Frequently Asked Questions About Massage

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What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit? 

Just like when you visit a doctor for the first time, you will be asked to fill out a few forms: a Client Intake Form and a HIPAA Acknowledgment form. After that is out of the way, the therapist will ask you some general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions that need to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you.  Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to help them establish what is needed for you personally.  It is important to list all health concerns and medications, that way the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs.  This includes letting your therapist know about any allergies, as there may need to be adjustments made to the type of oil or lotion used during the session.

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What is included in the session time?  

A session consists of massage, time for you to dress and undress, and time to communicate with the therapist to guarantee your massage is what you need. Generally it’s 10 min in total but the more you’re seen the less time is needed. 

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How early should I arrive for my massage?

New clients should arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled massage to fill out paperwork and meet with their therapist.  Established clients should arrive 5 minutes before their session. 

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Which massage is right for me? 

Before your session begins, you and your therapist will discuss what is right for you to get the most benefit from your massage. We do suggest looking at the descriptions on our website of each style we offer before coming to your appointment. Hot Stone massages must be booked two hours in advance in order to have the stones heated properly. We also have a highlight on Instagram and a post on Facebook with a list and explanation of all our massages. 

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Do I have to be completely undressed? 

In order for you to get the full benefits from a massage, you need to be relaxed.  Therefore, you should undress to the level you are comfortable with. For a full body massage, most choose to get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable leaving on some clothing, that is fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as they can. 

 

Do I need to shave my legs or armpits before coming to a session?  

Massage therapists work on a variety of bodies (you would not be the first set of hairy legs to be encountered!). We are not bothered by the hair at all. As emphasized before, what is most important is that YOU are comfortable. The only recommendation is that you don't shave right before a session, as the massage oil may irritate already tender or razor burned skin.

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Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or drape? 

In the state of Georgia, draping is mandatory. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on. The genitals and breasts will not be uncovered at any time. If the therapist is going to work on a woman’s abdominal area, a second sheet will be used to cover the breasts. That way the main sheet can be moved to expose the abdomen.

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What do I do during a massage treatment? 

Get comfortable! If your therapist needs you to adjust or change position, she will either move you or will ask you to move as needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. As stated before, we want you to be relaxed!  For some people, relaxing means closing their eyes and being silent; for other people, they need to talk to get relaxed.  This is your massage, do what works for you.  And please feel free to ask questions at any time.

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Can I talk during my session? 

That is up to you!  The massage treatment is meant to help you relax and enjoy the experience.  Talking can sometimes prevent you from letting your mind relax enough to enter a state of relaxed bliss during the massage.  For others, they need to talk to begin the relaxation process and then stop talking as the massage progresses and they feel more relaxed.  Again, do what works for you.  Please know that it is important to talk and let the therapist know if something is making you uncomfortable.  Let the therapist know if you are too warm or too cold, if the pressure needs to change (be lighter or deeper) or if the room or music is keeping you from relaxing. If something isn't working, please speak up!  

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How long will a massage treatment last? 

Half-hour appointments only allow time for a massage focusing on one specific area, such as neck and shoulders, back, or legs and feet.  The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour or longer if you choose.  Many people prefer a longer session for optimal relaxation.

 

Will the massage hurt? 

This will depend on the type of massage. A light, relaxing massage that isn't meant to get deep into the muscles should not hurt. With that being said, there is a ‘feels good’ hurt and an ‘ouch, stop’ hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always be a ‘feels good’ hurt. Recognize that pain is the body's way of letting us know there is an injury or inflammation.  Pressure may need to be adjusted to make sure that the massage is working for your body, not against it.  Some pain can also be felt if you are struggling to relax into the massage.  Let your therapist know so that they can adjust pressure or position to help you feel more comfortable.

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How do you keep things sanitized? 

We have hand sanitizer located in multiple places around the spa.  Hand sanitizer is more effective at killing germs on the skin than traditional soap and water.  The hot towels are heated using a UV light which kills the germs.  Sheets are changed after every client.  If you would like your therapist to do anything else to help ensure sanitation, please let them know.  Your safety and comfort is the top priority.  

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How often should I get a massage? 

The answer to this is different for each person.  If you just want to have a nice, relaxing massage every once and a while, you should be fine to go up to 6 weeks between sessions.  However, if the massage is to address a specific concern or condition, it is recommended to go more frequently.  Once your goals are met, you can taper down to less frequent massages.  How often you need a session will be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment, so that there is a better understanding of your specific muscular needs.

