FAQ
Frequently asked questions about massage therapy
What types of massages do you offer?
Massages done by Rachel, the owner, are generally a relaxing therapeutic type of massage, which is a medium to firm in pressure and is focused on finding the tension spots to give you relief from your pain. She also offers a more Swedish style that is a lighter in pressure. As well as prenatal/pregnancy massage. The team that works with Rachel generally offer Swedish or deep tissue massage. Every massage is tailored to each client and their needs.
I've never had a massage before, what does it feel like?
Everyone experiences a massage differently and every massage therapist does things a little differently, so that is a little tough to say. However, it is generally very relaxing and soothing. It is possible to experience some pain or discomfort during your massage, though it should never be extremely painful. If it is, you will need to let the massage therapist know so they can adjust their pressure. Most of the body is massaged but not all of it as private areas are not massaged. The areas that are generally massaged include the back, glutes/butt, legs (front and back), feet, shoulders, arms, hands, necks, scalp and face.
Massage therapists generally use an oil/oil blend or a lotion to provide the massage, so they can glide over your skin. They utilize a variety of strokes and techniques to work the soft tissue of the body (muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments), with the intention of releasing stress and tension. Some massage therapists will start with a warm up and prep, to help you relax. And others do a grounding technique, where they put their hands on your back or shoulders for a moment, and then start the massage.
What parts of the body are massaged?
During a full body massage, generally it is the back, glutes (butt), back of the legs (hamstrings & calves), feet, front of the legs (knee & quads), arms, shoulders, neck and head. Some massage therapist massage the stomach as well. Private/personal areas are not massaged at any time or for any reason.
If there is an area that you prefer to not have massaged, no matter if it is too sensitive, too ticklish, you just don't like that area massaged, etc., all you have to do is let the therapist know and that area will be avoided. Personal boundaries are respected at all times.
How long is the massage?
Generally massages are scheduled between 60 minutes - 120 minutes. The length of hands on time can vary depending on where you go. Some places do what is called a 'spa hour', which is only 45-50 minutes of hands on massage time. However, when you schedule with us, the hands on time is the full time you schedule for, 60-120 minutes. The time we need to set up our equipment, and pack it up when we are done, is an additional 30 +/- minutes, but we do no charge extra for that.
What size is the table and is there any weight limit?
Most massage tables are 28-30 inches wide and 72 inches long. They do all have a weight limit, but it can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, material it is made from and if it is a stationary table or a portable table.
Rachel's massage table is 30 inches wide and 72.5 inches long, with a working weight limit of 450. She also has side extenders for those needing a bit more elbow room and an end extender for those over 6 feet tall
What type of payment do you take?
We take cash, all major credit cards (processed through Square), Paypal and Zelle. We are approved to take HSA and FSA debit cards
What should I do during the massage?
Your main focus should be on relaxing as much of your body as possible. To help relax, some people will focus on their breathing and will take slow deep breaths, some just like to just let their mind go, some fall asleep, and some have other ways of relaxing. There is no need to feel like you need to talk to me while getting a massage, unless it is about the massage or unless you want to.This is one of the few times you get to completely relax and let someone else take care of you. There is no need to ‘help’ the therapist at any time, if they need you to help or participate, they will let you know.
If you have any questions or feel any discomfort (pressure of massage, room temperature, or general discomfort), please let me know as soon as it occurs so it can be addressed.
Where will my massage be done?
Your massage will take place at the location of your choice, generally your home or office. However, if you are visiting the Phoenix area you can also get your massage done in your hotel room or at the vacation home or resort you are staying at.
A room that is quiet and where the lights can be dimmed a little is generally the best, but any space will work. Each massage therapist will need a space of about 10 feet x 6 feet to work in. If the weather is nice and the temperature is reasonable, your massage can probably be done outside.
Do I have to be fully undressed for the massage?
During your massage you will be covered with a sheet, except the area that is being massaged. So regardless of how much you keep on or not, you will be draped and covered.
