Do I need to arrive early?
Please be on time. About 5 minutes before your first scheduled appointment is ideal. You want to be sure to get your fully-allotted time as well as make time for any paperwork you need to fill out. After that just come at your appointment time. We have arranged our schedules to make certain we have plenty of time between clients to clean the room and change the sheets.
What if I am running late?
We are fantastic Massage Therapists and manage to manipulate soft tissues with a high degree of skill, however we have not managed to be able to manipulate the space time continuum. If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. We will endeavor to give you the most time we possibly can without encroaching on the next appointment.
How long will my appointment take?
Your appointment length depends on what time you choose; 30 minutes, 60 minutes or 90 minutes – that will be hands on time. We created our schedule to make certain you get the time you pay for. The few minutes spent visiting before or after the session, you disrobing and you getting dressed will not detract from your scheduled appointment time.
How do I dress (or more importantly) how much do I need to undress?
One of the myths of Massage Therapy is that you need to completely undress to get a massage or bodywork session. This is absolutely not true.
You get to take off what you want, and leave on what you want. You need to be comfortable. If you decide to leave all your clothes on that is fine. We can work with you in a wet suit and a trench coat and still leave you feeling amazing. If you disrobe, it is important for you to understand that we will employ professional draping. You will be covered by a sheet and a blanket, with only the area of your body being worked on being exposed. What matters most is your comfort.
Please wait until your therapist has left the screened area before you begin to undress. We have not seen it all and really do not need to.
Do I need to fill out any forms?
Yes, we have a short health history form for you to fill out on your first visit. Please tell your therapist about any major surgeries or injuries you’ve had. If you are thinking “do they really need to know about that?” The answer is yes. We do. It has bearing on how we will choose your course of treatment. Also – let your therapist know if you are taking any medicine – certain pharmaceuticals may cause you to have a less than stellar experience.
Can we talk during the session?
Once again it is your time and what you are comfortable with. Please speak up if something isn’t right. During the session please let us know about anything that can make the experience better. Tell us if the music is too loud, if you don’t like it, if the temperature isn’t comfortable, or if the pressure is too hard (or not hard enough). And please don’t worry about being rude — we actually appreciate the feedback. It will help us make your session better.
So, can I go to sleep?
Some people do tune out and go to La La Land, others just relax and focus on what is happening during the massage and their breathing. Some modalities will require you to be present and participate in the session by giving feedback, stretching, or actively resisting. Once again it is your choice.
How much should I tip?
You shouldn’t, really. This is not a spa or resort. We do not accept or expect gratuities. We are certainly flattered that you cared.
We consider the massage and bodywork sessions we provide to be an important part of your regular health and wellness care. We are state licensed health professionals and as such, do not expect a tip any more than your physician, physical therapist or nurse would.
Tips are weird too. Some people feel like they are tipping to pay for extra special treatment. Everyone gets extra special treatment, so it isn’t necessary. Sometimes people are so relaxed after a session they are not paying close attention and tend to tip too much. Then when they realize it they feel like they have to do that every time. Then they may not schedule another appointment or feel uncomfortable coming back. It is just so much easier to skip the tip.
If you really want to do something nice you can pick up a couple of business cards on your way out and give them to your friends. It is the highest compliment you could give us. Or donate to our favorite cause, The Massage Therapy Foundation. The Foundation provides funds for Massage Therapy Research and Community Service Projects all across the United States (and North America).
I have an appointment but, I don’t feel well, what do I do?
Please do not come in if you’re sick or have a contagious condition. There are 3 main reasons for this:
- We don’t want to catch what you have.
- We don’t want our other clients to catch what you have.
- Massage may greatly worsen the symptoms of a virus or cold.
We will happy to reschedule, just give us a call.
Do I need to shave?
Never apologize if you haven’t shaved your legs. This one’s for you, ladies. We massage guys with very hairy legs, we’re used to it. Really.