Frequently Asked Questions

Your first session starts with a short conversation — not an intake form you fill out alone, but an actual talk. I'll ask what's going on in your body, whether you have any injuries or health conditions I should know about, and what you're hoping to get out of the session. It takes five minutes and it shapes everything.

From there, I'll step out so you can undress to your comfort level and get onto the table under a sheet. Once you're settled, I'll knock before entering. Throughout the session, I'll check in on pressure — especially in the first few minutes. When we finish, I'll give you space to come back slowly. There's no rush.

No — you undress to whatever level feels comfortable to you. Most clients undress fully or down to their underwear, but I've worked with clients who stayed fully clothed. You are always fully draped with a sheet, and only the area being worked on is ever uncovered. The draping is maintained throughout the entire session.

Your comfort matters more than access. If there's an area you don't want worked on, just tell me — no explanation needed. I don't take it personally, and it won't affect the quality of the rest of your session.

It depends on what you're dealing with. For general maintenance and stress relief, once a month is a solid baseline — consistent enough to keep tension from accumulating, spaced enough to be realistic for most schedules and budgets.

If you're working through something specific — chronic pain, injury recovery, or a particularly stressful period — every two to three weeks tends to produce faster, more lasting results. For acute issues, we might start with weekly sessions and taper from there.

Honestly? The best frequency is whatever you'll actually stick to. One session a month done consistently beats quarterly sessions when you're desperate.

Relaxation massage (Swedish technique) uses longer, flowing strokes with light to medium pressure across the full body. The goal is to activate your parasympathetic nervous system — the part that signals rest and recovery. It improves circulation, eases general tension, and leaves most people feeling genuinely calm.

Deep tissue uses slower, more deliberate strokes with sustained pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It's designed to address specific issues: chronic knots, adhesions, areas with restricted movement. It's not necessarily painful, but it's more intense and purposeful.

A good rule of thumb: if you want to feel relaxed, choose relaxation. If you want to fix something specific, deep tissue is probably your session. If you want both, we can blend them — that's what the custom session is for.

In most cases, yes — with modifications. Massage is safe for the vast majority of people, including those managing chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, anxiety, or back pain. In many cases, it's actively helpful.

There are some situations where massage isn't appropriate or where we'd need to take extra care: recent surgery, certain blood clotting disorders, active infections or skin conditions in the area to be worked on, and a few others. If you're unsure, reach out before booking and describe your situation — I'll give you an honest answer. If I'm not the right fit for your needs, I'll tell you.

For complex medical situations, a note from your doctor clearing you for massage may be helpful or required. I'll let you know if that's the case.

Say something. Seriously — please say something. Adjusting pressure is simple for me and it makes a real difference for you. There's nothing awkward about it. I'd rather know immediately than have you grit your teeth through the whole session.

Deep tissue work can involve some discomfort — what therapists call "therapeutic discomfort," where it hurts in a good way and you feel the tissue releasing. But if you're holding your breath or bracing against the pressure, it's too much. Tension is counterproductive to what we're trying to do. The goal is release, not endurance.

I check in at the start of sessions and again as we move to different areas. But don't wait for me to ask — you can say something at any point, and I promise it won't hurt my feelings.

Before: Drink water, eat a light meal if you're hungry (not a big one right before), and avoid alcohol beforehand. Shower if you can — not because it's required, but because you'll feel more comfortable. Arrive 5–10 minutes early for your first visit so we have time to talk without cutting into your session.

After: Drink plenty of water — massage increases circulation and flushes metabolic waste from the muscles, and hydration helps your body process it. You might feel tired, loose, or a little tender (especially after deep tissue). This is normal. Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day if you can. Rest if you feel like resting. That's your body doing something useful.

Booking is done online through Vagaro — you can browse available times, choose your session type, and confirm in a few minutes. You'll get a confirmation email immediately and a reminder before your session. Book here.

Cancellation: Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment. Late cancellations (under 24 hours) may be charged a partial fee. No-shows are charged in full. Life happens — if something comes up, just let me know as early as you can and I'll do my best to work with you.

If you have questions before booking, you can also send me a message and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.