Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Expect ?

During an Office Massage Session:

SETTING - Your session will take place in a quiet, private treatment room. The room will be set to a comfortable temperature.

INTAKE - You will complete a health history form ahead of time, then upon your arrival, you will meet with your therapist to discuss your health and goals for the session. If you are an experienced recipient of massage, you will be asked about your preferences, your likes and dislikes, and if there are any areas of the body you would prefer to avoid. You have a choice to received work on a specified area where you are experiencing some challenge or problems or to receive a full-body session. Since Healthy Touch uses a HOLISTIC approach, addressing the full body is recommended. The order of the massage varies depending upon your areas of complaint, and the therapist will try to assure that those areas are addressed within the first 10 min. of your session.

DRAPING - Expect a full-body massage to include your back, posterior thighs, gluteal area, legs, feet, anterior thighs, legs, feet, abdomen, arms, upper chest, neck, shoulders, head and face. Your private areas (breasts, genitals, gluteal cleft) are never intentionally touched or worked on and will remain respectfully covered with a drape (sheet or towel) throughout your session. If you prefer to avoid any of the areas mentioned, please advise your therapist.

CLOTHING - There are several modalities of massage that do not require the removal of clothing, so please request these if that is your preferrence. If you are receiving a massage that includes lubricant (oil or lotion), the more skin you have available to touch the better. You may undress completely, trusting that you will remain covered by the drape, except for the areas being worked on. Your comfort is of utmost concern, so please leave on underwear or ask for an additional covering (blanket) if that will help you to be more relaxed on the table. Once you and the therapist have discussed your particular needs for the session, the therapist will leave the room to go wash their hands, and you will undress to your comfort level. Clothing may be left on the chair or hung up on the hooks/hangers provided.

COMFORT - So that you can relax fully, it is best to use the restroom prior to your session, and perhaps afterwards as well. If you need to use the restroom during your session, please just say so. You will need to get dressed to leave the treatment room, but it is more important that you be comfortable than suffer in silence on the table. Some techniques may encourage the relaxation and subsequent movement of the digestive system. Again for your comfort, please do not be embarrassed by stomach gurgling, or the need to pass gas (out of either end). Just allow the natural processes to take place.

ENHANCEMENTS - Soft music will be played and aromatherapy may be both diffused in the room and added to your massage oil. The therapist will check in to assure you are comfortable with these enhancements. Usually, a heat pack will be applied to one or more areas of your body during your session to help the body relax. In addition, hot towels are usually applied to the back and the feet towards the end of your session to remove oil and as a therapeutic enhancement. If you have a preference for where these are to be applied or not applied (like the face), please advise your therapist. Cupping and Gwa Sha are available upon request at no additional charge. The application of Castor Oil Packs, Kinesio-Tape or a few heated stones are “Add-Ons” that may be added to your session for a small additional fee.

TALKING - During your session you are welcome to talk about anything that comes to mind, especially bodily awareness and sensations. Verbalizing either with healing sounds, affirmations or sharing your experiential awareness can create a more somatic session and is an option at your request. You may also choose to be quiet and float off to an altered state of consciousness and deep relaxation. There is no “right” thing to do during your session, and it might be different based on how you are feeling that day and your personal goals for the session.

PRESSURE/PAIN - Please be sure to provide feedback about areas that are sensitive or sore when touched. Bodywork is intended to elicit a relaxation response and if the pressure being applied is too intense or painful, the body will naturally recoil and tense up in response to pain. This is counter-productive. Please advise the therapist if you experience pain, or even if the amount of pressure is approaching your pain threshold. It is best to allow the pressure to work up to but not beyond your pleasure/pain threshold. During the session, the therapist may move your body around — this is considered “passive” movement and you do not need to assist. If an active movement is needed, the therapist will coach you on what to do.

CLOSURE - At the end of your session, please turn on your side and rise slowly, making sure you feel clear-headed and balanced before getting up. A moist towel will be left for you to wipe off any additional oil before you get dressed. Please open the door when you are ready, and the therapist will return to get some feedback on how you feel after your session. You can schedule your next appointment at this time, and the therapist will also take your payment. Using Cashless/Touchless services like Venmo, ApplePay, or PayPal are preferred; but cash, check or credit card is also accepted.

What should I do AFTER my session?

Get the most out of your session by following these self-care recomendations:

• Drink Water … stay hydrated.

• Listen to your Body … if tired, REST … if energized, take it EASY and avoid over-exertion.

• Take a Soak … a warm or hot Epsom Salts Bath can extend the feeling of deep relaxation as well as melt away any residual muscle soreness.

• Schedule another massage session BEFORE you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, tension and pain again.

• Receiving regular massage can help you maintain health and well-being.

• Practice Mindfulness … tuning into the body, doing some deep cleansing breaths and staying connected to how you are FEELING in the present moment.

• Journal about your experience, tracking your physical and emotional response to each session can be insightful to knowing what you need to maintain a balanced, stress-free lifestyle.