Questions

I’ve never had a massage before…what should I expect?

Each massage therapist has their own method but here is what you can expect at The Pause of Massage.  For your first visit, a medical history will be taken and there may be some assessments done if you are having any problem areas.  I will then leave the room for you to get undressed to whatever your comfort level is and crawl under the sheet on the massage table. I typically start with my client lying on their back and begin massaging the face, ears, shoulders, neck, hand, arm, other hand, other arm, other hand, leg, foot, other leg, other foot, hold the sheet partially up for you to flip onto your stomach, back, hip and buttock, then other hip and buttock, leg, foot, other leg, other foot and then finish with the back a second time.  I will then ask if there is any area that needs more attention and work on any areas you mention.  Then I will leave the room for you to get dressed.

What if there is an area of my body I don’t want you to work on?

Each massage is totally customized to what you need so if there is any area of your body you do not want me to touch, just let me know and I will avoid that area.

Do I have to take my clothes off?

You do not have to take your clothes off to get a massage from me.  I am happy to massage over clothing although there are parts of the body that are easier to work on with the glide that my massage lotion provides.  Your massage is for your comfort and well-being so whatever feels most comfortable to you is how we will do it.

How much time should I allow for my appointment?

For a 60 minute massage, I would allow 75-90 minutes depending on how many issues you need to discuss with me for treatment.  If it is a first appointment, I would allow 90-120 minutes so there is enough time for the medical history and assessments.  If you don’t have much of a medical history, it could be closer to 75-90 minutes, but frequently asking questions provides the opportunity to uncover areas that may need additional focus.  If I am coming to your house to give you a massage, you will need to add about 20 additional minutes total for my set-up and tear down time.

Why do you have to take a medical history and assessment?

I take a medical history and perform assessments in order to serve you best.  Your medical history provides information so that I know more of what is going on in your body and treat it appropriately.  Because our bodies are so incredible and interconnected, knowing your past as well as what you are currently experiencing helps me see how I can help you the most.  Pain in one area does not necessarily mean that’s is where I need to be massaging to fix the pain.  The assessments help me to gauge what your range of motion is and where you may have asymmetry or tightness.  All of the information gathered helps guide me on how to make you feel improvement and release.  After the first appointment, I won’t have to take a medical history, I will just ask if you have had any changes in your medical history or if you are having any issues that we need to focus on for that session.  If you are having issues, there may be assessments I want to do to help guide me in how to best treat you for that session.

Why is it important to drink water after a massage?

Massage moves toxins that need to get flushed out of your system.  Water helps with flushing those toxins out of your body.  If you don’t drink water, you are more likely to experience some soreness.

How frequently should I get a massage?

That is not something I can answer for you.  Each individual is so different.  Many people get monthly massages.  Some people need massages more frequently than that.  Some people get a massage once or twice a year for special occasions.  It is totally based on how you feel and what you can afford.  I am more than happy to work with you and try varying frequencies to see what works best for your body.

What is a chair massage?

Chair massage is another resource for bodywork.  It is done fully clothed in a specially designed chair which supports you while also exposing your back.  My chair massages are typically about 15 minutes long and address the back, arms, hands, neck, head and shoulders.

I woke up feeling a little off…should I still get a massage?

Depends on what a little off means for you.  If you are running a fever, you should not get a massage.  If you are vomiting, you should not get a massage.  If you’re dealing with a minor head cold or allergies, you should be fine for getting a massage.  You should not get a massage if you have a fever, pneumonia, a severe cold, influenza, severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure, shock or toxemia during pregnancy.

Are we supposed to talk during a massage?

Some people relax by talking.  Some people relax by having silence or soothing music.  We are trained as massage therapists to follow the lead of our clients.  I will gladly talk with you if that aids in your relaxation.  I am perfectly comfortable being in the silence too.  This is your massage and your time, so please do whatever feels best to you.

Do you have to play music during my massage?

I have a tendency to put on meditative music, but I am happy to have silence too.  If you have music or a CD that you would like played, please bring it and I would be happy to play it.  Please just let me know what your preference is.

Should I tip you?

Tipping is appropriate in many settings and is seen in some massage locations.  I, however, was trained as a medical massage therapist and have no expectation of getting a tip.  If I did an exceptional job in relieving pain for you or got you in for a last minute massage and you just really want to give me a little extra as a sign of appreciation, I won’t refuse a tip, but a tip is never expected.

What kind of payments do you accept?

I accept cash (I do not carry change, however), checks (made payable to The Pause of Massage, LLC) and Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express.

Why do you charge sales tax?

I am required to collect sales tax in Ohio unless you provide me with a prescription for massage from your doctor, chiropractor or dentist.  Once I have that prescription in your file, you will no longer be charged sales tax.