Massage: What to Expect

Hello all! This post is especially good for people new to massage or who haven't received one in a while. So you schedule an appointment and think, "now what? What do I do when I get there", or in this case when I get to you? "How should I undress? How uncovered will I be? What if something hurts during the massage? What if I need to use the restroom?" Etc, etc, etc. I will try to make this post short and to the point (well, as short as possible really) while also providing enough information. Receiving a massage is very simple:

Arrival: For mobile massage- I will show up about 30 minutes before our start time for the session so I have enough time to set up my table and things, ask you some questions, give you some info about what to expect, and answer any questions you may have. (In the future when I get a studio it will still be good for you to show up at least 10-15 minutes beforehand, so you can use the restroom and so we can take payment, fill out any paperwork if need be, and have a pre-massage convo).

Water: It's a good idea to make sure you are hydrated before and after the massage to avoid being too sore and to replenish any liquids. Also make sure to use the restroom before hand to avoid having to in the middle of the session

Bathroom!: If you need to use the restroom during the session, don't worry! We can pause the massage and I will leave the room/area to let you get up and head to the restroom (getting dressed is optional, I will be out of the way and give you privacy, and you can let me know when you are back on the table and ready again).

Undressing/Draping: *How far you undress is totally up to your comfort level and also depends what we will be working on. If we are working on your back, shoulders, and neck, I will recommend taking off shirt, bra (if applicable), necklaces, big earrings, watches, and hair ties if you would like some work into your scalp (for headaches, neck tension and just overall feel good massage).

*You're welcome to keep your hair tie in if you do not want scalp work, but I wouldn't schedule a massage around your hair having to look great. If we are working on your low back, hips, legs, and feet I recommend undressing all the way (yes, pants, socks and underwear) so I'm able to work up to the hip socket (where many hip muscles originate and trigger points like to hang out) without having to work over the sheet. The whole session your privates (breasts, buttcrack, and front private parts) will be covered/draped.

*When working the hip (especially for sciatic pain, we may have a conversation about uncovering the outer portion of the gluteal cleft (buttcheek) but you will still be modestly covered. Please, please speak up if you ever feel too exposed. However, many people are not comfortable removing there underwear, which is fine. In that case I will work over a sheet, and if you're a male with longer boxer briefs I may ask you to hike them up so I can access the hamstrings and glutes better.

Conversation: During the massage, the amount of conversation is really up to you and I. I will ask certain questions during the session, occasionally let you know what I will be doing next and/or give explanation as to what/why I am doing something. You're welcome to talk/ask questions during the session but I would recommend keeping the convo to a minimum and related to the massage (for the most part). You should feel comfortable enough to just relax and enter lala land or talk and engage in the session.

Pressure/Being Comfortable: During the session, I will check up on you about pressure. Please feel free to speak up anytime if:

*The pressure feels too much ("that's a little too much pressure")

*You feel like you could use more pressure ("you're welcome to do some deep work" or "could you add some more pressure here?")

*If something feels uncomfortable/tickilish/or just "weird", or if I come across an area that you feel is holding a lot of tension or is referring pain/sensations somewhere else in the body.

Trigger Points: If you do feel an area that has increased sensation, pain, or refers pain/sensation somewhere else, feel free to let me know so I can go over that area again and try to pinpoint the spot, I may then ask you to take some deep breaths and ask you to let me know when the sensation decreases or goes away.

Any other questions feel free to contact me on Facebook, Instagram, email or through text/call. Thank you and have a great day!