at the gym.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it is imperative before you begin your first session, that we go over and make notes about general health questions. It is very important that you let me know any health conditions you have been diagnosed with, or are concerned about, along with any medications you are currently taking. In some cases, it may be advisable and even required that you receive a written recommendation or release for massage or bodywork prior to a session.  No matter your health history, it is imperative that you are completely forthright so we can tailor your massage to meet your particular needs, maximize your benefits and minimize possible contraindications and health risks.  Your comfort, health and well-being are my highest priority.