How do I schedule an appointment using the scheduler?
Browse to my "Schedule a Session" page. From there you can select the service(s) you would like, and then click "Next" to choose from available appointment times and dates. If you don't have an account, you will first need to create one by clicking the "Want a Massage?" box on the left navigation bar. Once you schedule your first appointment, please take a few moments to complete the Massage Intake and Massage Preference forms online. This will both save time at your session (leaving more time for your treatment) and will allow me to take your preferences into consideration while preparing the room for you. Please note: you will be unable to make more than one appointment until after your first appointment has been completed.
Do I need to take my clothes off?
Since massage involves the application of oils and lotions, for most types of massage therapy, the answer is usually yes--with Shiatsu, Reiki, and chair massage being the exceptions to this rule. However, the amount of clothing you need to remove depends largely on the extent of the treatment you are receiving. For full body treatments, you should undress down to your underpants at least, but most clients opt to remove all their clothes. You always have the option of being covered with towels or sheets, so that the only parts showing are the parts being treated. Some clients feel that this helps with relaxation and warmth, while others find draping to be a nuisance and prefer to do without any at all. Either way, I offer a padded and heated table and maintain a comfortable room temperature, so you should not get cold. If you are uncomfortable removing any clothing at all, there are still a variety of massage techniques that can be used without oil. For instance, Reiki may be a better option for you, as it can be done fully clothed. Another option would be to have a 30-minute Aromatherapy Foot Massage.
What is the best frequency of treatment?
This will vary, but there are some general guidelines. If you are seeking massage treatment for remediation from a recent injury, it is usually recommend that the first two or three treatments be spaced every three to four days or weekly depending on the severity of the pain or dysfunction. For a longterm dysfunction like arthritis, a monthly or twice monthly treatment is recommended until your condition is stabilized. For therapeutic treatments, most people find that once a month suits their needs, but many clients come more frequently simply because it feels so good!
How do I choose a therapist?
Since you are paying for this treatment, you are ultimately in control. A therapist should be happy to explain what is going to happen to you and what they are hoping to achieve. Not all therapists are forthcoming with this information and you may have to ask, but you should expect a satisfactory reply. Remember that private therapists are employed by you to give you the therapy that you are paying for. The easiest way to find a good therapist is through a recommendation from someone who has been to see the therapist and is happy with the treatment they received.
Will massage therapy hurt?
A general relaxation massage should not cause any discomfort. However, if you have sore spots and/or if you request deep pressure, there may be moments that are uncomfortable. This discomfort is sometimes necessary in order to provide lasting relief from pain, and many people find the discomfort to be oddly pleasurable. There is often a fine line between "hurts so good" and "ouch, you're hurting me." If at any time the treatment you are receiving is causing you too much discomfort, ask me to stop or ease off for a few minutes. If you are open and let me know how you are feeling, your treatment will be a lot more enjoyable and productive. The old adage "no pain no gain" is not relevant to massage therapy treatments you receive. Remember that it is your physical condition or dysfunction that is painful, not the treatment. You should feel better at the end of each treatment and the treatments will become more comfortable as your dysfunctions improve. After a session, you may feel some mild discomfort or muscle soreness for a few days until your body readjusts and heals itself. It is important to drink plenty of water after your massage and the following day in order to help the body to flush out the toxins that have been released into the bloodstream during your massage.
Can massage help reduce stress levels?
According to medical studies anything that can help you relax will reduce your stress levels, and massage is one of the most relaxing therapies you can receive. Many turn to massage to manage day-to-day stress. Massage therapy treats the problem holistically. Without using suppression chemicals that can slow you down, massage therapists attempt to treat the whole person and try to help your body regain homeostasis, achieving a balance between the various systems of your body to allow natural healing to occur.
Is it safe to receive massage during pregnancy?
Not only is it safe, it is also very beneficial and comforting. Massage therapy can be received throughout the entire nine month pregnancy term. If you are experiencing complications during pregnancy, discuss your condition with your doctor or midwife first. It is not recommended that you use or allow anyone to apply any pure essential oils (aromatherapy oils) on you in the first three months of your pregnancy. If oils are used, they should be mild ones like Lavender oil. Likewise, you should not allow anyone to perform foot massage during pregnancy, as there are acupressure points in the feet and ankles that may induce premature uterine contractions. Also, depending on how far along the pregnancy is, it may be necessary to receive the massage in a sidelying position, so as not to put undue pressure on the fetus.
Are there different techniques in massage?
Yes, there are many different types of massage techniques. Swedish massage is the technique most widely used by massage therapists, but many are also trained in sports massage, aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, deep tissue massage, Thai massage, or techniques named for their developer, such as Upledger, Heller Work, Rolfing, and Feldenkrais.
How much of my body will be massaged?
When the client is seeking treatment for a specific injury or condition, the entire session may focus on a single area. There may also be a need to treat body areas that are adversely affected by injuries, such as when a sprained ankle causes the opposite leg to bear all the body's weight and stress of walking. For relaxation massages, the client and therapist should discuss and agree upon the areas to be massaged. A "full body massage" usually includes the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, face, chest (above breasts for women), abdomen, buttocks, and hips. If being massaged in certain areas causes you to feel uncomfortable, you should inform your therapist and they will adjust the massage accordingly. You should never accept a touch that feels wrong in any way or feel pressured to offer an explanation for such sensitivity.
Do you talk during the massage or is there just silence?
