FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION OR MISSED APPOINTMENT POLICY?
WHAT IF I'M LATE?

I understand there are times when you must miss an appointment due to emergencies or obligations for work or family. However, when you do not call to cancel an appointment, you may be preventing another client from getting much-needed treatment.
Conversely, the situation may arise where another client fails to cancel and we are unable to schedule you for a visit, due to a seemingly “full” appointment book.

If an appointment is not canceled at least 24 hours in advance you will be charged a $50 fee. 

 Cold, flu, or a contagious condition? Reschedule and rest. Fees are waived so long as notice is given.

Scheduled appointment delays can happen, however, I must try to keep the other clients on time as a courtesy to all.

If a client is 15 minutes past their scheduled time, I will either have to reschedule the appointment or charge for full session time despite less time available.

WHAT WILL MY FIRST SESSION BE LIKE?

Upon your arrival, there will be a health intake form for you to fill out. After reviewing it, we'll discuss a plan of what you'd like to achieve during your session - be it relaxation, focused areas of care, etc. This is your time and it is custom tailored to your specific needs and healthcare goals. 

Leaving you with privacy in the room to undress, I will return (knocking before entering) once you are situated and covered on the massage table.
Music volume, the brightness of light, table heat and face cradle are adjusted to your preference at any time before or during your session. 

As we begin, I'll give you a "road map" of our plan so your mind is at ease and not left wondering where I'll be working or moving to next. 
If you desire more or less pressure in certain areas of the body, please let me know as communication is a key component to a successful treatment. Should you decide you would like extra time or diversion in the plan, we can discuss the possibility of doing so based on my scheduling for the day. 

When our time is completed, I quietly leave the room. Please take a moment to let your mind and body awaken at your own pace before dressing and exiting the room.

A complimentary bottle of spring water awaits you as payment is rendered after your time of service. Discussion of findings and improvements made are a great way to track your progress during this time. 

An opportunity to pre-book your next appointment in advance, for the day and time that works best for you, is available in the office. If you prefer to see how things feel for a while and schedule at another time, that's fine too.

If this is your first massage, or you're looking for a new therapist, I am more than happy to schedule a pre-massage visit to discuss treatment options and give a tour of the space used. Pairing you with the right therapist for your needs is important, and I'm here to assist in your endeavor.

HOW FAR SHOULD I UNDRESS FOR A MASSAGE?

You should undress to your desired level of comfort. However, any massage therapy on the gluteus muscle region, to address hip and low back pain, is best performed on direct tissue for effective results.
The majority of my clients prefer to be completely undressed as they are receiving work on the gluteus with underlying muscle groups such as gemellus, obturator, and the piriformis. Other clients opt to keep their undergarments on with the knowledge I will not be addressing these muscle groups.

Please keep in mind that should you choose to keep undergarments on, briefs, bikini, or thong styles are advised. The length of both boxer shorts and boxer-briefs prohibits access to attachment points of the "hamstrings", quadratus femoris, iliotibial tract, tensor fasciae latae, and other muscle groups of the upper leg.

WILL I BE COVERED DURING THE MASSAGE?

Appropriate draping is used at all times (by law) before, during, and after your massage; only the area worked on will be exposed. Your modesty, security, and comfort are always respected and protected at Equilibrium Therapeutic Massage. 
Your massage table awaits, set with warm flannel sheets and a blanket. Some clients prefer the blanket for additional warmth and weight, while others do not. Use of the blanket is optional, and completely up to you.

FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS ABOUT YOUR BODY?

Due to the nature of my profession and practice, I observe and work on bodies of all types, sizes, and shapes. And it's true, everybody is as different and unique as every BODY.

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The aesthetics of your body is not my focus. I care about your aching muscles. I care about your stiff joints. I care about your stress levels. I care about your sleep patterns, your circulation and the parts of you that need care and attention in order to promote balanced health. 

As long as you don’t have any health conditions that prevent you from having a massage, the amount of hair, weight, scars, cellulite, acne, eczema, freckles and moles is no barrier to me.

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I'm here to assist you in slowing down your mind to an awareness of the subtle changes within, and to recognize how truly amazing your body is. It's a 24/7 machine that works hard for you; constantly regenerating, fighting, healing, messaging, creating, feeling, sensing, functioning - it's a survivor with a story.

Don't let your mind bully your body... be kind to it as it houses both your mind and soul.​

Take time to love and thank it today with the gift of massage.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RECEIVE A MASSAGE?

Massage is most successful when you get it regularly, so the muscle tissue learns how to relax and respond to touch. A couple of massages a year simply isn't enough to undo all the chronic tension most of us hold.
For those who use massage as preventative care or to manage daily stress, one massage a month is common. Weekly sessions may be desirable if you are receiving massage for injury relief or to relieve chronic tightness that is interfering with your daily life. There are many people who incorporate massage therapy at least twice a month for optimal therapeutic relief.

HOW DOES MASSAGE THERAPY BENEFIT ME?

