Do I have to take off my clothes?

You will remove clothing to your level of comfort.  There are some bodywork techniques that can be done while you are fully clothed and there are others with which most clothing would be somewhat of a hindrance.  If this brings up some hesitation for you, I encourage you to call me at (615) 669-7587 so we discuss your needs and concerns.  I personally believe that massage and bodywork has benefits for everyone and if you are reading this, you have considered there might be a benefit in it for you.

What if I have an injury or have had surgery recently?

This completely depends on the injury or surgery.  With an injury such as a broken arm, you may have massage as soon as 24 hours after you have received treatment.  Clearly I could not work on the arm itself but massage can be very helpful in encouraging the body to maintain alignment as well as caring for muscles as they try to compensate for the  temporary loss of use of the arm.  Though this would be the case with most injuries and surgeries, I would always advise you to clear massage with your doctor if you are less than six weeks post op or have extenuating circumstances.

I haven’t had massage before, what if I don’t like it?

Your session is for you.  During any session I try to check in with my clients multiple times to be sure they are completely comfortable.  If at any point during your session you feel discomfort either emotionally or physically I only ask that you speak up so that we can stop the session and find a solution that works for you.  If this is a concern of yours I encourage you to call me prior to booking so that we can discuss your hesitations and answer any questions you may have.

I think I would like a bodywork but I don’t like people touching my feet, does this mean massage is not for me?

In short, no.  Many people have areas of their body where they do not frequently receive touch and therefore have reservations about receiving work there or areas where they already know they definitely do not like touch.   At the beginning of every new client session we will discuss at length, your desires for the session, including there areas you do and do not think you would like to receive work.

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.  Breasts and genitals will be covered at all times.

What parts of my body will be touched?    

It is my desire to customize all of my sessions to my clients specific needs.  So while a typical full body massage would include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders, we will discuss prior to the session which of these areas best serves your needs.

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.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Rest!  Prior to, and during the massage, feel free to ask the me any questions about the techniques I’ll be using or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session.

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.

What if I’m pregnant? Can I receive bodywork?

Women can begin to receive massage at any point during their pregnancy; however I prefer to work only on mother’s to be who have reached their 2nd trimester. A mother’s body goes through many muscular, skeletal, circulatory and hormonal changes during pregnancy.  Many of the changes happen in multiple stages as the mother moves through the pregnancy. Studies have shown some of the many benefits of massage to include:

  • Reduce back and hip pain
  • Improved circulation
  • Reduced edema
  • Reduced muscle tension and headaches
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
  • Better sleep