Frequently Asked Questions

     No. Different techniques call for different things, but ultimately, your therapist wants you to be comfortable while you are in a session, and if you are worried about clothing (or the lack of it), you are less likely to relax.

     For a session that involves movement, such as assisted stretching, it's best if you wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. For table work, you can undress to your level of comfort and the therapist will work around whatever you leave on.

     Note: In the USA, individual state boards set the guidelines for draping and what has to be covered by law during a massage. In Oregon, that means at least minimal draping is required. You will be initially covered by a sheet, and that drape will be moved around to expose whatever area is being worked on as needed.

     Relaxation massage tends to be more superficial, non-specific, connective and flowing.

     Sports massage, on the other hand, is vigorous and involves the use of multiple modalities, which could include relaxing Swedish-type massage techniques. Sports massage is more stimulating and at times needs to match the intensity of the athlete. It can be sport-specific and should be added as part of an athlete’s regular training schedule.

    Say something! Talk to your therapist as soon as you feel uncomforatble in any way. If you feel like you would like more pressure, speak up. If you feel that the pressure is a bit too much, let your therapist know. If you are ticklish, experience a twinge, need a tissue, or if you experience any discomfort involving the headrest, the bolster, the temperature on the table, tell your therapist.  If we don't know there's a problem, we can't fix it.

     If this will be your first appointment, I will have booked you for 10-15 extra minutes to allow time to fill out all of the necessary paperwork. That includes a Medical History (yes, this is necessary), Permission for Service (I can't work on you without your written permission), and (when the situation requires) forms detailing your traffic accident or insurance information. You will be more comfortable if you haven't eaten for at least 3o minutes prior to the session. For both of our benefits, please be clean when you arrive.

     It is totally normal. As you relax, it's common to experience all sorts of physical manifestations. Some people drool, some people fart, some people snore. As your parasympathetic nervous system works, your stomach may rumble. You may have muscle twitches. None of that is anything to fret about (though when appropriate, an "oops! excuse me" wouldn't go amiss!).

     Each session tends to be different. I don't buy into the idea of "just a regular massage", as each person is different and your individual needs will change from appointment to appointment. I use a variety of massage products (oil, lotion and creme). I use a table warmer on the massage table, under the bottom sheet, so let me know if you are more comfortable without heat. I like music and have a few different apps available, so if you have a preference, I will try to accomodate your taste.

     Best answer is please don't. In some cases, the massage can intensify your symptoms but shorten the duration of your illness. In other cases, it will simply make you feel worse. At the very least, being sick will lessen the effect of the massage, and weren't you coming in because you wanted a specific result?

* On a personal note, I would really rather not get your cold/flu/stomach bug/pinkeye. Thank you in advance for adjusting your appointment.

     I accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards
• PayPal
• Debit Cards attached to Health Savings Accounts.

I am currently working on my credentialing in order to accept health insurance for billing.