What to expect at your first visit

How to prepare for your massage session

Please arrive on time for your appointment so you are able to get settled and fill out an intake form. In general, bring a list of any medications your are on as some of them may impact the massage. If you are filing a health insurance claim, please bring your doctor's referral/prescription and your health care ID. If you are filing a PIP insurance claim, please bring the doctor's referral/prescription, the insurance company contact information and name and phone number of the claims adjuster, and the claim number and date of the accident.

Before the massage

After you have completed the intake form, we will discuss your health history and any medications your are taking. It is important that your provide this information so that I am aware of any issues that might require me to modify my techniques to avoid injuring you. Rest assured that your information is kept private. We'll then discuss your issues and goals for the massage and the plan for your massage. I will then leave the room while you get ready for your massage. Some people are worried about undressing for the massage. You'll undress to whatever level you�re comfortable with and, during the massage, you will be completely covered with a sheet except for the area being worked on. If you are not comfortable removing your clothing, I can do some massage through your clothes. I do require that you remove your shoes, belts, or anything that could puncture or damage the massage table. You should also remove any jewelry that might interfere with the massage. Typically, rings and earrings can be worked around, but necklaces and bracelets tend to get in the way. After you have undressed, you will get on the table between the sheets as if you were going to take a nap. I use a table warmer, and flannel sheets, so you will be cozy.

When you are ready, I will knock on the door before I re-enter the room and then adjust any bolsters, pillows, and face cradle until you are completely comfortable. I can adjust the temperature of the table setting to your preference or turn on a fan if you are too warm. If you get uncomfortable at any time during the massage, please let me know so that I can make the adjustments necessary. Comfort is key to relaxation and relaxation is necessary to help your muscles respond to the treatment.

During the massage

During the massage, I use use either massage oils or lotion, which reduce drag on the skin. Some of my massage oils have a nut base. If you are allergic to nuts, lotions, or essential oils, please tell me. I have unscented products which are not nut based that I can use. You can talk or not talk, its up to you, however you will become more relaxed if you do not speak. I normally will not disturb you except to see how you are doing and to check on whether the pressure is just right. This is YOUR time, take it for yourself and don�t feel that you need to entertain me. If you are unsure about anything, ask!

If at any point anything is uncomfortable please feel free to speak up, communication is key and I want you enjoy your experience. In general massage should not hurt. However, when you are suffering with pain or injuries, some discomfort is normal. The discomfort you feel should never go beyond a "good hurt" level. "Good hurt" is a phrase used by a few of my clients to describe the level of pressure that brings relief. I want my clients to let me know if the pressure is too deep or not deep enough. This is your massage, not mine, and you should be comfortable at all times. It is completely up to you if you would just like to relax and de-stress. However, if you are someone who enjoys a lot of pressure, I can provide as much as you would like, within your comfort level. Again, communication is key.

After the massage

When the massage is done, I will leave the room to give you some privacy in which to dress. Massage can cause a drop in blood pressure and blood sugar, so if you feel at all light headed as you sit up, take as much time as you need before getting off the table. After you are dressed, just open the door so that I know you are ready. We'll discuss how the massage went. I may give you some stretching suggestions and demonstrate how to do them. We can then discuss how often you should have massage and book your next appointment. Payment will also be due at that time. I take cash, check, Visa and Mastercard.

The day after the massage