• Do I have to “get naked”?

No, you don’t have to get completely naked. It’s more beneficial for the massage therapist to not have to work with several layers of cloth, skin to skin contact is best. However, if your comfort level would require wearing undergarments or a more modest draping, that is a fair request. Any therapist can work through clothing. I have several techniques I can apply if you were to wear your favorite concert t-shirt, superman shorts, underclothes of any kind. If you do decide to take it all off, you will always be covered with the sheet so, no exposure= no worries. The only areas exposed are the ones being worked on. This protects your modesty, as well as keeping you warm. When it is time to disrobe, I will leave the room and give plenty of time for you to disrobe and get yourself under the sheet and blanket and then I will knock on the door before re-entering.  

The massage is about you. It is your time to feel comfortable and safe. If it means that you are more comfortable with some garments on, so be it. There is no right or wrong, it is your massage. As a massage therapist, what I am thinking about is your muscles and where the tension is, and knowing the feeling of its release. Most of us massage therapists are total muscle geeks and don’t think about our clients’ body type. The picture above is what most of us are thinking about when we are massaging.

• Other common concerns

I hear it all the time. “I’m sorry I didn’t shave before I came to my massage” or “I need to lose weight before I come get a massage” or “I have stinky feet” or “I have back and toe hair” or “I have embarrassing surgical scars”.

 First of all, let me state that our bodies need to be loved and cherished, not belittled or despised. That said, there are no judgments, we all have body image issues and no one body is perfect. Therapists honestly don’t care what your body looks like, hair or no hair, extra padding or stinky hairy feet.

Hair: as long as I use a bit more oil, it really doesn’t pose any problem. You don’t need to shave it all off or feel funny about it unless it really bothers you, leave it as is.

Stinky feet: Much of the time it’s caused by the man-made shoes they make nowadays that tend to have unnatural materials made out of them, not that your feet are bad.  I have this great peppermint (takes the smell away) lotion for your feet. Don’t skip the feet; they do so much work for you. Just pamper them a bit.

• What about talking during the session?

You can talk anytime you want. It is your session. Some clients feel the need to talk a few minutes into the session to help with nervousness or to catch up with me but all in all, it is up to you. I love it when a client tells me specifically that they prefer to nix the talk. That tells me they really just want to melt into the table and be completely present with the changes that are happening in them. Some folks like to talk. I am game with what the client wants, and can take a hint if you drift off into la la land. One important thought; don’t feel like you can’t speak up. If you ever feel the kind of pain that is not the “hurts so good pain”, don’t be shy, tell me. Then I can adjust the pressure or move to a different area. Good therapists want feedback so we can improve our skill. Don’t worry, it won’t offend me.

• What about music? Can I choose?

Some clients like spa-type music; flutes, ocean tides and seagulls and the same client the next week will feel like the Cowboy Junkies. Some prefer Contemporary Christian or John Mayer songs and some like the bluesy-rock beat of The Black Keys or classic rock sounds of the Rolling Stones. It is up to you. I have internet radio, which has nearly every kind of music out there. So, let me know what you would like to hear. I’ll make a station especially for you.

Communication is key when it comes to getting a massage.  Working together is the best way to accomplish your goals. The last thing I want is someone on my table burning with a question or not enjoying the session and not ask or say what they want.  Some people hate their feet touched or don’t like glute work, it’s ok to have dislikes or ticklish feet. The more I know of what you like or don’t like, the better I can make a lasting difference towards your health.

Lastly, like I said before, I am really into feedback, negative or positive doesn’t matter to me. If you have any questions, embarrassing or silly, bring it. I am down with exchanging thoughts and ideas, if I don’t have the answer readily, I will research it to the best of my ability. I can’t say that I am the massage therapist for everyone all the time because that is simply not true. If I am not the one for you, I know several great therapists in town I can refer you to. The purpose in essence is getting you on your way to health and vitality so you can do the things you love to do. However I can help accomplish that, I’m here to lend a hand.

• Are there any medical conditions that would make massage and bodywork inadvisable?

Yes, that is why it is imperative that before you begin your session, you share with the practitioner any health conditions you may have, then I can adjust the massage accordingly. There are some conditions I’ll need approval from your doctor for before we can go forth with the treatment. If you have any questions as to a medical consideration you may have, give me a call and we can discuss it prior to your massage.