With that being said, a lot of people will fully undress. However, several people will keep some clothing on, like their underwear and/or shorts. It is really a matter of what makes you more comfortable. The more comfortable you are, the more you will be able to relax, and that is what matters the most.
Will the massage therapist be in the room while I undress?
The massage therapist should NOT be in the room while you undress. They should leave the room, so you can undress and so they can wash their hands before working on you. This will also give you some time to get comfortable on the table
Is there anything I should do prior to getting a massage?
Avoid eating a heavy meal and avoid alcohol consumption (can make you feel very sick afterwards). Try to relax a little: you can take a shower, take a bath, take a dip in the pool, meditate, listen to some relaxing music, or whatever you generally do to relax. It is considerate to make sure you are relatively clean when you are getting a massage, and not have dirty feet or be excessively sweaty. And remove any mascaras so you don't stain the face cradle cover.
It is generally a good idea to drink a glass of water within the hour before getting a massage, but try not to drink too much or drink it too fast as it may make you to need to use the restroom before the massage is finished. Drinking some water after a massage is generally considered to be helpful as well.
How will I feel after the massage?
This varies greatly from one person to the next and can depend on the type of massage you get. Generally people feel very relaxed and at ease. Many people will experience relief from aches and pains they have been experiencing, increased range of motion and flexibility, less stress and tension and more restful sleep. Some people will feel tired afterwards and some will feel energized.
It is possible that the next day or two you may be a little sore. If you experience any discomfort (slight headache, slightly nauseous, or fatigued), drinking some water may help. You should never be bruised or in excessive pain after the massage. If you do, let your massage therapist know.
What are some fo the benefits of getting a massage?
There are many great benefits from getting massages, and with regular massages the benefits increase and will be more noticable.
Some of the benefits are: reduction in aches and pains, reduced tension and stress, reduced headaches, better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved circulation (both blood and lymphatic), general increase in well-being, helps promote faster healing, helps increase immune system functionality, and helps reduce blood pressure.
Some of the symptoms that massage can help with are low back pain relief, sciatic pain relief, headaches, high blood pressure, over-all stress, stiff neck, frozen shoulder, limited range of motion, limited flexibility, and many more.
How often should I get a massage?
This is another thing that can vary greatly from person to person. It is completely up to you and what you feel you need. If you have 'stuff' going on, getting one weekly to every other week, in the beginning, can be very beneficial. Once the issue is resolved or on its way to being resolved, you can switch monthly or even less frequently. Some people need a weekly, or bi-weekly, massage to help them maintain feeling better, less stressed and more limber.
Everyone is different and has different massage needs, some people get them weekly and some go weeks/months/years between massages. However, massages do have a cumulative healing effect, so the more regularly and consistently you get a massage the longer you feel the benefits of each massage. This is because you will be able to work on the cause of the issue and not just the effect (the aches and pains).
Is there anything else I should know?
Yes, if you have any medical conditions, have had any injuries or surgeries, it is very important to discuss them with the therapist, as some conditions can make massage inadvisable. It is always good to talk with your doctor as well and to let them know that you are considering getting a massage.
Failure to inform the therapist of any health conditions, including medication, may result in the session ending immediately and cancellation of future sessions.
Is draping required?
Yes, draping is 100% required and used during the entire massage session. It is for your warmth and comfort, as much as it is for the massage therapist and them respecting professional boundaries at all times. It does not matter if you are comfortable without draping, most professional massage therapist will require draping.
Any requests to not use draping, or attempts to remove any draping can be seen as seeking unprofessional services and can result in the session ending immediately.If a session is ended due to such behaviors full payment for the session is still required.
Do you do anything 'extra' or more than just a massage?
I reluctantly to put this here, but unfortunately there are some people that pretend to be massage therapist but are really something else. Those people, and certain types of entertainment, may cause some people to think that even truly professional massage therapists do more than just massage.
Absolutely not! No true professional licensed massage therapist will massage any private/personal areas. There is a difference between a professional massage therapist and someone offers those types of 'services'. It is against Arizona state law to even ask for such services, and if it is done the session will end immediately and payment for the full session will be required. And it will be reported to the authorities.