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When should I not get a massage? 

You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. There are some conditions that might require your therapist to change their techniques or avoid certain areas, but that should not prevent you from getting a massage!  With some conditions (pregnancy, heart conditions, cancer) it might be best to discuss with your physician first.  If you have a question or concern, your therapist is happy to discuss your needs.

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How many sessions will I need? 

That depends completely on each individual person and their individual needs. It may take one session or it may take more. Once you have had your first massage, your therapist will have a better idea of your muscles and tissues.  Then they can suggest what will work best for you.

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Do I have to listen to music during my massage? 

Like most everything else in a massage session, it is all about helping you to feel relaxed and enjoy the experience.  If there is a specific type of music you find most relaxing, let your therapist know! 

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How will I feel after my massage treatment?

Everyone is unique, like we've said before.  A majority of people leave a massage feeling relaxed.  Often there is a decrease in aches and pains.  Some will feel so relaxed they start out a little slow.  However, after that there is usually an increase in energy that can last for several days.  If your massage was deep, you may be slightly sore the next day.  Some people find that a hot shower or a soak in the tub can help with this soreness.

*To help your body's tissues stay hydrated and healthy, increase your water intake by a glass or two after your massage.*

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Am I expected to tip my massage therapist? 

Tips are a great way to show your therapist that you appreciated your massage, but they are never expected.  The average tip ranges between 10-25%.  If paying with a credit card, the tip can be added to the total.

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Are there any cancellation fees?

Missed appointments or those canceled or rescheduled with less than 48-hours notice may be charged a fee.

 

I am just using a gift certificate, why do I need to put my credit card information when I make an appointment online?

When you make an appointment with us, part of the booking process requires you to put in a credit card number. This is because if you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, there is a fee that will be charged. NOTHING is charged to your credit card until after your appointment. If you are using a gift card or gift certificate, you shouldn't find any charges from us unless you cancel too close to your appointment time. 

 

What if I’m super ticklish?  Can I still have a good massage? 

Absolutely you can still have a good massage!  There are several different things that can help bypass that ticklish sensation such as changing up the pressure or applying heat. Also, having layers in between when doing compression therapy can help.  Don’t worry about being ticklish!  We can laugh through it and we can make necessary adjustments.  Being ticklish  should not prevent you from getting a massage!

 

What if I fall asleep during my massage?

Falling asleep during a massage is very common.  This is a sign that you are relaxed, and we love to see that!  Don’t be embarrassed, even if you drool or snore, your therapist has seen it before!  We even take it as a compliment!

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What if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the massage?

Just let us know!  Not a big deal.  We want you comfortable during your massage and if you are preoccupied by your bladder, you can’t fully relax!

 

What would you recommend if I am self-conscious about certain parts of my body?

We are all self-conscious about certain parts of our body! Please don’t let this stop you from getting a massage! If it will make you uncomfortable, you can ask your therapist to avoid a certain area.  You can also choose to remain fully clothed.  Whatever your concerns may be, please know that your therapist is here to help and not judge!

 

What preparations do I need to make for my massage?

It helps to be hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids the day before/day of your massage.  Allow yourself a little extra time for travel, just in case there are any delays. It helps if you can take off any make up before you massage, so as not to dirty the sheets.  If you can, give yourself a little time after your massage appointment to enjoy being relaxed.  Be sure to continue staying hydrated.  

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Is it okay to work out after a massage?

In order to get the most benefit from your massage, it is recommended that you do not work out after a massage for at least 12 hours.  Working out immediately after a massage could cause injury or strain to your muscles, because you will be tired and your muscles relaxed.  If you would like to work out the same day as your massage, please schedule your massage for after your workout. 

 

Should I eat before my massage?

You don’t want to come to your appointment hungry, as that will prevent you from fully relaxing.  However, you will want to give your body time to digest any food you have eaten.  It is recommended to give yourself two hours after a meal to properly digest.  Therefore, it would be best to make sure you have your meal two hours before your massage appointment.  That way your body can focus on relaxing!

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When should I tell you if something makes me feel uncomfortable?

Please don’t hesitate to let us know as soon as something feels uncomfortable!  The massage is for YOU and should help you be relaxed and even heal.  If there comes a point during the massage that something is causing discomfort, even if it wasn’t a problem at the beginning of the session, speak up!  Whether it’s the temperature, the lighting, the pressure, or even the music….things can always be adjusted, as long as we know! 

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