How do I make an appointment?
Contact me to make an appointment today! Please call during regular business hours. I do a preliminary intake over the phone unless you have been referred by one of my regular clients or friends. Thank you!
What are your hours?
I see clients by appointment only. Please see my home page for current regular hours.
Where is your office? My office is in my home. If you are uncomfortable coming to my home, you may also make an appointment at Mt Princeton Hot Springs and request me as your therapist! Please contact me to make an appointment and for my address. I am located in Buena Vista, Colorado just west of town.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes! I accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
Do you take insurance?
No, but I can provide you with a receipt so that you can try to have your insurance company reimburse you.
What is your cancellation policy?
I request a 24 hour notice of a cancellation or reschedule as a matter of courtesy.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, in any amount. You can buy one over the phone with your credit card, and I'll mail it with a brochure.
Do you offer discounts?
My everyday prices are already low, and I offer 30% off for each new client you send my way. I also offer a punch pass which saves you 20% over 10 sessions.
How do I prepare for my massage?
Preparation for body work is a great idea! Treatment is always more effective when you are ready to receive it. Taking a hot shower, soaking in a bath or hot tub, styrofoam rolling, & stretching are great ways to warm up your body, loosen up, and get it ready to receive. Meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation exercises will also help prepare you to receive treatment.
What should I wear?
For most massages you will be asked to undrape to your level of comfort and climb under the sheets. The therapist will leave the room while you disrobe. You will be draped the whole time, only the body part being worked on will be exposed. For CST it is unnecessary to disrobe. For VM & MFR work, it is recommended that you wear sports bra or bikini top, and undergarments that have loose waist bands, and give access to upper thighs.
What if I'm ticklish or uncomfortable, especially in my... feet, back, belly?
Ask the therapist to avoid contact with those areas that make you uncomfortable, and if you experience any discomfort during the session, inform the practitioner that the strokes, pressure, draping, or other negative stimuli should be adjusted to your level of comfort.
What's the difference between Swedish and Deep Tissue?
Swedish is light pressure. Strokes are directed towards the heart and the primary goal is relaxation and detoxification. Deep Tissue is often firmer pressure penetrating into deeper layers of tissue. The primary purpose is working out problem areas and releasing tissue restrictions. On a pressure scale of 1-10: Swedish is 1-4, Deep Tissue 4-7, 8-10 are painful non- therapeutic touch.
What are the benefits of light pressure work?
Physiologically, light pressure activates cellular activity (hydration, cellular nutrition, detoxification, blood flow, cellular reproduction and function, etc., and increases peristalses- rest and digestion.) Deep pressure inhibits cellular activity. So if you want to relax and feel better you want light pressure work. If you want to stop nerves from firing and decrease nociception (pain receptors) you want deep pressure. In most research studies conducted massage is shown to have a positive benefit for many medical conditions including basic back pain, however no difference has been shown between light and deep pressure modalities to those conditions. This would suggest that the amount of pressure is only physiological and psychological in nature. Light pressure should never be painful and should allow you to surrender into a deeper state of rest and calm.
Is CranioSacral Therapy Energy Work?
It utilizes some energy work and may feel to the client similar to energy work, but it is not energy work. Energy work's main goal is to restore healthy energy flow. CST's main goal is to release a biomechanical system. It is hands on (touch is applied), and small manipulations are done working with the skeletal, nervous and myofascial systems.
Does massage therapy hurt?
Some therapeutic massage may "hurt", but it should never be more than you can tolerate or cause you distress. You have every right to control your massage. After all, it's your body! If you experience any pain or discomfort before, after, or during the session, inform the practitioner that the strokes, pressure, draping, or other negative stimuli should be adjusted to your level of comfort.
Will I be sore after my massage?
Depending on what type of work you receive, it is not uncommon to still be sore afterward. Some work is intense and may cause local soreness. You may also experience some general discomfort as your body eliminates toxins, tries to realign your posture, incorporates the sensory input, balances your hormones, increases function, releases restrictions, etc. With some work, you may also experience more lucid dreaming, nostalgia, and emotional adjustments. Generally, negative symptoms will dissipate after 24 hours and release should occur. Please contact me anytime if you need to talk through, or have questions about the after- effects you are feeling.
What treatments are appropriate for a pregnant woman?
Prenatal Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, Scrubs, Reflexology with minor adjustments, Face Massage. Not recommended are Deep Tissue modalities, Wraps, or Raindrop.
What should I look for in a body-worker?
Most importantly, look for a therapist who has state certification and license demonstrates a mastery of techniques and knowledge in massage, anatomy & physiology, & mind-body centered therapy upholds standards of practice and code of ethics takes part in continuing eduction and demonstrates client care. Beyond that, look for a therapist who fits your style. Every therapist has different capabilities and skills.
Do you do sexual massage?
No. I am a professional massage therapist. Sexual or suggestive remarks or advances, of any kind, are inappropriate and will result in immediate termination of the session.
Still have questions? Please contact me anytime! I look forward to hearing from you.