*Frequently asked questions*

The both of us have experienced worrying about speaking up during a massage and in turn suffered through something we didn't like, even as massage therapists. It is important to us that you don't feel that way in our space, so we made a list of things that might help you speak up for yourself if something doesn't feel good or isn't what you were hoping for. Please also email us with any questions not covered here!

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Questions you can ask yourself during the massage:

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1. Is this pressure too much or too little?

    At times you may want to take a few deep breaths and endure some pressure because it feels good, or it feels effective, but massage should never truly hurt and it does not abide by the "no pain no gain" philosophy. In fact, sometimes gentle massage can be the most helpful approach for your body to relax and allow change. It is always individual, and while we have massaged a lot of people, you are the ultimate authority on how much pressure your body wants.

Signs it's too much: holding your breath, shrinking away, pain, tensing your muscles

Signs it's too little: wanting more pressure, feeling ticklish

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2. Is this positioning comfortable?

     Sometimes we move your arms/legs/head around to more effectively massage an area. If the position we put you in is uncomfortable you are welcome to express where you feel discomfort. We can always find another position to work those same muscles as there are techniques for every angle. Similarly, if you just want to adjust slightly, go ahead and do that. We also often move your limbs through common motions while massaging; if this is uncomfortable or puts stress onto a join in a way you don't like, we can adjust the angle of your limb or just massage without movement.

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3. Do I want to be touched in this area?

     If you ever feel uncomfortable with being touched in any area of your body, please speak up and we will always happily move on to another area. Your comfort is the most important thing to us.

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4. Am I too hot or cold?

    Please let us know! We have a variety of ways we can help adjust your temperature!

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5. Is the massage therapist focusing on the areas you asked for?

    During the intake process, we will ask you what you want to work on and together we will make a rough plan for your massage; including if you want to spend extra time on an area that is especially bothering you. As the massage unfolds you may realize another area feels really good or needs more attention than you thought. We are happy to change the plan as we go, and may consult you on things we notice/ask if you would be open to spending more or less time on an area based on that. However, because we do have a set time for a massage, spending significantly more time than planned on one area will affect how much time can be spent on remaining areas.

    Your body may also signal to you if too much time is being spent somewhere you initially thought you wanted a lot of focus. This can feel like agitation in your body or mind, nausea, and pain in the location. Often this will happen when the area is guarding itself against change because the muscles are afraid of what will happen if they relax, and usually means gentler work over a series of appointments will be more effective in helping it loosen up.

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Other things to know!

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• We follow your lead regarding talking during the massage, and we're always happy to chat or work without talking. We do however always verbally checking in on pressure/comfort periodically, and may give you basic positioning instructions.

• If you need to use the bathroom during the massage just let us know and we will be happy to let you do that. You will have to re-dress but we won't feel disrupted by the time it takes to do so.

• You do not have to get a full body massage. If you want to focus more on one area, or a few areas, that is something we do regularly.

• During the massage you are welcome to keep all of your clothes on, or remove all of them. We will always keep your genitals/chest covered, and if either of those areas feel exposed to you please let us know.

• Don't feel like you need to shower specifically for the massage; though we do appreciate you being generally clean and avoiding strong scents for our sensitive noses!

• If we ever ask a question that is confusing or vague, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

• Yes, 20% or more for a tip is customary for massage, but we also know that it's expensive for some as is, and understand not always being able to afford a tip. We don't want that to stop you from getting bodywork!

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