Massage FAQs
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When should I arrive for my appointment?

We generally recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early for your scheduled appointment.  Remember, your massage time starts at the time you scheduled, so arriving a bit early gives us time for a check-in or intake, and for you to get on the table.  

Do I have to get undressed for my massage?

No.  The most important thing is that you feel safe comfortable.  While it can be easier for your therapist to do certain techniques skin to skin, it is not imperative that you be unclothed.  If you are not comfortable disrobing, there are still plenty of beneficial techniques that can be done with you fully clothed.  It is most common for people to leave on undergarments or to disrobe completely, but there are also people who prefer to wear more of all of their clothing on the table.  

What should I wear to my massage?

It depends on how comfortable you are disrobing.  As mentioned above, you are not required to undress for your massage.  However, any clothing you leave on should be soft, comfortable, and easy to move in.  The more restricting your clothes are, the more limited your massage therapist is with regards to technique.  If you choose to remain clothed, soft yoga or sweat pants are a good option, and a T-shirt or tank top is a great option on top.  If you prefer to disrobe for your massage, you can wear anything you like to the session, though people often find that they prefer to wear something comfortable anyway.

Should I wear makeup for my massage?

We recommend against wearing makeup for your massage.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  The first is that you will either have your face in a face cradle or resting on a pillow, which means that any makeup is likely to get smudged.  The second is that if your makeup gets smudged, it often stains the sheets.  Multiple occasions have called for replacing face cradle covers and pillow cases because they got stained with someone's lipstick or foundation.  No one wants to put their face on something that has someone else's lipstick stains on it.

Do I need to shave before my massage?

There is no reason you should have to shave before your massage.  In fact, we recommend not shaving.  When you shave, there is potential for cuts, sometimes small enough that you don't even register them.  Any of these little cuts can present an entrance for bacteria.  In addition, stubble at a certain length can actually feel like sandpaper for the massage therapist and create stubble burns on our hands.  Your massage therapist will not judge you for any type or amount of body hair that you may have.  

Will therapeutic massage hurt?

Absolutely not!  Therapeutic massage should not hurt.  There may be certain times that you feel some amount of discomfort, and you should always let your massage therapist know, but you should never feel pain.  It is not a normal part of a massage, and it is not a sign that good things are happening.

Can I get a massage if I'm on my period?

Absolutely!  There is no reason that you cannot receive a massage while you are menstruating.  It is up to you whether or not you even mention it to your massage therapist.  In fact, there are techniques that can be very effective for alleviating discomfort caused by your period such as cramps, bloating, and back pain.  Your massage therapist can also provide heat if you would like.

Can I get a massage if I'm in my first trimester of pregnancy?

Yes.  The reason that many spas do not allow massage during the first trimester is that if someone is going to miscarry, it generally happens in the earlier stages of pregnancy, and the establishment doesn't want to be blamed.  The reality is that massage does not cause miscarriage.  In fact, many people get regular massage before they even realize that they are pregnant.  There are certain modifications that your massage therapist will make as your pregnancy progresses that are important to your comfort and safety, so it is important to let your therapist know if you are pregnant.  The easiest way to do this is by booking a prenatal massage.

Can I get a massage if I just had a baby?

Most people like to wait a little while after giving birth before getting a massage, but you are welcome to get a massage immediately after giving birth if you like.  Having a baby is a major event for your body, and it is important to recover at your own speed.  Massage can be a wonderful part of your recovery when you feel ready.

Can I get a massage if I'm sick?

It is generally recommended that you stay home if you are sick.  This helps to protect not only your massage therapist, but other clients from getting sick as well.  If you are contagious, stay at home.  If you have been sick and are recovering, massage can be helpful.  Your therapist can position you however you are most comfortable and can apply techniques designed to help break up mucus and congestion, or ease muscles that are sore from sniffling and coughing.  It is important to make sure that you are no longer contagious, but after that, it can be helpful.  Some people report worsening of symptoms immediately after the massage during recovery from a virus, but the symptoms also tend to dissipate faster.

Can I drink alcohol before my massage?

No.  Alcohol is a contraindication for massage, meaning that it makes massage unsafe.  Remember, massage therapy affects your circulatory system, and alcohol gets into your bloodstream.  Receiving massage while intoxicated can make you feel more drunk.  It is similar to being in a hot place like a hot tub or sauna while drunk.  Being face down on a table and receiving massage can quickly lead to vomiting on said table.  Alcohol also interferes with your ability to register pain which means that you are more likely to get hurt and be unable to supply accurate feedback to your therapist.  Anyone who shows up intoxicated will be denied their massage and will still be responsible for the fee.

What if I fall asleep during my massage?

Don't worry about it.  People fall asleep all the time.  It is not rude or insulting to your therapist.  We generally tend to assume that if you fall asleep on the table, you need the rest.  Your therapist will gently awaken you when it is time to change positions or if the massage ends.  If you absolutely do not want to fall asleep during your massage, just let your therapist know and they will help try and prevent you from falling asleep or will gently wake you if you do.

What if I dislike the music that is playing in the room?

If you dislike the music in the room, just let your therapist know and they will change the music or turn it off completely if you prefer.  Remember, it is your massage.  You should always feel like you are in control of the environment.  If there is anything you do not like, just let your therapist know, and they will do their best to accommodate your wishes.

What if I have to pass gas (fart) during my massage?

Passing gas is a normal bodily function.  I assure you that your massage therapist will not be offended in the slightest.  In fact, I would rather you just relax and let it happen than remain tense and clenched trying to hold it back.  Passing gas is a sign that you are relaxing, and it is perfectly normal.  If you feel like you need to say something or apologize, you can, but if you just leave it unaddressed, there will be no offense taken.