Frequency Asked Questions

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and fully engaged in the present experience without judgment. It can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being!

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water prior (and post) session. For new clients, please fill out the client intake form. If you have any injuries or medical conditions, it's important to express any preferences, sensitivities or areas of concern before the session begins.  Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and put on. For a full-body massage, you may be asked to undress to your comfort level. During the massage, you’ll be properly draped with a towel and only the area being worked on will be uncovered. 

Focus on your breath during the massage. Slow, deep breaths can help you relax and let go of any tension. Breathing deeply also helps increase oxygen flow to your muscles, enhancing the benefits of the massage. Try to consciously release any tension in your body. If you notice your muscles tensing up (for example, clenching your fists or tightening your jaw), consciously relax them and allow your body to surrender to the massage. 

Many clients experience immediate relief and relaxation after their massage. However, depending on your body’s response and the type of massage you receive, the full benefits may be felt in the hours or days following your session. For example, remedial massages may result in slight soreness, but the effects—like improved range of motion and reduced tension—will continue to develop in the days after.  Mild soreness or tenderness is common and should subside within 24-48 hours. Drinking plenty of water and gentle stretching can help ease any discomfort. Remember to be kind to your body and give it what it needs.

It’s entirely up to you! Some clients prefer to remain silent and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, while others may want to chat or ask questions during the session. If you feel discomfort or need to adjust pressure, feel free to communicate with me. The goal is for you to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the session. 

The frequency depends on your personal needs, lifestyle and goals. For general relaxation and stress relief, a massage once a month may be sufficient. If you're dealing with chronic pain, muscle tension, or recovery from an injury, more frequent sessions — such as every week or every two weeks — may be beneficial. 

When it comes to massage, there are specific contraindications (conditions or situations where treatments should be avoided or approached with caution). Below are some key contraindications:

Massage Therapy

• Fever, Acute Illness, Infectious Diseases: Massage can increase circulation and may exacerbate symptoms of illness.  Contagious conditions, such as the flu, cold, or skin infections, will not be treated in order to prevent the spread of infection.
   
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in the veins are a serious medical condition. Massage could dislodge the clot and cause it to travel to the lungs, heart or brain. 

• Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure:  If someone has extremely high or uncontrolled blood pressure, massage could strain the cardiovascular system. 

• Pregnancy (especially in the first trimester): While certain types of massage are beneficial during pregnancy, some techniques (like deep tissue) and positions should be avoided during early pregnancy.  

• Osteoporosis: Clients with osteoporosis should avoid deep pressure massage to reduce the risk of fractures.