Response to massage seems to be highly individual, and knowing what techniques help what symptoms is very complicated (because human bodies are infinitely complex). So, rather than try to tell you that I am an expert and know exactly what to do for specific conditions (many therapists will say this, few if any actually do), I would rather tell you the truth: I will be curious and careful in interacting with your problem/symptoms based on my extensive knowledge and experience, but will rely heavily on your feedback to find something that helps. And, that I have had a lot of success with this approach.
Massage almost always feels amazing and at the very least, you will probably feel more relaxed, looser, and lighter after a massage.
As for helping more complicated symptoms: here is a short list of common things that I have seen resolved or improved with massage therapy: chronic muscular aches and pains (neck, back, shoulders, hips, forearms, etc), sciatica, carpel tunnel, frozen shoulder, tmjd, movement restrictions, and chronic feelings of tightness. In the realm of mental health it can also be very helpful for sleep, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Obviously, there are conditions, injuries, etc. that are outside the scope of what massage therapy can influence. In cases where I am unable to help directly, I will do my best to refer you to the appropriate provider.
A variety of techniques! I will start with what I think is best and adjust based on your feedback and what I feel is working for you.
I prefer to work by principles rather than specific modalities or systems – however, I do utilize components of the following:
I may incorporate cupping, manual lymphatic drainage, hot and cold therapy, as well as other special modalities depending on your needs.
I firmly believe that massage should feel good.
Your nervous system should be relaxed to get the most benefit – so I tend to avoid overly stressful or painful techniques.
I have plenty of techniques for people that respond well to deep pressure, and for those that don’t.
Communication is key so I encourage you to give feedback during your session.
Some techniques that are slightly uncomfortable may produce a positive effect, but there is a big difference between discomfort and pain!
Improvements in range of motion and pain levels should be noticeable during the first session or in the days following.
Some changes might come quickly. For others, it is more gradual.
Most changes only “stick” after repeat sessions. We always aim for the most improvement in the least sessions.
The patterns in your body come from many years of adapting to demands. While we can speed up the process with targeted work, the body will still take time to adapt to a new state.
As often as you need to meet your goals.
This can be anywhere from 1-2 times per week, to a handful of times per year.
Usually, it is helpful to start with more frequent sessions to address key issues and keep progress going forward.
After major restrictions and imbalances are addressed it makes sense to go longer between sessions until you find a happy maintenance period. For many of my clients, once per month or every 2 weeks are a sweet spot where they are just starting to feel tight and in need of a massage.
Some people need more or just really value the benefit they get from a weekly session.
In any case, my goal is to help you find an approach that fits your life and your goals as well as possible.
Wear flexible, comfortable clothing that you would wear to exercise or stretch.
You may be clothed or unclothed (under sheets) during your session, depending on your comfort and what I feel will be best for that session.
Example:
Men – wear athletic shorts and a tank top
Woman- wear yoga or sweat pants and a sports bra or tank top
No I currently do not accept insurance.
Yes, I can accept payment from both FSA and HSA accounts. You will receive receipts for your records.
In some cases, you may be required to have a doctor’s prescription for the medical necessity of massage. You will have to check with your account provider.
In short, no. I do not accept tips.
While it is common in the US to tip service providers, I actually prefer not to accept tips.
Clear communication is essential to me and the work that I do: so I have set my pricing to match that value. My prices are exactly what I expect to be paid. You don’t have to guess and I don’t have to pretend that “tips are never expected but always appreciated”.
If you want to show your appreciation, I am open to words and smiles. Expressing gratitude that way is always the most meaningful to me.
P.S. The greatest compliment is always to book another session! (or send me home with some food! ha, just kidding… well not really. I will eat.)
