FAQ

Should I tip my massage therapist?

It is customary to tip the massage therapist in a spa setting or clinic where the spa or clinic does the booking.  If your massage therapist owns his or her own business, then tipping is not expected, but appreciated.

Is massage covered by insurance?

Sometimes massage therapy is covered by insurance; for example, in certain cases of injury resulting from a motor vehicle collision.  However, not all massage therapists bill insurance, so you must ask.  Currently, I am not billing insurance companies, but look into your policy especially if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA).  Often times, a certain dollar per year amount of alternative therapy is covered.

Do you use oil or lotion?

Yes and no.  The choice is up to you.  The products I use are unscented unless you request otherwise.  The long traditional Swedish strokes require some oil or lotion for glide.  However, there are many other techniques I can use on one or more areas of the body without using oil and I can also give a complete massage with the client fully clothed either on the table or in the massage chair.  For more information on the oil I use, click here.  For more information on the lotion, click here.

I have a health condition.  Can I still receive massage?

Massage can be beneficial for many acute and chronic health conditions, but there are certain conditions in which massage could be harmful.  It is crucial that you discuss your condition and complete health history with your massage therapist prior to receiving massage.  She or he will be able to tell you whether a condition is contraindicated, will refer you to an appropriate professional, and/or will request a doctor’s note before commencing treatment.

Is my massage session and health information confidential?

Absolutely.  As your massage therapist, I do not talk about who my clients are, nor do I discuss the contents of client sessions even with the client’s husband, wife or best friend.  In addition, you are protected by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  As your massage therapist, I follow these rules.  This means that in order for your health information to be shared between health care providers, both providers need a copy of written and signed permission from you allowing the information to be shared.  There are some exceptions to this rule.  For details, please see Permitted Uses and Disclosures.

Can I resume normal activities, exercise, or play sports immediately after receiving a massage?

Your condition preceding the massage, the type of massage work given, and the intensity of the activity you’re going to do immediately afterward all play a role in determining the answer to this question.  If you are coming in with a severe spasm and we do deep concentrated work on the area, I would recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day.  But, if you come in with some general tension that we were able to diminish during the session, I don’t see why you couldn’t go for a run or play a game of softball afterwards.  I will usually say something about reducing activities after a massage if it seems appropriate, but it’s always a great question to ask at the end of your appointment.

What if I don’t want to have a particular area of the body worked on?

Your comfort is of the utmost importance to the massage therapist.  If you do not want an area worked on, you can say, “Please don’t work on my . . .” If it’s just today that you don’t want work there, let your massage therapist know so that she or he can offer it to you again at a later time.  Don’t feel like you have to explain why, except if it’s due to a health condition.  Remember, the massage therapist needs to know if massage is not recommended for health reasons.

What should I do if I’m feeling sick on the day of my massage appointment?

If you have active symptoms of illness (fever, cough, sneezing, headache, chills, etc.), please call to cancel and reschedule your appointment.  If you feel like you are just beginning to come down with something, please call to cancel and reschedule your appointment.  Often times, at this stage of an illness, you are contagious and a massage would actually make you feel sicker.

What areas of the body do you work on?

I can work on your scalp, face, neck, upper chest, arms, hands, abdomen (with your permission), legs, back, hips, and feet.  If I think that abdominal work would be beneficial to you, we will talk about it and you can decide whether you’d like to try it.  I don’t always leave a lot of time for work on the face or feet, so if you particularly love work on any of these areas, make sure to let me know so that I can adequately budget the time.  I always use a drape to cover you for warmth and privacy.  You will always be covered where a bathing suit would cover you.

Do I need to undress in order to receive massage?  If I do undress, should I leave underwear on?

You do not need to undress to receive massage.  Many massage techniques can be done while fully clothed either on a massage table or in a massage chair, so you may leave on some or all clothing if you wish.  I do not use oil or lotion on any areas that are covered with clothing.  Whether or not you wear underwear is your personal preference.  Either way, it does not affect the massage as I always keep you covered with a sheet in any areas that would be covered by underwear.