Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Your session will be conducted by a licensed massage therapitst who has received proper training in a variety of techniques. See Therapist page for more detailed information.

The amount of clothing you remove or leave on for your session is always your choice and should be made for your comfort. Whatever clothing you choose to remove, if any, you will be draped at all times by a sheet and blanket. Any work done on the back, neck and shoulders, and as you are face down, the drape is removed from your waistline and above. The drape is returned when work on the back, neck and shoulders is done. Work done on arms or legs, each leg or arm is undraped seperately and only while it is being worked on.

Relaxation (Swedish) massage techniques are best able to be performed on bare skin. If you choose to leave on a shirt or pants we will simply perform the massage over the clothes. However, over clothing, some swedish strokes will not be able to be done and some others will be much less effective. 

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), a type of "medical massage", can easily be done over clothing. However, I have found that a combination of NMT and Swedish massage is a more effective then NMT alone. Therefore, NMT is also best performed on bare skin, but as always, you may decide what amount of clothing you perfer.

Craniosacral Therapy and Foot Reflexology are both performed with the client fully clothed always.

The therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.

You and the therapist will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, shoulders, and face. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).

Massages you may have gotten elsewhere may have also automatically included your glutes. I am happy to do glute work but I only do it if you request it, or if it is appropriate for your specific goal of the session and we have discussed it and I have gotten your consent.

A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used should hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed. See the Oils and Lotions page for more information.

It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session will start with broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your nervous system and ease exterior muscle tension. As your body unwinds, pressure will gradually be increased to relax and relieve specific areas of muscular tension. Neuromuscular Therapy strokes are much shorter in length and much more specific in isolating and working on each muscle at a time.

You should communicate with your therapist 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.

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork. The types I offer are: Swedish, Neuromuscular Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, and Foot Reflexology. Each of these techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement reeducation, application of pressure to specific points, and more.

Make yourself comfortable and let go of as much tension as you can. I find it helps to imagine yourself sinking into the table. Allow the table to completely support your entire weight. The therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as turning over). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving. Whatever you prefer, to talk or to stay silent, I will follow your lead.

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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water afterward.

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 are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being. For more benefits, go to our Clients page.

Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that before you begin your session, the massage therapist ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform the massage therapist 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.