Frequently Asked Questions

Massage

When should I get a massage?

NOW!!! Really, nearly any time is a good time to get a massage. You don't need to wait until you're stressed or injured. Massage boosts the immune system and is a great way to keep your body in balance and to stay healthy. It can help with reducing, eliminating or managing pain as well as relieving stress. The best way it was explained to me: Getting a massage when you’re already stressed or injured is like only taking vitamin C when you’re sick. Yes, it helps, but it’s a much better preventative.

When should I not get a massage?

There are several contraindications for receiving a massage. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not get a massage:

The theory behind that is simple; massage increases circulation of both blood and lymphatic systems. You don’t want to spread anything localized or make an underlying medical condition worse.

*Massage with most types of cancer is still a debatable subject if you are currently undergoing treatment.  On one hand; it will help dealing with stress and anxiety and boost your immune system to help your body heal itself. On the other hand, because massage increases circulation, it is possible that it can help the cancer metastasize. If you are currently undergoing any type of treatment for cancer you will need written consent from your doctor. If you’ve had cancer in the past, are currently in remission and you’re still getting screening/check-ups on a regular basis with your primary care physician a consultation would be necessary, but most likely, under those circumstances I would feel comfortable doing your massage. The only exception to that is if you have a benign tumor or basil cell carcinoma, massage won’t help or harm it in any way.

What type of Massage do you do?

I can do Swedish and therapeutic (sometimes called deep tissue) massage. Swedish massage is for stress reduction. Therapeutic can be for chronic pain, overuse or repetitive use injuries and the treatment of certain medical conditions (fibromyalgia, TMD, tension headaches, ect.) The easiest way to explain the difference is to look at your goal for the massage session; are you looking for relaxation or specific pain relief?  All my massage is custom made for you. I can focus on one or several areas or muscle groups, or do a full body massage. I can also add aromatherapy and hot stones. The use of heat itself is relaxing. It helps warm the tissue so the massage can penetrate deeper without the discomfort of a deep tissue massage.

 What if I'm overweight or embarrassed about my body?

Massage therapists have seen bodies in every imaginable shape and size, from young to old, and they're not there trying to judge your physique or ogle your body. We're professionals who have found massage to be a wonderful gift to give to men and women alike, regardless of age and weight, and are proud of how we can help others. I notice and focus on tension in the muscles and soft tissue. You don’t have to worry about whether or not you remembered to shave your legs before-hand. I probably won’t even notice. Really.

What does a massage therapist's license or certification mean?

A license means that a massage therapist has met the requirements and paid the fee to legally practice massage in the state of Florida. To get a license, a massage therapist will usually have to have a minimum 600 (sometimes more) hours of training at an accredited or accepted school. Certification means that the therapist has successfully passed a specific course or test and been granted a certificate to bear out that fact. This may range from different courses or modalities. I am licensed by the state of Florida and am certified in Sports massage, Neuromuscular therapy (NMT), and Reikki. My professional liability insurance is provided through the Florida State Massage Therapy Association or FSMTA.

What happens during a massage?

When you first arrive you'll be asked to fill out a client intake form. This will give me the information I need to help me decide the style of massage that will be the most appropriate for you. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything you're unsure of, or any concerns you might have. If you're expecting something in particular from the massage, make sure to tell me. For example, if you've been having a lot of tightness in your right shoulder, and you'd like some extra attention given to it, or if you already know if you prefer a lighter or deeper pressure massage let me know.

Once you've finished with the intake, I will leave the room to allow you to get on the table. I know that comfort levels vary, I typically will ask that you take everything off except underpants (it makes draping easier for me) and lying under the top sheet. I can do massage through clothing if you would like, although the draping (how I move the sheets) will remain the same. If you start on your stomach, there will be a cushioned doughnut-shaped pillow at one end of the table. This is a face rest, and you should place your face in there. This allows you to be face down, and keep your shoulder and neck muscles relaxed. If you lay your head on the table and turn it to one side, the muscles in your neck and shoulders won't be in their relaxed state and won't be able to receive the best benefits of the massage.

I’ll knock before entering.  For the most part, your work is done, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy. I will undrape the section of the body that I will work on first and cover it with the sheet when I am done. If at anytime you feel uncomfortable or exposed let me know and I’ll adjust accordingly. As you relax, body systems slow down and sometimes you can get cold. Blanket and towels are also available. 

Both the client and therapist can stop the massage at any point if either one becomes uncomfortable.

I end each massage by leaving the room and getting you some water. It’s a good idea to drink more water after a massage because water will flush out toxins like cellular waste like lactic acid out of your system so you will feel even better and be even healthier. I’ll talk with you shortly about anything you would like adjusted, changed and to see what you enjoyed, see if you have any concerns, settle the bill, and rebook your next appointment.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

A full body massage includes work on your scalp, face, upper chest (pectoral muscles), abdomen, gluts (either work over the top sheet or undraped), inner thigh and feet. These are some areas that may be awkward, tender or ticklish. Let me know if you want me to avoid or alter pressure in any areas.

Do I have to be completely undressed?

You should undress to your comfort level. I have no problem and will work around any clothes left on and drape you the same regardless. (I can and have done half hour massage treatments on children and these are ALWAYS clothed routines.) I do ask that the pieces of clothing left on are underpants, either panties or boxer shorts, because it helps when draping the top sheet.

Can I talk during a massage?

