AFTER YOUR SESSION

1. Rule No. 1: STAY HYDRATED!  Massage releases metabolic waste from muscle tissue, but it's up to you to get it out of there.  Proper hydration after a massage helps to flush waste from cells and tissues in the body, and takes it to the kidneys for filtration and removal.
    

2. Because you probably can't come see me every single day, it's important that between sessions, you maintain the work we do together to support your health and wellness goals.  I may provide you with various exercises, stretches, or self-massage techniques to help support your progress between bodywork sessions.
    

3. You might feel like you want to take a nap after your massage, but (depending on your treatment goals) I will likely encourage you to keep moving after your session.  Go for a walk, or do some light yoga or other stretch therapy.

DURING YOUR SESSION

1. Before your massage begins, we'll review your health history together and I'll ask a series of questions to ensure that your treatment plan is safe and beneficial to your body's needs.  I'll verify any areas of concern, areas to avoid, and any other local contraindications.
    

2. After this brief conversation, I may opt to perform and document a full visual and/or palpatory assessment to help me identify areas of dysfunction and create your treatment plan.  These assessments will generally be done with you fully clothed, or you may be asked to bring shorts and a tank-top to wear during a visual assessment.
    

3. Your comfort is my priority.  While most massage therapies are performed with the client fully disrobed, you are only expected to undress to your level of comfort.  Any garments left on will act as a natural barrier, and any covered areas will be omitted.  I use specialized draping techniques to ensure your comfort and modesty, and only the area being worked will be exposed.  Genitals and breast tissue are never uncovered or exposed.  Depending on the session plan, I may ask you to hold the sheet/drape in place at certain times.  This is to give you some control over the session while allowing me to focus on certain strokes, stretches, or other techniques.​​
    

4. I will check in with you throughout your session to ensure proper pressure and technique.  However, I encourage you to communicate with me openly and honestly.  Please let me know if the pressure needs to be adjusted, or if you don't like a particular stroke or technique I've used.  It will not hurt my feelings or make me mad.  I want to ensure that you get the most benefit possible from your sessions, and your feedback is critical.
    

5. Many people fall asleep during their massage.  Don't fight it!  One of the primary benefits of massage therapy is it's ability to promote relaxation.  Your body does most of it's healing during sleep, so give your body what it's looking for.  On the other hand, some people don't like to sleep through the massage because they feel like they "missed the whole thing".  If that's you, just let me know before we start and I'll make sure you're conscious to the end.
    

6. One of the primary effects of massage therapy is increased blood and lymph circulation.  Sudden increases in blood flow can cause the skin to appear red or slightly inflamed.  It can also result in physiological responses, like erections of the penis, nipples, and other sensitive areas.  This is a natural and unconscious/involuntary response and you have nothing to be embarrassed about.  Chances are that I won't even notice the change unless you bring it to my attention, so just try to relax and enjoy your session.  If you find yourself in this situation and feel uncomfortable, simply tell me you need a moment and I will exit the room and allow you time to get comfortable.