I’ve Never Had a Massage Before. What Should I Expect?
When you call for an appointment, I will ask you some general questions about your health and if you have any illnesses, conditions, or issues of pain or stress. I will ask you to complete a Health History Form. (link to PDF)
Time Planning: Time Planning: For first appointments, please allow an additional 20-30 minutes extra time (no charge) to your appointment time. We will discuss your health history and any stress or pain issues prior to the actual massage or other therapy. This information will help me provide the most appropriate therapy for you. After your session I may have some self-care suggestions for you.
Do I have to Undress for my Massage?
As a massage therapist, my goal is to make sure you are comfortable at all times and to ensure your complete privacy. Your session will be in a private room. You will undress to your comfort level (in privacy) after I leave the massage room. In a professional massage you are always completely covered (draped) with a large sheet (and a blanket if it’s cold) and only the area being worked on (your back, leg, arm, etc..) is uncovered during the therapeutic work on that area. Note that draping is always required for all sessions. After the massage, I will leave the room so you can get dressed in privacy.
If you (or someone you know) are uncomfortable with the idea of undressing for a massage, then you might like to try one of the other therapies where you remain fully clothed. Consider Reflexology Therapy, Chair Massage, Ah-Shiatsu Massage or Tibetan Singing Bowl Meditation.
Aromatherapy
The wonderful benefits of aromatherapy (if desired) is included at no extra charge for massage therapy, massage cupping or reflexology. Together we will select your choice of pure therapeutic essential oils. Note that if you are sensitive to fragrance, or prefer no aromatherapy, I will provide your session without essential oils.
Will the Massage Hurt or be Painful?
NO! Massage therapy should never be painful. There are various kinds of massage from Relaxation Massage (light to medium pressure) to Hot Stone Massage (light, medium or deep pressure) to Ah-Shiatsu Massage (medium to deep pressure). These are different therapies and have different techniques and goals. No matter which one you choose, each session is always customized to your needs and comfort level and as light or a deep as you like but never painful.
How Will I Feel After My Massage or Reflexology Session?
My hope is that you will feel much better after experiencing Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage, relaxation massage or other bodywork as it helps you relax and de-stress. Most clients report that they feel better and sleep better. Note: It is important to drink at least 1-2 liters of water after your massage and the next day as your body is releasing toxins that were stored in your sore muscles.
How Often Should I Get a Massage?
You can get as massage daily, weekly, monthly or as often as you want and your budget allows. In general, as a maintenance level, it’s a good idea to have a massage every month to help your body stay in condition. However, in the case of chronic pain or rehabilitation you may need massage more often, maybe every week for a few weeks until you feel better and your condition improves. Together we will assess your situation and see what is most beneficial for you.
Preparing for your massage, Reflexology or other therapy – what should I do?
If your appointment is for Reflexology, please wash your feet well and make sure your toenails are trimmed. If you are coming for an appointment after any intense physical activity – running, exercise, gardening, farm work, working with animals, dog grooming, construction, road maintenance, heavy work-out, etc, involving sweat, sawdust, manure or dirt, please shower before your appointment for everyone’s comfort.
Do You Take Insurance?
No, I do not do insurance billing. At this time most health insurance does not cover massage therapy for general pain relief, preventive care or improved health. And, unfortunately, Massage Therapy is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
Please speak directly with your health insurance company to see if they will reimburse you directly for therapeutic massage.
Massage therapy is allowed under some Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – please check the exact details of coverage with your plan to make sure massage therapy is a covered expense and that you can submit a receipt to be reimbursed for your payment.
Full payment must be made on the day of your appointment by cash, local check or credit card.
If I am not feeling well the day of my appointment what should I do?
Please call me right away to reschedule your appointment. You should not receive a massage while you are sick or feeling like you are ‘coming down with something’, You should not get a massage if you have a fever, nausea, migraine, a cold or the flu, or any contagious illness.
What If I Have a Health Condition or Illness?
If you are in general good health, then you will likely benefit from massage and/or Reflexology. However, under the following conditions, a Reflexology and Massage session may not be beneficial. Please call me for a free phone consultation if you have any of these conditions:
- Right after Surgery. (After you are released by your doctor or medical practitioner you may have massage or reflexology to assist you during your rehabilitation.)
- Current case of athlete’s foot – will prevent you from a Reflexology Therapy session on your feet until it is completely clear and no longer contagious. (You may still have massage on your body.)
- Unstable blood pressure that is not controlled by medication
- Congestive heart failure
- Severe Swelling (edema) of the body or feet
- Contagious illness – cold, flu, etc
- Serious illness – Cancer, AIDs, H1N1, West Nile virus, Kidney Failure, etc..
What About Stone Massage in the Summer?
Stone Massage is suitable all year as warm stones can be used in focused areas for pain relief, and cool stones can be placed for comfort and relief from heat. You may benefit from a combination or hot and cool stones according to your preference and the weather. If you are hot, I use various techniques to cool the body to delicious comfort, and cool stone reflexology on your feet feels like heaven. So a massage with a combination of cool (and warm) stones placed on various parts of the body for grounding and balance feels great!
What if I Just Want a Regular Massage Without Stones?
Every session is always customized to you and your needs. You may choose to have a massage without stones. Please see the Relaxation Massage – Swedish page or any of the other therapy pages for more information.
What if I’m Ticklish?
If you are sensitive and ticklish, not to worry. I use firmer touch so it does NOT tickle, but feels really good. I have never had a client (even those with ticklish feet) who did not completely enjoy their Hot Stone or Reflexology experience.
Please Ask Questions
My goal is to make you as comfortable as possible and I want you to ask questions. Please tell me immediately if something needs to be adjusted (you want less pressure, you are cold or hot, need another pillow, etc…).
What Are Your Qualifications as a Massage Therapist?
I am a Board Certified Massage Therapist (BCMT) which is the highest level of certification in the United States (not every massage therapist holds this certification) by The National Certification Board – NCBTMB. This certification requires the highest standards of education, practice and ethics for a Certified Massage Therapist in the United States. I am a licensed massage therapist in the State of Colorado, where my practice is located and have extensive training and education. My qualifications and trainings exceed all the required standards.
I am also certified to teach massage therapy and reflexology and my teaching credentials have been officially vetted by the State of Colorado, Department of Education. I am currently teaching in the Integrative / Holistic Health Department at Front Range Community College, in Fort Collins, Colorado. For more information about my credentials, see the About page.
Qualifications for Massage Therapy differ depending on the state. In Colorado, all Massage Therapists must be licensed or certified AND registration is required with the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Registration laws in Colorado require that the therapist has:
* completed the required hours of classroom training with the proper massage therapy curriculum
* graduated from a State-approved accredited school
* proved their credentials and education.
* been fingerprinted as well as had an official criminal background check from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.