Sure! Some therapists will discourage you from talking during the massage. They want you to relax, to just let your mind float free, and let the massage transport you to an almost subconscious bliss. It's not uncommon for many people to be more relaxed talking. As long as you aren’t talking negatively and that’s causing you to become more stressed or agitated you’re fine. Nothing you say will leave the room.

There are times when you should speak up during a massage. If anything makes you uncomfortable, bring it to the therapist's attention. If you're too cold or too hot, the room is too bright, or if you prefer deeper or lighter pressure, please tell me!

Will a massage hurt?

A Swedish massage will never hurt. Therapeutic massage can vary. It has been described as a "good hurt" feeling. With some types of chronic tension trigger points can develop. Releasing these will mimic the pain you feel. It can be a sharp, stabbing, or radiating pain. A deep massage with tight muscles may leave some residual soreness the next day.

What if a massage wasn't quite what I wanted?

Let me know! All the massage I do is custom-made I can change things about the treatment or refer you to another therapist if you need something I can’t offer.

How often should I receive a massage?

The answer here depends on the reasons for receiving the massage. If you’re coming as preventive care and managing stress, getting a massage once a month is about the norm. For pain relief and chronic tension you may need to come more often.

 

Facials

Will the facial make me break out?

Sometimes they can, it depends on your skin and on the skin products that are used. Professional products are typically stronger and penetrate deeper than anything you can get at a drug store or supermarket. If I use a product that has a detoxifying ingredient that pulls impurities from deeper layers of the skin up to the surface it’s probably going to cause breakouts and in that case that would be a good thing. It means it worked.

How do facials work?

Facials include 6-8 steps to help cleanse, tone, and ultimately nourish your skin.

What are the steps?

Analyze- I look at your skin under a magnifying light for hydration, oil production, how much elasticity it has as well as breakouts and any areas of concern

Cleanse- This step cleans skin of make up, dirt and air pollutants.

Tone- This product removes any residue left behind from any previous product, tightens the skin, and rebalances your skins ph.

Exfoliate- Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin cells making your skin softer and complexion brighter. There are three types; 1. Manual (or sometimes called mechanical) exfoliants; scrubs, loofahs, or sponges 2. Enzyme exfoliants; these are considered to be the most gentle for your skin. They are protein that eat away at the dead skin cells like little pac-man and 3. Acids; these are your chemical peels; lactic, glycolic (also called alpha hydroxy acid) and salicylic (beta hydroxy acid) to name a few.

Steam- Steam dilates your blood vessels and opens up pores, preparing them for extractions. Steam is also helpful with allergies and some respiratory problems and because it creates an artificial fever it boosts your immune system by tricking it into making more leucocytes (White Blood Cells). You typically don’t use steam with most peels.

Extract- Not the most relaxing, but this is what cleans blemishes and impurities using specific pressure by fingertips or tools.

Facial Massage- This step increases product penetration and stimulated circulation of blood and oxygen. A highly concentrated product called an ampoule or serum can be used or this can be used with an exfoliant or mask.

Mask- Typically soothing, this step will help calm the skin and help reduce any redness from the stimulating steps above.

Moisturizer- Moisturizer is used last. This product hydrates and I will usually pick one with a non-chemical sunscreen.

 

What are the different types of skin?

Normal- even balance of moisture and oil (sebum), this skin has an even tone and smooth texture. Basically it’s the skin you have as a baby and a child before puberty kicks in.

Oily- over production of sebum or oil, prone to blackheads and breakouts and visible pores are common

Dry- lack of oil not moisture! Skin is flaky, chapped or feels tight and is prone to sensitivity

Combination Mix of two from above. The most common I’ve seen is normal with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) with or without dehydration in cheeks.

You may also see:

Dehydration- lack of moisture (water)

Loss of elasticity- sagging skin or lines/wrinkles

Hyper-pigmentation- sun spots

Redness- diagnosed as rosacea or broken capillaries

What products do you use?

I’m using two different product lines and looking into a third. The first is called Sanitas. It was created by a chemist named Ben Fuchs in the first and possibly still the only skin care pharmacy in the US. The products aren’t “natural” but are called “biogenic.” The ingredients are things made by biology and naturally found in the skin. The whole line revolves around the concept of stimulation and nourishment. The second line is an all organic line called Eminence. All the products are handmade in Hungary and have anywhere from 3-4 pounds of fruits and vegetables in each bottle. The company is earth friendly; from the solar and wind power used in production to recycled boxes used for packaging. These products are based on getting nutrients from the freshest fruits and vegetables possible. There are no added fragrances or preservatives.

You can visit their websites here

 

Link to www.sanitas-skincare.com

Link to www.eminenceorganics.com

 

How do I know what products to pick/use at home?

I can recommend products or tell you some good active ingredients for your skin. I will have some retail available and product samples to try at home.

Can I mix different product lines?

Yes, with caution. Some will tell you not to because mixing certain potent active ingredients can irritate your skin. Read your labels and don’t mix Retina A, most acids (glycolic and salicylic are two of the most common), benzyl peroxide and be careful if you’re taking medication for acne.

How often can I get a facial?

You want to get a facial once a month for cellular turnover. That is, it takes 28-30 days for your brand new baby skin cells to get to the surface.

 

 

Misc FAQ

Do you accept SpaFinder gift cards?

Yes!

What are some of the other spa service you offer?

Right now I can do salt glows and sugar scrubs. I’m stilling looking into a line of products for body wraps, but those will be offered in the future.