Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?    Your session will take place in a private room. 

Must I be completely undressed?    No. For massage therapy, I ask you undress only as far as you feel comfortable. For Feldenkrais and CranioSacral work, you may remain fully clothed. Please wear comfortably fitting clothes, not too baggy or too restrictive.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?    No. In fact, please wait until I leave the room to 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 session take place?
Your massage session will take place in the comfort of your own home in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Please provide a space sufficient for a massage table, roughly six by eight feet. Pets are welcome to be around as long as they are not disruptive to you and your session. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed for my massage?
Absolutely not. Although many people choose to remove all their clothes, you may remain clothed to your personal level of comfort. If we are working on a particular area, I may request your remove clothing in that area. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
No. I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel. I will knock before I enter the treatment space.

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 worked on?

Each massage varies greatly depending on the intentions of the session. During your intake, we will discuss thoroughly what you are looking for that day and how massage might help invite that change. We will decide together what parts of the body would be best to focus on that day. Typical therapeutic massage includes back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs and feet. I will be sure to keep you informed about when I move to the next area.

What will the massage feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. 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 relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. This means being honest and up front about pain or discomfort. You are your best advocate to make sure you receive the massage you want. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.

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's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.