What type of space is needed for a massage?
What should I wear to and during a treatment?
How should I prepare for a massage?
What type of draping will be used during the massage?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will my session be 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 if I have larger breasts or implants and am not comfortable laying on my stomach on a hard table?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

What type of space is needed for a massage?
I need clear space at least 7 feet wide and 9 feet long to set up my table or mat; larger areas are better. I can work indoors or outdoors. If the massage is outdoors, a covered area that offers shade and some privacy is needed. A sink and a bathroom need to be easily accessible. A quite, peaceful environment is needed for you to experience maximum benefit from the massage. Oil based massage should generally not be performed in carpeted areas because oil may stain the carpet. Spills do happen, and you may also get oil on your feet.

What should I wear to and during a treatment?
I recommend wearing loose comfortable clothing, preferably natural fibers, to your session, particularly if you are considering Thai massage or Zen shiatsu. During your massage, for table massage most clients undress fully to maximize the benefits of the massage, but you can chose to wear undergarments if you are not comfortable with being fully undressed.  Draping can vary from minimal to conservative based on your preferences.  If you choose to wear undergarments, please select items that you don’t mind getting a little oil or cream on and that provide the maximum access for skin exposure that you are comfortable with. Also please remove your jewelry before the massage to avoid accidental injury or damage.

How should I prepare for a massage?
I recommend that you have no heavy meals for at least two hours before a massage and it is best to avoid food during the hour before a massage. Please shower and make sure that you do not have sand on your feet or body before the massage. Also please remove jewelry, particularly earrings and necklaces, before the massage. It is best to use the restroom immediately before the massage, particularly if you are scheduling a longer massage, otherwise you may need to interrupt your massage to go to the restroom because massage does place pressure on the bladder.

What type of draping will be used during the massage?
It depends on the type of massage chosen and your preferences. For table massage, I normally use cotton sheets, but I can use sarongs, batiks, towels, pillowcases, or blankets if requested and coverage can vary from minimal to conservative based on your preferences. For side lying massage additional pillows can be used to augment the draping.  If you are comfortable with minimal tropical coverage it allows a more free flowing massage with longer glide paths, however draping can be more conservative for warmth and modesty if you prefer. For traditional Thai massage and Zen shiatsu, draping is not normally used or required since loose comfortable clothes are normally worn and extensive movement and stretching occur during the massage, however draping may be used even with these styles if desired.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
The areas covered vary based on time available, goals of the massage, the type of massage, and your desires. My full body massage (90 minutes or longer) normally covers the entire body except for the genital areas. A sixty minute massage will normally cover most of the major muscle groups. Before your massage session starts, please discuss the goals of the massage with me and let me know if there are any special requests to avoid specific areas or concentrate on specific areas. Please also let me know what your issues are so that I can suggest appropriate techniques and focus areas. Note that everything in the body is connected to everything else through a system of fascia and that often pain in one area is often caused by tightness, weakness, or imbalance in another area of the body. In a typical full body massage session, you will receive work on your back, neck, head, shoulders, chest, arms, hands, gluteal muscles, sacrum, hips, abdomen, legs and feet.

What will my session be like?
Your session will vary depending on the type of massage or bodywork chosen, the length of time chosen, and your particular needs and focus areas. Please allow an extra 10-15 minutes before your first session to discuss your massage, complete a health questionnaire and consent form, and help me understand your level of comfort, experience with massage, and draping and treatment preferences. A typical treatment session will include a brief consultation before the session begins to let me know if you have changes in condition or desired approach. I'll leave the room while you undress and position yourself for table massage or change into loose comfortable clothes for Thai massage or Zen shiatsu. Because many people become cold during a massage, I normally use a heating pad on the table or mat. We'll begin the session with compression over the clothing or draping and then move into the particular massage style chosen. I'll work on the areas that we discussed during the consultation and once the session is over I'll leave the room to give you time to get dressed..

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. I have formal training in Northern and Southern style Traditional Thai massage, Zen Shiatsu, Swedish massage, Deep tissue massage, Sports massage, Myoskeletal massage, Rossiter system workouts and Thai oil massage. I am also familiar with a number of additional styles and techniques as a result of years of experience receiving bodywork and informal study through reading, videos, and webinars.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. Relax. Breathe. Let me know if you are too hot, too cold, if you want more or less pressure, or if anything I am doing hurts or makes you uncomfortable. I will either gently move your body or ask you to move a part of your body or roll over when needed. Many clients close their eyes during the massage to more completely relax and most of my clients go to sleep during portions of the massage. If you feel like talking, you are welcome to, but you are not expected to do so and most clients prefer to remain quiet and allow their minds to calm down and rebalance. 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 if I have larger breasts or implants and am not comfortable laying on my stomach on a hard table?
I have an Oakworks Nova table with a breast recess system which is very comfortable. Please let me know in advance if you prefer this table. I also offer side lying massage and both of my tables are well padded.

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. Focused bodywork may also help relieve constipation.

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, please check with your doctor and provide any special instructions from the doctor prior to your massage. Please note that diagnosis and treatment of disease is not within the scope of practice of massage therapy. Massage may be contraindicated if you have certain medical conditions, and other conditions may require localized site avoidance or limit techniques that should be used. Please include your current medical conditions on the registration form. If you think you are getting a cold or getting sick, or if you actually are sick, a massage may make your symptoms worsen. If you have any open sores or skin conditions massage may be contraindicated. Some massage techniques, and some aromatherapy oils are contraindicated if you are pregnant. If you have any doubt about whether you should get a massage or not please consult with your doctor and please discuss with me prior to your treatment.