For people looking to naturally manage their active or chronic pain, massage therapy can improve quality of life by impacting mood as well as manage the pain and other benefits. When you live with pain, having a toolbox of strategies you turn to for relief is important. Massage can be a powerful tool for relaxing, renewing and restoring both mind and body.

• Increased circulation

• A release of endorphins, the body's natural painkiller

• Increases serotonin, which reduces pain naturally

• Relaxation of injured and overused muscles

• Lowers blood pressure

• Reduced muscle spasms and cramping

• Recharges the nervous system

• Reduces inflammation

• Increased joint flexibility

• Recovery aid from strenuous workouts

• Boosts immunity

• Lowers anxiety and improves mood

• Naturally increases deep sleep

• Reduces discomfort of TMJD, tennis & golfers elbow, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, bursitis + more

• Promotes faster postoperative recovery

• Pain relief and a decrease in frequency from migraines

• Improved range of motion

• A decrease of muscle and joint discomfort 
  
  

ARE THERE ANY REASONS WHY MASSAGE MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR ME?

Massage therapy appears to have few serious risks if it is performed by a properly trained therapist and appropriate cautions are followed. The number of serious injuries reported is very small. Side effects of massage therapy may include temporary pain or discomfort, bruising, swelling and a sensitivity or allergy to massage oils.

Cautions about massage therapy include the following:

• Vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders, low blood platelet counts and by people taking blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin.

• Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer) or where there has been a recent surgery.

• Although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, they should consult their oncologist before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist.

• Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using massage therapy.

General Contraindications

For certain medical conditions, massage therapy is generally contraindicated or should be avoided at the time. 

These include:

• systemic contagious or infectious diseases, including the common cold

• acute conditions requiring first aid or medical attention

• severe unstable hypertension

• significant fever.

Local Contraindications

For the following conditions, massage therapy is locally contraindicated, or the affected areas are to be avoided:

• An acute flare-up of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis 

• Deep vein thrombosis

• an aneurysm

• frostbite

• local contagious or irritable skin conditions

• open sores or wounds

• recent surgery

• recent burn

• varicosities

• malignancy

Massage therapy does not constitute medical treatment and is not a substitute for a medical examination or diagnosis. If you are dealing with a serious health condition check with your health care provider before seeking massage therapy and make sure you inform your massage practitioner of any health conditions that may affect the work.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU USE?

Products used are Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free & Vegan-Friendly.

A full list of ingredients, per product, is available upon request. 

BIOTONE Advanced Therapy Creme

Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-free, Nut-oil free ~ Contains Apricot Oil, Sesame oil, Grapeseed Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, and Grapeseed Extract. 

BIOTONE Herbal Select Creme  

Contains intensive hydrating Sea Kelp and Aloe Vera plus fragrant, soothing botanicals to melt away stress: Roman Chamomile to calm, English Lavender to heal, Clover Blossom to help ease skin disorders and Blue Malva to moisturize very dry skin. 

BIOTONE Herbal Select Foot Therapy Lotion

This cooling, energizing, skin-softening formula is a treat for tired, sore feet. This all-in-one foot therapy lotion soothes even the most overworked feet. Botanicals of cooling Peppermint eases burning, Rosemary stimulates circulation, Bay Laurel helps inhibit bacteria and Lemon Peel adds healing comfort. Also contains softening agents to moisturize rough, callused skin.

Bon Vital'® Muscle Therapy Crème

Tough on muscle aches and penetrates deep within the layer of skin. Enriched with Dwarf Pine, Jojoba, Squalane and Olive oils, Arnica extract and a blend of Rosemary, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melissa, and Chamomile essential oils to give superb muscle soothing benefits. 
Nut oil-free

Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil

This liquid form of coconut oil has miraculous skin benefits. It has a high concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, which gives it an amazing amount of antioxidant and disinfecting properties. It's an excellent moisturizer and that is known to help with soothing skin rashes and irritations. It's also known to help fight acne. This is an odorless product. Essential oils can be added to this carrier oil per your preference.

Coconut is not a botanical nut; it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely consume, and use coconut oil as a topical treatment.

Po Sum On Medicated Oil

An all-purpose Peppermint oil used as a warming liniment for circulation to warm muscle tissue, yet it has an anti-inflammatory effect for the skin. Used for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to sprains, aches, arthritis, strains, and bruises. 

Similar sensation to Ben Gay or Tiger Balm.

Wood Lock Medicated Oil

A topical analgesic with Camphor, Menthol, *Wintergreen oil and Lavender, it's used for a variety of aches, pains, strains, sprains and arthritic pain.

Similar sensation to Icy Hot. 

* Methyl Salicylate (wintergreen oil) may cause an allergic reaction in those allergic to aspirin or other salicylate compounds, or who have asthma or nasal polyps. Use wintergreen with caution if you have one of these conditions.

Zheng Gu Shui 

(Jhunng Goo Shway) translates as Bone Righting Water and is a popular analgesic liniment used to help speed the recovery from injuries, relieve the pain of arthritis, a bruised bone, and tendinitis.

The primary actions of the formula are to promote circulation, reduce bruising and swelling, help strengthen connective tissue and assist in mending bone fractures.

Similar sensation to Biofreeze.