Terms & Policies
RESERVATION POLICIES:
PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF OUR TIME, IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT IT WILL BE USEFUL TO SOMEONE ELSE WHO NEEDS TREATMENT.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
You may cancel your appointment without charge anytime up to 4 hours before your appointment time (this must be before the close of the business day).
If you do not call to cancel your appointment, do not show up, or show up on time for your appointment, you will be charged full price for the scheduled service.
CHECK-IN:
If it's your first visit, please ensure you come to your appointment 5-10 minutes early. This will give you time to fill out your health history form without running into your massage session.
FAQ:
Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: Generally speaking, yes. However from time to time I may be able to accommodate a walk in appointment. But it is recommended that you book online or call to secure your booking.
Q: What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
A: If it's your first visit, you will be require to fill out a consent and health history form. After you've filled in the form, will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, what sort of pressure you're after, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine what type of massage will be appropriate to your condition(s).
It is important to list all health concerns and medications so I can adapt the session to your specific needs without causing further stress or trauma to the muscles and surrounding tissue(s). It is also important to list any allergies so I can make sure they won't be present during your massage, or if I need to use a different oil or lotion during your session.
Q: What do I wear for my massage session?
A:Your underpants
Q: Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?
A: Yes, this is known as "draping". A clean sheet will be placed over you and moved as needed depending on the area being worked (massaged).
Q: What do I do during a massage treatment?
A: Make your self comfortable :) During the massage I may ask you to have your arms at your side or move your arms and legs to certain positions to better access muscles or create a stretch. Otherwise please feel free to change your position to what makes you feel comfortable. Lots of people close their eyes and doze off (yes even during a deep tissue massage!) while other like to chat away. This is completely up to you. It's YOUR time. And please don't hesitate to ask questions at any time.
Q: Can I talk during my session?
A: Sure! If you'd like to have a chat, that's completely up to you. From time to time I may ask you how the pressure feels, but if you're after a relaxing experience or just not the chatty type, no worries, you should never feel pressured to have a conversation. But feel free to ask for the pressure to be adjusted, or if you're too hot/ too cold, even if you need a tissue. Don't be afraid to speak up or fall asleep.
Q: Will the massage hurt?
A: This depends on the type of massage and the tightness of your muscles. Generally a Relaxation/Swedish massage shouldn't be painful. If you have a few adhesions (knots) there may be some tender spots but they will not be thoroughly worked if you're only wanting a relaxing experience.
If you are wanting more of a Deep Tissue, Sports, Orthopaedic Cupping treatment then there may be some discomfort at some stages during your treatment. At times adhesions or trigger points may be found, in order to correct the tissue imbalance in the muscle or tendon the area may be worked deeply to realign the tissue.
With that being said there will be different kinds of "hurt", there's the "hurt so good type" of hurt and then there's the "oh my god, what are you doing stop it right now" hurt. Massage should NEVER fall into the latter hurt. Pain is an indication that the soft tissue is being injured, or is already injured and inflamed. If you're having to clench or tighten the muscle while it's being massaged, that pressure is too deep for you and it is perfectly acceptable for you to ask for the pressure to be adjusted.
Q: How will I feel after my massage treatment?
A: Most people feel relaxed or "spaced out" is a term I hear a lot. If you've received a deep tissue, sports or orthopaedic cupping treatment you may feel a bit sore the next day. It will feel like the day after a heavy gym session. To combat this feeling it is recommended that you not participate in any heavy activity on the same or following day. Give your muscles a rest. Remember why you came in for a massage in the first place...Sometimes a hot shower, sauna or soak in a hot pool will be in order. If you've had some deep neck and shoulder work done I'd recommend investing in a microwavable wheat bag or grab a hot water bottle and pop it behind your neck/shoulders.
Q: How often should I get a massage?
A: It will vary from person to person. This depends on what you are coming in for. If you don't have any chief complaints or major concerns and just need a bit of up keep, then try to book in monthly. If you have injuries; chronic or new(ish) then we can try to come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
MEDICAL CONCERNS:
Q: When should I not get a massage?
A: There are a few contraindications for massage that are followed. If you are suffering from a cold, flu or contagious skin infection, please stay at home and give your body a rest.
If you have recently injured yourself and has been cleared by your health care provider that it isn't a serious injury - please wait at least 24-72 hours before having the area massaged. This gives inflammation a chance to do it's job. During the acute phase of an injury inflammation is good. It's the body's way of bubble wrapping it's self. Inflammation is the body's trumpet call to rally the troops into action and massage takes away inflammation via lymphatic drainage. So, let the body do it's job first, then let me, the massage therapist do her job after.
Having said that, there may be times when I will need to adjust the techniques to the area being worked on (arthritis, osteoporosis) or completely avoid the area (cuts, burns, bruises, acute rheumatoid arthritis, contagious skin conditions, etc). With some conditions you may need your doctors nod before having a massage (in some pregnancy cases, relapsing cancer, radiation treatments, certain heart conditions, etc).