Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that unanticipated events happen occasionally in everyone’s life. In our desire to be effective and fair to all clients, the following policies are honored:
24 hour advance notice is required when cancelling an appointment. This allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment.
If you are unable to give us 24 hours advance notice you will be charged the full amount of your appointment.
This amount must be paid prior to your next scheduled appointment.
Anyone who is unable to make their appointment for whatever reason should call or contact Intown Massage or they will be considered a no-show. They will be charged for a missed appointment.
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. Depending upon how late you arrive, your therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the length of the treatment actually given, you will be financially responsible for the booked session. Out of respect and consideration for your therapist and other customers, please plan accordingly and be on time or even ten minutes early.
Yes! First-time clients should complete this intake form before they arrive. It is acceptable to fill out the intake form once you arrive.
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in my home studio, a warm, comfortable, quiet room devoted exclusively to massage work. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a massage table especially designed for your comfort.
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. This will be covered again during the intake process. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
The practitioner will leave the room while you disrobe, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with clean linens. The appropriate linens are already on the table when you arrive..
The practitioner will have an intake form you. The practitioner will go over any concerns you may have before the session. In twelve years of having a home studio, no client has had an allergic reaction to the home or cat living in the other part of the home. Air purifiers, wood floors and fabric free environment helps ensure client safety.
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
A typical session may include work on your back, arms, legs, glutes, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. The intake process includes discussing any areas you definitely do not want or need work on.
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions and why we always begin with an intake form covering those questions. It is important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or relevant medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, and are not sure if it okay to receive massage or bodywork, it is advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.