Don't Be Knotty!

How should I prepare for a massage?

• Remove all jewelry that could interfere with your massage.
• Remove contact lenses.
• Try not to eat 2 hours prior to massage.
• Please drink 8 oz of water one hour prior to massage.
• Discuss all your focal points & goals for the massage with me.
• Complete all necessary paperwork with me.

In Virginia, massage is traditionally performed on a nude body with sheets covering all "private areas". I am trained in draping techniques to leave all body parts covered, exposing them only while I am working that area. If you are more comfortable with more clothing, feel free to wear what you like. I will work within your comfort level.

What should I be doing during my massage to make the most of it?

•  Always give feedback. Let me know if the pressure is too little or too much. Are you too cold or hot? Be sure to let me know if something makes you uncomfortable or if something I am doing is working well for you.

• Breathe deep & regular - do not hold your breath.

• Consciously go through every body part from head to toe and relax it. Sink all your weight into the table. Your body should be limp with the therapist left to lift the weight. Do not assist. 

• Allow yourself to release emotions. Often during massage emotions can be triggered. Do not feel embarrassed, if you wish to cry, do so. If you want to laugh, feel free. I have been trained to work through these emotional releases. If you wish to talk about it, rest assured the conversation will remain completely confidential. Please understand however, I am not trained in psychology and cannot give feedback. I am simply prepared to listen.

What should I do after my massage?

• Once the session has ended I will allow you to relax and slowly bring yourself back from the relaxed state you are in, dress & get oriented. It might be necessary to wake you by letting you know the session has ended.
• Give feedback to me! This will allow some alterations to be made to your next treatment for a more pleasurable experience.
•  Drink plenty of water within the next 24 hours. Approximately half your body weight in ounces of water.

How fast will it take me to feel better & is the relief permenant?

Stress / Pain / Tension in the body develop over a period of time. In most cases you will feel relief temporarily. This could mean a few hours to a few days. You will need to discuss with me what type of treatment plan will best work for you.

Does massage hurt?

A massage treatment should never hurt. Some tolerable discomfort may occur depending on the type of therapy you and your therapist have arranged. Always communicate with me if I have passed your threshold for pain. Pain will cause you to tighten up and resist the pressure I am applying. This will not lead to the results you are looking for. Discomfort will not make you resist the pressure. Over time you will develop a relationship with your therapist and a higher threshold to pressure, leading to the long-term results that you are seeking. Just be sure you know the difference between discomfort and pain.