Frequently Asked Questions

Common Concerns

Do I tip?
A tip is not expected. Unlike spa therapists, I work for myself and have very low overhead. You can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers.

Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage?
Many people prefer to keep their underwear bottoms on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you.

If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick.

I will always ensure that you are properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.

What if I fall asleep during the massage?
Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during a massage. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table. I take it as a compliment!

Undressing
I will always leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet.

Don't feel like you have to rush. I will not walk in on you. You'll let me know when you are on the table and comfortable.

Talking during the massage
Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation with me. After all, you're having a treatment and this is your time to relax! Just close your eyes and enjoy.

However, be sure to speak up if:

• the room is too hot or too cold
• you experience pain
• you have any questions related to the massage
• there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation

Pressure Issues
Please communicate openly with me about the pressure you need. I will not be insulted! Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective.

Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up.

A good rule of thumb: on a scale of one to 10 where 1 is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven.

I am breastfeeding and I am afraid I might leak.
This is a very common concern with postpartum mothers. Soft towels are used under you when you are laying face down and also between the breasts and the sheet when you are laying face up. If you are too uncomfortable to lay on your stomach we will do that portion of the massage in the side lying position like during pregnancy.

Contraindications to Massage

Massage is non-invasive, relaxing and natural. It is therefore generally considered a safe treatment for most people. However, there are three types of contraindications:

• Total, when massage should not be performed at all.
• Local, when massage can be performed but not over the contraindicated areas.
• Medical, when massage can only be performed once medical permission has been granted.

The following restrictions are in place to protect your health and well-being. Thank you for taking them seriously.

Total Contraindications
The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by:

• Varicose veins
• Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
• Bruising
• Cuts
• Abrasions
• Sunburn
• Undiagnosed pain
• Inflammation

Local Contraindications
When you have any of these conditions, please do not book a massage:

• Fever
• Contagious or infectious diseases, including any cold or flu no matter how mild it may seem.
• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol- including prescription pain medication
• Recent operations or acute injuries
• Neuritis
• Skin diseases

Medical Contraindications
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, massage can only take place once it has been approved before your session in writing by your Physician:

• Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
• Any condition already being treated by a medical practitioner
• Edema
• Psoriasis or eczema
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Cancer
• Nervous or psychotic conditions
• Heart problems, angina, those with pacemakers
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Bell's palsy, trapped or pinched nerves
• Gynecological infections

Does a contraindication mean that treatment cannot take place?
Not always. In fact, massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in the above cases it is best to have advice from your physician. Massage therapists, unless they are also qualified doctors, may not, under law, attempt to diagnose a condition.

Pregnancy Contraindications

High Risk Pregnancies
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, massage can only take place once it has been approved before your session in writing by your Physician:

• Diabetic Mother
• Cardiac Disorders- heart disease
• Chronic Hypertension
• Previous Problem in Pregnancy - previous miscarriage
• Mothers under 20 or over 35
• Asthmatic Mother
• Suspected RH Negative Mother or other genetic problems
• Drug addictions or exposure to drugs
• Previous multiple births

Proceed With Caution
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, a Physician's release is advised:

• Incompetent cervix
• Complications due to DES used during pregnancy
• Lung or liver disorder
• Severe anemia
• Convulsive disorders
• Abnormal Fetal Heartbeat
• Decrease or absence of fetal movement
• Interuterine growth retardation
• Lupus Erythematosus
• Poor lifestyle habits (drug abuse, poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption)
• Low weight gain
• No prenatal care