FAQs

I am a Certified Massage Therapist in the State of California and insured by the American Massage Therapy Association.

Yes, of course. Any health information you give me stays with me, and if I need to confer with your health care provider, I will give you a release form to sign for your health care provider and for me.

There are a lot of variables here, from the location to the type of massage. For general massage etiquette, this is an excellent resource.

1. Be clean. 2. No alcohol before or after. Drink plenty of water, though, and visit the restroom before the massage begins. Restroom visits during the massage will cut into your time. 3. Don't eat right before your massage. Allow at least half an hour, though an hour is better. 4. If I am coming to you, make sure there is an open space about 6' x 10', or as close as you can get to that. This should be sufficient space for the table, and more than enough for the chair. Clear the space of free-roaming pets. 5. See the article here.

That depends on the client. Therapeutic work can be accomplished over clothing or without it, and the majority of types of massage I do can be done with the client fully clothed. If the client disrobes, whatever is left on will be treated as a barrier that I will not cross. Throughout these massages, the client remains professionally draped at all times by a sheet and blanket. I only expose the area I am working on at a given time, so if I am working on the back, only the back is uncovered. If I am working on the left leg, then only that leg is uncovered, and the sheet is secured to prevent wardrobe malfunctions. For those who prefer not to disrobe, I recommend that my clients wear clothing without zippers, buckles, or any hard decoration that can damage my equipment or hurt my hands and arms. Also avoid heavy seams, embroidery, or other extra bulk. Leggings, yoga pants, pajama pants, or spandex with loose shorts over and a plain t-shirt are perfect.

In most cases, it really shouldn't. There is the pain that feels good, because it feels corrective, and there is the more intense pain that is just too much. My job is to relieve, or at least diminish, your pain, not cause more. Many clients (and therapists) ascribe to the "No pain, no gain" mentality, but that is not beneficial. Trigger points will sometimes hurt, but it will be pain you already have being released, not new pain being created. I will communicate with you at intervals throughout the session to ensure that you are comfortable.

A typical massage is 60 or 90 minutes of bodywork with an intake interview before and a quick reassessment after. I also offer 30 minute sessions. Plan for your chosen session time + 30 minutes.

Your session includes an interview/assessment, your selected bodywork time, and a quick debriefing afterwards. As for extras, I have hot towels, aromatherapy, cryotherapy, and sugar scrubs that can be integrated into some massages.

For maintenance, every other week or monthly is recommended in most cases. For treatment of a specific problem, or to manage chronic conditions, greater frequency may be warranted. We can work together to create an appropriate strategy for you.

The forms you fill out before your first visit ask for medical information. This is for your safety, so that I know what my limitations are in terms of treatment. If you are under the care of a medical professional for a new or ongoing issue, I may ask you to sign permission for me to discuss your situation with the health care professional(s), so that they and I can work together to create the best plan for you. Whether your situation allows for any massage or limited massage, or if your situation means massage should be avoided completely, I will let you know. Contact me for details specific to your situation.

Yes! In fact, it was the growing population of people in my life with these sorts of stories that prompted me to pursue the specific training that I have. I will work with the client (and the doctor, as needed) to create the best plan for that client. I will even do palliative care if I am called upon to do so.

Possibly. For the sake of your health and mine, I do not work in direct contact with open wounds, including but not limited to dermatitis, acne, or psoriasis. If you arrive dressed appropriately, I can work over your clothes. I recommend that my clients wear clothing without zippers, buckles, or any hard decoration that can damage my equipment or hurt my hands and arms. Also avoid heavy seams, embroidery, or other extra bulk. Leggings, yoga pants, pajama pants, or spandex with loose shorts over and a plain t-shirt are perfect.

Yes, but not right away. Your body is in shock and trying to settle into the new normal, even after a small accident. You will not benefit from massage during these first 72 hours. Your first step after an accident, even a little one, is to get checked by a doctor or chiropractor. If you hit your head in the accident, go directly to the doctor and get checked for concussion. Once a medical professional has seen you and cleared you for massage, you can safely receive massage 72 hours after the accident. Bring your medical reports relating to the incident.

I specialize in Neuromuscular Therapy. I am also trained in Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, Hand and Foot Reflexology, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Therapy, Rocking and Shaking, Lymphatic Drainage, Prenatal, Cryotherapy, and Aromatherapy. It is possible that your massage might include elements of several of these. Additionally, I have also studied Massage for Fibromyaligia, and Level 1 Burn Scar Therapy.

I keep the work scent-free, except when specifically requested.

I use the Therapeutic Touch lotion from the Bon Vital Massage Lotion line. I prefer lotion to oil, but I do have Therapeutic Touch Bon Vital Oil available. For aromatherapy, I use Young Living Essential Oils.

No. My focus is on manual therapy, and I rely heavily on sensory input from my tools. Some therapists love hot stones, and there are demonstrated benefits, but they aren't part of my practice.

I can play music, or not, depending on your preference. I offer quite a few music options to choose from.

Whatever works for you. Some clients chat throughout, others just relax. If you want a nap, go right ahead! If you're awake, I will at very least check in from time to time regarding pressure, or if I find something I need to ask about. Questions from the client are always welcome, as well.

Yes. If there are any risk factors or other health issues, please provide medical clearance from your doctor.

I will work on minors ages 10-14 with a parent or guardian present. Ages 15 and up do not require parental observation. For infants and children under age 10, I have a colleague who I can recommend without reservation who is certified in infant and pediatric massage.

Absolutely! Certain health conditions require collaboration with the client's health care providers.

No, but I have a colleague in Riverside with the space and staff to offer this service.

Yes! I have taken my chair to lunch gatherings, tea parties, offices, and conventions. I can also do events with my table, if space permits.

I accept cash, Paypal, and major credit cards.

I cannot bill your insurance. If your medical professional gives a prescription for massage, you can turn in your massage receipts to your insurance. They may reimburse you, but of course I can't guarantee that they will.

My prices are comparable to others in the local market, taking into account both my training and experience. I don't publish my prices, because in therapeutic work, I need the flexibility to structure fair and realistic pricing into the wellness plan of individual clients to make their wellness goals accessible.

On occasion, I may offer specials or discounts, but not typically. Gift certificates are available here.

My massages are personalized to the client, rather than one particular style or another, so a gift card for one hour will give the recipient a one hour massage tailored to their needs.

Are you having an event, party, or gathering? I can bring my chair. As long as I can put out a tip jar and my business cards, we can do business.

Tipping is not required. It is highly appreciated though! This link regarding massage etiquette has a very good section on tipping.