FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1.  Do I have to completely undress for my massage?
A1.  Although the best way to administer the types of massage given at Massage Therapy For Health is skin to skin contact with an oil lubricant, you can undress to YOUR comfort level.  Naked is OK if YOU are comfortable with it.  No matter what level you undress, you will be under a sheet and towel during the entire massage.  Only the body part being massaged will be un-draped.  YOUR modesty is always honored.  Breasts and genitals are never un-draped or worked on.

Q2.  Will I be sore after the massage?
A2.  Maybe.  A relaxation massage should not have any after affects.  A therapeutic deep tissue massage may leave you with a feeling of "bruise" or "work out".  The area worked may feel sore for up to 48 hours after the massage.  The area should feel better after the massage than before.  You are encouraged to ice an area if you feel the need.  Overall, you should have better Range of Motion and Less Pain than when you came in for the massage.

Q3.  I have had Deep Tissue work done before.  The massage therapist used too much pressure and didn't back off even after I protested.  Will I find the same thing at Massage Therapy For Health?
A3.  No.  I am sorry you had a bad experience with Deep Tissue Massage.  All massages, including therapeutic deep tissue massage is geared to the client's comfort level.  "Deep Tissue" work does not mean "more pressure", it is a series of techniques that work the muscle tissue in a deeper manner.  These techniques can be applied at whatever pressure the client can tolerate.  The goal is to relax the muscle tissue.  To do this the client must be relaxed as well.  If the client is tensing up or pulling away from the therapist in pain, relaxation to the tissue and the client is NOT achieved.  Feedback and follow through is of the utmost importance for a good deep tissue massage experience.

Q4.  Do you use a "Pregnancy Table" with cutouts to accommodate the breasts and belly?
A4.  No.  I use pillows to prop the client so that the weight bearing joints are supported and relaxed.  My clients usually say that the pillow propping is the most comfortable position they have been in during their pregnancy.  The "Pregnancy Tables" with the breast/belly cutouts don't fit every pregnant body and deep tissue work to the low back/buttocks area is not safe with this style table.  Deep tissue work can be done safely using the pillow propping method.

Q5.  Can I get any "extras" during or after my massage?
A5.  NO!  Massage Therapy For Health is a non-sexual establishment.  There are no "extras".

Q6.  Do you accept Credit Cards or Health Insurance?
A6.  I do not accept Credit Cards.  The credit card systems are cost-prohibitive for small businesses.  I do not accept any Health Insurance...more accurately, most Health Insurance don't accept Massage Therapy.  For the few that do, it, again, is cost-prohibitive for a small business.  I am happy to provide you with receipts for your visits so you may follow through with your insurance provider.

Q7.  Will you do a home visit?
A7.  No.  Everything I need is at my disposal in my office.  To carry everything with me to give the high quality massage I want my clients to experience is too much.  I would need a massage after hauling it all.  The travel time, the set up time and the tear down time would affect my office schedule too much.  I can travel with my massage chair.  Chair massage is great for office visits, home parties or health fairs.  Chair massage is designed to be portable but the work done is brief (5-15 minutes/session).  To get the full affect of a massage it is best to make an appointment and come into the office.

Q8.  Should I receive a massage if I think I am getting a cold/flu or starting to feel ill?
A8.  No.  First, if you are contagious you should stay home.  Second, if you are in the beginning stages of a cold/flu the massage could make you feel worse by pushing the virus through your body's circulation system faster than it can handle.  Third, you won't enjoy your massage if you are feeling ill.

Q9.  What is your cancellation policy?
A9.  Massage Therapy For Health does have a cancellation policy. It states that "24 Hours must be given for a cancellation. If less than 24 Hours is given, a charge may be incurred. Full payment is expected for a "no show"." The reason I have a cancellation policy is that I take my work and my time seriously. My work is how I pay my bills. When a person cancels with less than 24 hours notice or is a "no show", I loose out on the income of that client. I also do not have time to adjust my schedule to book in someone else who might otherwise have been able to come in. I make a verbal contract with each client when I set up an appointment. We both agree on the day and time of the appointment. I show up, set up, and get ready to do my part. I expect my client to be ready to go at the appointed time. It is a matter of respect on the part of both parties to show up for the appointment. My cancellation policy is on all my business cards and appointment cards, on the Medical History Form and Policy Form that each client signs and is posted in my office.