What should I wear during my massage?

Clients are encouraged to be comfortable and can expect to be draped at all times. Some individuals may choose to wear undergarments under the drape, others may choose to disrobe completely. The most important factor is your comfort, so you should wear what you feel you can relax in. It’s also important to note that there are many draping techniques used to ensure clients comfort and safety.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your first visit begins with a conversation about your health history, any surgeries or treatment, and what you hope to feel. That conversation shapes the session that follows, and we revisit it as your needs change.

How do I handle gratuity?

Gratuity is never expected, but always appreciated. I see my services as healthcare services and I do my best to price my services accessibly while honoring my skill, experience, and abilities. That being said - I thank you for your patronage and if you enjoy your experience with me and would like to express your gratitude - a tip is a wonderful treat but a great review or a kind word shared on my behalf would mean the world to me.

How do I prepare for my massage?

Clients should arrive clean and free from strong odors. Hydration before and after a massage is helpful to the process of cellular metabolism and massage recovery. It’s recommended not to eat a heavy meal prior to your massage and to use the restroom beforehand for greater ease on the table.

How should I communicate with my therapist?

I’ll check in often, but please tell me anytime something isn’t working for you. It’s very important to me that you feel comfortable letting me know if an element of the massage is not to your liking. I will do my best to ask questions and check in with you, but you should not hesitate to let me know if something isn’t feeling helpful to your massage experience. Your comfort shapes everything we do.

How can I expect to feel after my massage?

There are occasions where tissue work, light or deep, leaves a feeling of soreness, grogginess, or overwhelm after a massage. This can present itself in a “just went to the gym” type of soreness, or feeling a bit run down, feeling great, or anywhere in between. If you experience soreness for over 24 - 48 hours after your massage, or overt discomfort, please let me know so that we can adjust our approach for next time. I always recommend that clients plan to relax after their massage and not to do any heavy lifting or intense activity 24 hours post-massage.

Will therapeutic massage be painful?

Therapeutic massage should not be painful, leave bruises, or exceed a client’s threshold of sensation. Though a client may feel some degree of discomfort, the aim is always to provide longer-term relief and productivity. As one can imagine, pressure is relative, so it is important that clients feel comfortable being open about their needs in adjusting the depth and technique. It is very important to understand that intention and receptivity are much more effective than sheer force when treating tissue.

I have a complex health background, an undiagnosed condition or chronic pain - is massage right for me?

I take a whole-person approach and am happy to work alongside your medical providers. Massage therapists don’t diagnose or replace medical care, but massage can be a valuable part of your care team. If you’re living with a complex condition or chronic pain, let’s talk about what you’re hoping for and whether massage is a good fit.

What can I expect from my massage now and over time?

Every person is different, including our tissue response and recovery time. There are occasions when massage is performed that clients see immediate and drastic results. Other times, the process may take longer, or even come and go depending on our lifestyle, habits, health concerns, and previous injury, treatment, or surgeries. It’s important to remember that when we want to see positive change, we have to interact with what is making that positive change consistently. Just like going to the gym, it will take time, planning, and persistence to work through years, sometimes decades, or a near lifetime of physical memory. If your massage makes you feel slightly better, we keep doing it, expanding on it and plan around your health and wellness goals.

Where is the studio, and where do I park?

My private studio is on our farm at 7841 N Barr Road in Ellettsville, just outside Bloomington. A dedicated, paved client parking space is just out front. I also see clients on Mondays and Tuesdays at Cancer Support Community of South Central Indiana, 1719 W 3rd St, Bloomington.

Do you accept HSA or FSA?

Yes. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

Do I need a referral?

A physician’s referral is required for Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for lymphedema. If you’ve recently had surgery, please check with your surgeon before booking lymphatic or scar tissue work. Other massage sessions don’t require a referral.

Is massage safe during chemotherapy or radiation?

Yes, when the session is adapted by a therapist trained in oncology massage. Pressure, positioning, and focus are adjusted around your treatment, symptoms, and medications. Learn more on my Oncology Massage page.

How soon after surgery can I start lymphatic work?

It depends on your procedure and your surgeon’s guidance. Many people begin lymphatic work soon after surgery once cleared, and scar tissue work begins after incisions have fully healed. Learn more on my Lymphatic & Post-Surgical Care page.

Have another question? Send me a note through my contact form, and I’ll get back to you soon.