I generally will play relaxing music during your massage, but you may request silence, if you wish. As for talking, there will be times when I may ask you for feedback--particularly when deep pressure is being used--but whether or not we have an actual conversation depends upon you. The time that you are on the table is all about you, so if you want to relax quietly or if you want to talk, fall asleep, moan, groan, laugh, cry, etc., that is entirely at your discretion, and I will try to respond appropriately. Everyone has different needs at different times, so each session can be different from the previous one. However, please do not feel a need to "entertain" me--I am as comfortable with silence as I am with talking. Do what feels right for you at the time.
What is Therapeutic Massage?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue. Other terms included in the definition are effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and Swedish gymnastics, either by hand or with mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage. Massage therapy can include the use of oils, lotions, salt glows, heat lamps, hot or cold packs and tub, shower or cabinet baths.
Are you licensed?
Yes, I am a licensed massage therapist in the State of Texas. Up until recently, massage therapists in Texas were "registered," but that has now changed to full licensure. Licensing means that I have taken and passed a 300-hour massage program at an accredited massage school, passed the state licensing exam (written and practical), and have a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, hydrotherapy, and other related fields. In addition to being state licensed, I am also certified in Reiki (Level II).
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. I am a sole practitioner working in a dedicated studio out of my home, so I cannot accept walk-ins. However, it still may be possible to make a last-minute appointment, so please call if you suddenly find that you are free and really would like a treatment. If I'm free, I would be happy to take you!
What are your hours?
As a general rule, I am available Monday through Friday from 6pm-9pm and weekends from 11am-5pm. But, rules are made to be broken, and there are always exceptions! If you need a special appointment time, please feel free to ask. I may be able to accommodate your request.
What happens if I'm late?
Please understand that I do have other clients and other commitments. If you are late for your appointment and I have another appointment scheduled after you, I may not be able to give you the full time you scheduled. I will make every effort to accommodate occasional lateness, but I cannot guarantee that I will be able to do so every time. Either way, you will be responsible for paying for the time you booked.
Where are you located?
My studio is located in a comfortable and secure town home in the heart of the Montrose area of Houston, just minutes from downtown. When you book your appointment, I will give you my address and directions, if necessary.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash only at a first appointment, but once I get to know you, I will certainly accept personal checks. Currently, I can accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Amex only through this Web site (via PayPal), but not at my studio. I'm working on it, though!
What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?
Just your body, an open mind, and a willingness to totally relax.
Do you do out calls?
No, not at this time. I may occasionally do them by special request for clients I know well, but as a rule I have opted not to do them, for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons that I have made this choice is that I find the controlled, comfortable, healing atmosphere of my studio to be more conducive to relaxation for my clients, and keeps me more centered and better able to focus on you and your special needs.
Do you give discounts?
Yes, I have several package discounts available. Please refer to the Service Menu for details. I also offer special discounts to students and to men and women serving in the armed forces (with valid ID). Please ask for details.
I have a cold. Will a massage be a good thing for me?
The short answer: Probably not. A massage is going to release toxins from your muscles into the bloodstream, so it could make you feel worse. There are some who believe, however, that massage may stimulate the body's healing mechanisms and allow your body to fight the cold better, thus making it go away more quickly. This could be beneficial if you feel the first symptoms coming on, but probably not if the cold is fully developed. If you came to me with a cold, I would most likely recommend a treatment with essential oils to help boost your immune system and oxygenate your tissues. If you do feel ill before an appointment, call me to discuss your treatment options or to cancel, preferably before 10pm the night preceding your treatment, if at all possible. Sickness happens, and I will understand and appreciate the call.
Can I expect to receive the full time I asked for?
Yes, if you book an hour session you will receive a full hour of massage. Just keep in mind, though, that I may have other massage appointments scheduled, so if you are extremely late, and I have another session scheduled after you, your session will not be extended into the next appointment time. To get the full time you schedule, you should be prompt--or even a few minutes early.
I've been in a car accident and my neck and back are really sore. Should I get a massage?
Any time you're involved in a serious accident of any sort, you should first check with your doctor if you're planning to get a massage. Massage cannot cure most injuries, but it can break up scar tissue, and can be an excellent way to help treat pain from auto accidents and to stimulate the body's healing processes. You should, however, be thoroughly checked by your doctor to ensure that you have no herniated discs or skeletal injuries before any massage therapist works on you. Also, make sure you explain your pain and injuries to me before I begin to work on you, and tell me if you feel pain or discomfort during the massage.
I'm diabetic. Is it okay to book a massage?
Advanced diabetes can cause a decrease in circulation to the extremities. Massage can help revitalize circulation. It can also directly affect blood sugar levels, which can be both good and bad. Consult your doctor before booking a massage, and make sure I know you're diabetic.
Are there contraindications to massage?
You probably shouldn't book a massage when you're sick. Massage causes a release of toxins from the muscles into the bloodstream, and if your immune system is already under attack from sickness, this can make you feel worse. If you've just had a major operation, please ask your doctor before booking a massage. Likewise, if your immune system is compromised due to medication or disease (like diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS) you should also consult your doctor before booking a massage.
Is it OK for me to talk or make pleasurable noises while being massaged?
Absolutely! It is not unusual for a client to groan or make sounds while being massaged. Bodywork of all kinds can also elicit an emotional as well as a physical release. If your session causes you to need to talk, cry, laugh, or otherwise share your experience, I consider it an honor and privilege to share that with you.