FAQ

What is a full-body massage?
Are you licensed and certified?
Do I need to do anything during the massage?
Who can benefit from massage?
What can I expect when I arrive for my massage?
Do I wear anything during the massage?
What if it hurts? / Who is in control of the massage session?
Is there anything I should do after the massage?
How often should I receive a massage?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Is tipping appropriate?
Do gift certificates expire? Why?
Can I extend the expiration date?
Can I redeem an expired certificate?
What if I lose my certificate?
Do I need a doctor's referral?
Will you bill my medical insurance?
I was in a car accident. Is it true I can get "free" massage?
How do I get a massage prescription?

What is a full-body massage?
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When a massage therapist goes to school, they are taught full-body massage. The entire body, with the exception of the breasts and genitals may be treated during the course of the massage session. Prior to your massage you will have an initial consultation allowing you to mention any areas that you prefer not to be touched (e.g. your feet) and point out areas that need concentrated focus (e.g. upper shoulders).

I do not ever provide massages of a sexual nature.
Are you licensed and certified?
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I am a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Oregon, as well as being a nationally certified massage therapist (NCTMB).
Do I need to do anything during the massage?
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The best thing you can do during a massage is to leave your worries at the door. Let your body relax and sink into the table as you listen to the quiet music in the background. Take a couple of slow, deep breaths. Breathing is your key to letting go of stress and tension in the body. You will receive greater benefits from the massage the deeper you breathe. Allow your body to be heavy. The therapist will move your arms and legs as needed and you do not have to help. This is your time to be taken care of. To ensure your comfort, communicate with the therapist about the pressure being used (too much, not enough), also any boundary issues or areas of discomfort that may arise. Other conversation is completely at your discretion.

For Therapeutic Massages, more communication is necessary.
Who can benefit from massage?
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Massage is beneficial to just about everyone in every age bracket and at every level of physical activity. Massage helps release the stress and tension of a tough day (or week) at work as well as relieving soreness and stiffness in the muscles associated with overuse and repetitive actions (too much time on the computer, a day behind the wheel of the car). Athletes at all levels benefit with improved performance and a shorter recovery period.
What can I expect when I arrive for my massage?
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When you arrive for your first massage, you will be asked to complete a brief form that provides me with general information about you and your body, addressing any particular health concerns and contra-indications that may affect your massage. Rest assured that all information is confidential and is not shared with anyone. You will have time to discuss how your body feels, where you hold stress and tension, and what your expectations are for the massage session. This is also a time for you to ask any questions you may have for the therapist. After the intake, I will take you to the treatment room and allow you to disrobe in privacy and get comfortable on the massage table.
Do I wear anything during the massage?
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Because table massage uses oil or lotion, it is recommended that you undress the areas that you wish to be massaged. Your comfort is the most important part of the massage session. It is up to you to decide what clothes you leave on or take off. It is my job as a massage therapist to work within your boundaries. In all cases, a sheet will be used as a drape to cover your body, exposing only the area being worked.
What if it hurts? / Who is in control of the massage session?
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The client is in control of the massage session. One of the keys to receiving a good massage is communicating with the therapist. Remember that I too get massages and I have had massages where the pressure was uncomfortable or the pillow under my ankles was making my feet fall asleep. At that point, it was my responsibility as a client to let my therapist know that something needed to be changed. Conversely, I have been in situations where the therapist did something that felt wonderful and I asked if they could do it again. This is your massage. If a particular action or position is uncomfortable or if the pressure is inappropriate, let me know.
Is there anything I should do after the massage?
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Drink water - lots of water. During the massage, your body will release toxins from the muscles into the bloodstream and the result may be a little soreness (similar to a good workout at the gym). By drinking plenty of water, you assist your body's natural functions in flushing the toxins from the body, preventing them from being reabsorbed into the muscle.
How often should I receive a massage?
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I believe that the frequency of when you receive massage is a personal choice. I encourage my clients to listen to their body and see how long they feel that they hold the benefits of their massage treatment. Ask yourself how much stress and activity is in your life and how you can minimize their negative effects and thereby take better care of yourself. Some people receive a massage every other week while others visit only two or three times a year. It is a question of what fits your lifestyle and budget. Remember, massage can be preventative health care as well as a pleasant indulgence. If you regularly find yourself distracted by muscle pain or other physical limitations regular massage may be just the thing to get you feeling like yourself again.
What forms of payment do you accept?
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Currently I accept Cash, Checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
Is tipping appropriate?
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If you feel that your experience was exceptional a tip is appreciated. However, The best way you can thank me is to schedule another appointment and to refer your friends and family.
Do gift certificates expire? Why?
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Gift certificates expire 1 year from the date they're issued. We've found that setting an expiration date actually increases the percentage of certificates that are redeemed. Also, from a business standpoint, since we are selling a therapist's time rather than durable goods, we need to control how many outstanding certificates exist at any particular time. We also need to allow for rate increases or for unforeseen changes in the business.
Can I extend the expiration date?
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Sure. We ask that you please give us a call before the certificate expires. Just let us know how long an extension you'll need. (For instance, do you need just a couple of weeks or are you waiting until "after the baby is born?")
Can I redeem an expired certificate?
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We generally do not accept expired certificates, although we've been known to make exceptions if the certificate has only recently expired. If rates have increased since the certificate was issued, you may be asked to pay the difference in order to redeem your expired certificate.
What if I lose my certificate?
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Because our gift certificates are redeemable by the bearer, we regret we cannot replace lost gift certificates. Anyone finding the lost certificate would be able to use it. However, if no one has yet redeemed your lost certificate, we may be able to help. Give us a call and provide the names of the giver and recipient and the approximate date of issue. If we can locate your certificate number and if it has not been redeemed by someone else, we may be able to honor it. Only the recipient indicated in our records can redeem the certificate in this way, and he or she will be asked to sign that they have redeemed the certificate.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
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Unless you are taking medication or have a specific condition that you are concerned about, massage therapy by a licensed professional should not require a physician's referral.
Will you bill my medical insurance?
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Generally, the answer to this is no. The Life Balance Program as well as a couple of other specialty health networks have negotiated a discounted rate for massages for their members. Call for details.
I was in a car accident. Is it true I can get "free" massage?
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With a doctor's prescription, your auto insurance is required to pay massage therapists. This is true in any case where muscles have been affected (which happens even in very low speed collisions). Massage has been PROVEN to reduce the amount of pain and expedite recovery after an auto accident. If you are having any headaches, muscle pain, or physical limitations after an accident talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for massage.
How do I get a massage prescription?
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Print this out and take it to your Medical or Chiropractic Doctor. If they feel that your condition could benefit from massage, ask them to fill out the prescription form then bring the form in at your next scheduled massage. For more information on how medical massage works, please click on the 'medical massage' link above.