Q: What do you mean by “Functional”?
A: Great question! Everything that I bring to our sessions has one, overarching goal: To help clients have a greater ability to function through more of their years – whether that function is reaching a new personal best in their sport or being able to better care for their home or partner or self.
Q: But what if I just want to relax?
A: I totally get it. My clients can tell you, they find that our sessions are still very relaxing even when we are working on mobility our fascial restrictions. However, if you are looking for a straight-up relaxation massage, that isn’t what I do. Let me know, I have some great recommendations for some excellent therapists in town. You won’t hurt my feelings. ;)
Q: How should I dress for my session?
A: For the initial session, wear comfortable clothes that don’t restrict your movements (athletic or leisure wear works great), in case we decide to incorporate any assessments.
Q: How undressed do I need to be during the massage?
A: You don’t have to be undressed at all if you don’t feel comfortable. I can work through clothing and will honor any boundaries that you identify. That being said, there are techniques that are more effective with skin contact. The sheets on the massage table are quite nice and the table is warmed so many clients find it very comfortable to be undressed. To be clear, when you are on the massage table your privacy is maintained at all times. The only parts of your body that will be exposed are arms, legs, back, and the upper chest (from your collar bone up). The biggest factor here is your comfort level. This is your session that I am honored to be invited to be a part of. You should be able to relax and know that you are safe (more about that in the next question).
Q: What about inappropriate behavior?
A: That is a fair question. I’m really glad you asked. There are a lot of examples of inappropriate conversations and actions in the massage industry from both practitioners and clients. I have a zero tolerance policy on inappropriate behavior and am part of the Respect Massage movement. There is no place for it here. You should feel safe and I should feel safe.
Q: Umm, what about passing gas or drooling?
A: These things happen. To everyone. It means you are human and you are relaxed. Congratulations! :) I will have tissues in the treatment room if you need to wipe the drool and there is a really good air purifier in the room for any gas emissions. I would much rather you were able to relax and get the most out of your session.
Q: Since we’re being awkward, what about involuntary erections during sessions?
A: Okay. That’s real. It happens. So let’s talk about it. The parasympathetic response puts your body in a “rest and digest” state. During this relaxed state, blood flow increases and can cause involuntary erections. This just means you are relaxed and has no sexual context. Rest easy, no awkwardness necessary.
Q: Moving on! What is the norm for tipping?
A: At this studio there is no gratuity expected as I am a solo practitioner and I am providing a professional service. If you go to a spa or other, multi-practitioner practice then the norm is to tip your therapist as they are often working on a commission. The usual range is between 10 and 25% of the service fee.
These are the most common questions that I hear but please let me know if there are other questions that I should get on here.