I will leave the room to allow you to undress privately to your comfort level and to get on the massage table and under the sheet. Remember to remove all jewelry. The massage will be discreet, only the area that is being worked on will be uncovered.

Massage on normal tissue is almost always a pleasant sensation. Massage on an area of injury or chronic pain may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens noticeably in the first few minutes. I will work carefully within what feels right to you. The session begins with gentle pressure to relax the nervous system. Gradually the pressure deepens as I address areas that benefit from deeper work. Most people just close their eyes and relax completely during the session.

I will place a bolster under your ankles when you are face down and under your knees when face up. A face cradle is used in the face down position so work can be done on your neck. Sometimes you may experience congestion in your sinuses due to this facedown position, but this is only temporary.

For most massage techniques, I will use aromatherapy oils. Some may get in your hair so if your hair is long you might want to tie it back (I always have big hair clips with me). I only use the highest quality oils, however if you have allergies to oils, please let me know.

Please communicate with me about anything that is uncomfortable: such as pressure (too deep, too light?), pain, cold room, therapist talking too much? Do not feel obligated to carry on a conversation while getting a massage – you can relax more if you do not talk and I can concentrate on the work. However, it is your massage. If you are more comfortable with conversation than silence...

Remember to breathe slowly and deeply throughout the session. Breathing will help to reduce tension and it will assist in the flow of blood and oxygen to restricted muscle tissue. At the end of the session, get up from the table slowly and get dressed.

Hydrate after your massage session with plenty of water. Half of your body weight in ounces is recommended on a daily basis. (If you weigh 160, drink 80 ounces) Refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours after a massage, unless your massage is designed for a pre-determined sporting event. Proper stretching is helpful in maintaining the increased flexibility that you will experience after your massage.

Upon payment, many people wonder about tipping. Tipping is optional – not expected but always appreciated.

Besides drinking more water, what else can I do after the session to prevent soreness? DRINK WATER!
To further prevent soreness your Nurturework massage session can be followed with a bath in epsom salt, baking soda, and sea salt (about 1 cup of each) or a bath in apple cider vinegar (approx. 1 pint). This will assist the body in removing toxins and any physical soreness that resides after the treatment. Batherapy is also a great product.

You may also want to refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours after a massage, unless your massage is designed for a pre-determined sporting event. Proper stretching is helpful in maintaining the increased flexibility that you may experience after your massage.

It is recommended to schedule appointments in advance and plan on getting a massage at least one time per month for therapeutic benefits. Don’t wait until you go on vacation – use massage as a mini-vacation or stress-break during your normal routine. Good communication is essential between the massage therapist and the client. There are many factors that can influence the effectiveness of the session.

Pressure level: always feel free to let your massage therapist know if s/he is working too deeply. When receiving deep tissue work, please be aware that, at times, it can be a very intense experience. However, you should be able to breath through the work being performed; if you are holding your breath or resisting the work, your massage therapist is working too deep. While you receive some techniques of massage therapy, you may experience or notice sensations such as tingling, waves of energy or traveling dull aches. This is known as referred pain. This is part of the healing process and educates us as to what is going on with our bodies. This is different from a sharp pain, which is not the intention of any form of massage therapy.

Letting go: some people have a tendency to hold their bodies stiff because they have a hard time relaxing or they feel uncomfortable having that particular body part being treated with massage. Try to keep in mind that I'm there to help you. If at any time, you do not want specific part of your body massaged, let me know. Everyone has different comfort levels with touch on various areas of their body. The key is communication - verbal or otherwies. To help you let go, imagine that you are a rag doll on the table or that your limbs are cooked spaghetti noodles. Think of this as a home spa or relaxation spa treatment, allow your body to be nurtured and pampered - it's what I do.

Temperature: If you are too cold or too warm, please let me know. Please be aware that during a massage, the lotions and oils that are applied to your skin can draw the heat out of your body. If you are chilly, we can give you a blanket, turn up the table warmer or adjust the ambient temperature. If you are too warm, we can adjust or turn off the table warmer, open a window or adjust the ambient temperature in some other way.

Volume of music: if the music in the treatment room is too loud, too soft or bothering you in any way, please tell me how you would like it adjusted. I bring many hours of music, so if a particular song isn't what you had in mind I can move to something else

Conversation level: each massage therapy session is time that we have set aside for you. If you wish to talk or ask questions during your session, please feel free to do so. If you prefer silence, I will accommodate you. Please be aware that during certain types of massage therapy some level of communication is required to provide you with the desired outcome.

You may prepare for this relaxing experience by taking a warm shower. Always remove your clothes and jewelry as you feel comfortable and lie on your stomach between the sheets resting your head in the face cradle. You will always be completely draped during your massage except for the area I'm working on.

It is especially important to let me know about any particular pains or areas of concern you may have so that I may work on these appropriately. Also, be sure to speak up about what you need, such as lighter or deeper touch. Now relax, close your eyes, breathe deeply and let go to the experience.

Touch is a very essential part of human experience. Talking may take away from fully experiencing the benefits of your massage, so I suggest you suspend all concerns for 80 minutes and relax under the skilled hands of your practitioner. If you feel any discomfort, breathe into it in order to relax the area even more.

People sometimes fall asleep during a massage. This shows that the body has reached a deeper state of relaxation. The therapist will gently wake you when it's time to turn over or at the end of the massage.

I am a certified professional, my goal is to help you feel better with trained and caring hands. I'm accustomed to various health histories and occupations, all ages, weights, and body types.