If you're considering booking your first massage, you might not know what to expect. To put you at ease, I've compiled a list of 13 frequently asked questions about massage therapy at Unkinked.
1. How do I book an appointment?
You can easily view my schedule and book online through my website. You'll select your session length and preferred opening on the booking page. Once you've booked your appointment online, I'll send an automated email requesting you complete a new client assessment.
2. What payment methods do you accept?
You can pay with the following:
Cash
Check
Credit Card
FSA/HSA
Venmo
3. What should I expect from my first appointment?
Before your first appointment, you'll receive an automated email confirming your appointment and prompting you to complete a new client assessment. When you arrive, we'll review your assessment and discuss your goals for the session. Then, I'll explain how to get on the table before I leave the room and let you get comfortable.
When the session ends, I'll step out again so you can get dressed. Once you're dressed, you'll exit the treatment room and meet me at my desk. At check out, I'll take your payment for the session, book your next appointment, and recommend any relevant self-care techniques.
4. Do I have to be naked?
Of course not. The most essential part of any massage is that you're comfortable. Some clients undress fully for their sessions, some wear underwear, and others wear shorts. I'm flexible and can work around nearly anything.
No matter what you choose to wear, you'll be under a blanket during your massage for modesty and warmth. However, even if you're neither modest nor warm, draping is required by the NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, and breasts and genitals must remain covered.
5. How early should I arrive for my appointment?
Arriving 5-10 minutes before your appointment allows time to use the restroom, discuss your goals for the session, and get comfortable on the massage table. If you're late, you'll receive the remainder of your massage.
Please arrive AT MOST 10 minutes early for your appointment. I need the time between sessions to reset the treatment room, do laundry, return messages, and occasionally eat lunch.
6. Do we talk during the massage?
When your massage begins, I'll check in to ensure you're comfortable on the table, and I'll also occasionally ask about the pressure or have you adjust positions.
Other than that, it's up to you. I'll always try to follow your lead. If you start a conversation, I'll gladly chat. If you stay quiet, I will, too.
7. What type of massage is right for me?
It depends on your needs. Most people find that a mix of techniques works best, so I book appointments by time. This way, you don't have to choose mindlessly or wade through up-charges and add-ons at checkout.
During your first visit, we'll discuss your new client assessment, your goals for treatment, and any special needs you have. Then, we'll determine the best way to make progress for you. You can check out this post to learn more about the types of massage I offer.
8. Does massage therapy hurt?
No. Massage therapy is not supposed to hurt. A good massage, even a deep tissue massage, shouldn't cause you to cringe or tighten your muscles. Pain indicates a possible injury or inflammation and causes muscles to tighten and fight against the massage.
But there's a sweet spot, and John Mellencamp unintentionally gave the massage industry words for the strange feeling between pleasure and pain. If I had a day off for every time I heard "it hurts so good," I'd never go to work again.
However, If anything I do causes pain or makes you uncomfortable, please tell me immediately. That's your body's way of telling me to back off. The deepest and most effective massage always works with your body, not against it.
9. Is it normal to be sore after a massage?
Massage therapy can make some people sore for a day or two afterward. It might feel like the effect of an intense workout, or it could feel tender to the touch, like a bruise. This soreness could result from too much pressure or insufficient hydration.
Please let me know if you're sore after your massage before your next appointment. Then, we can make adjustments to your treatment plan. Ways to manage soreness in the meantime include:
Apply heat to the area.
Use a topical pain reliever like Biofreeze or Tiger Balm.
Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory.
10. When should I avoid massage?
If you're sick, reschedule. Whether it's Covid, the flu, or a stomach virus, I don't want to catch it, and my other clients don't either.
Before scheduling a massage, check with your healthcare provider if you have blood clots, kidney or liver conditions, or uncontrolled hypertension.
You should check with your healthcare provider before scheduling a massage if you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.
You should seek a massage therapist specially trained in oncology massage if you have cancer.
If you have a recent injury (broken bones, bruising, sprains, strains, or inflammation), massage should not be performed on those areas. Inform your massage therapist of any recent injury.
11. Do we have to listen to weird music, meditation, or breathing exercises?
Only if you want to. We can listen to anything you like. The Echo Dot in my office can access music, audiobooks, and podcasts. Just ask Alexa to play a station you enjoy.
12. How often should I get a massage?
It depends on how much pain you're in, how your body reacts to massage therapy, and your budget. On average, most people get a massage about once a month. Some people schedule more often, some less often. I can help you decide what might work best for you.
13. The Most Important Question: Can massage therapy provide pain relief?
I've seen massage therapy do amazing things for some of my clients. So many have found relief from sciatica, chronic headaches, lower back pain, frozen shoulder, and countless other painful conditions.
For some people, though, pain is caused by underlying health complications, and massage doesn't provide long-term relief. In my experience, everyone reacts differently, but most people find some relief from massage therapy. And an hour of pain relief is better than none.
Until Next Time
I hope this post has answered your questions about massage therapy. Don't hesitate to leave a comment or message if you have any other questions. Are you ready to book a massage with me? Click the button below to schedule your session now.