Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Contact me by phone, text or email to make an appointment. Be sure to tell me your name and return contact information when you call. Please call during regular business hours. I may do a preliminary intake unless you are referred by someone I know. In the summer months I can be 2-4 weeks out, in the winter 1-2 weeks out, so it's a good idea to plan ahead.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?

I see clients by appointment only. Please see my home page for my current days and hours.

WHERE IS YOUR OFFICE?

My office is in my home in Buena Vista, Colorado just west of town. Contact me for an appointment and my address.

WHAT KIND OF PAYMENTS DO YOU ACCEPT?

I accept cash, checks, and credit cards.

I WAS CHARGED SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN WHAT I EXPECTED? 

My massages are tailored to you individually and are not always cookie cutter. I do a lot of services with mixed modalities and sometimes I'll run over if there is a lot happening. I'll charge you for whatever we end up doing and however long we end up going. If you need to stay within a certain price, or time, please let me know before we start. 

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

I request a 24 hr notice of any change or cancellation as a matter of courtesy.

CAN YOU DO COUPLES MASSAGES?

No, I'm only me. I'm happy to work on couples back to back with a short break in between, but I do not have a separate waiting area so please plan accordingly.

DO YOU OFFER GIFT CERTIFICATES?

Yes, in any amount. You can purchase one over the phone and I can mail or email it to you or directly to the recipient.

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

No, but I can give you receipt so that you can attempt to get your insurance company to reimburse you.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY MASSAGE?

Preparation for bodywork 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, and stretching are all 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 you get ready for treatment.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWEDISH AND DEEP TISSUE?

Swedish is light to medium pressure. Strokes are directed towards to the heart. The primary purpose is relaxation and detoxification. Light pressure should never be painful and should allow you to yield to greater state of rest. 

Deep tissue is often firmer pressure penetrating into deeper layers of tissue. The primary purpose is releasing tissue restrictions. It is specific work for specific purpose and is not really meant for relaxation.

Physiologically, light pressure increases peristalses (rest and digestion) and activates cellular activity (hydration, cellular nutrition, detox, blood flow, cellular reproduction and function.) Deep pressure inhibits cellular activity. So, in theory, if you want to feel better than you want light work. If you want to stop nerves from firing and decrease nociception (pain reception) than you want deep work.

DEEP TISSUE IS BETTER FOR YOU, RIGHT?

No research has ever shown a difference between light and deep pressure modalities to any medical condition.

HOW DEEP IS YOUR DEEP TISSUE?

The felt experience of pressure is different for every client. It often depends on how tight you are, how often you get work, and your pain tolerance. If you are a person who thinks deep tissue is the only thing that will work for you than I am not the right therapist for you. I won't beat you up, nor do I believe in "no pain no gain" philosophy. And if you can't feel anything without pain than that's something you need to meditate on. The goal of body work is to to wake up from the trance and learn to feel and sense more.

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. CST's main goal is to release a biomechanical system. It is hands on (touch is applied) and small manipulations are done with the skeletal, nervous, fascial, and fluid systems. For more information, see my advanced therapies page.

I'M AN ATHLETE. DO YOU DO SPORTS MASSAGE?

I do not do sports massage. It's not my cup of tea. If you are a serious athlete, or recovering from a sports injury, you may want to seek out a sports therapist who is trained to know your specific sport and the kinesiology involved. But, that doesn't mean I can't help you. I can do regular deep tissue, Swedish, cupping, lymph drainage, healing touch, and other modalities that can benefit athletes. 

WILL I BE SORE AFTER MY MASSAGE? WHAT ARE THE AFTER-EFFECTS? WHY DON'T I FEEL ANY DIFFERENT?

Depending on the type of work you receive, it is not uncommon to still be sore afterward. Some work is intense and can cause local soreness. You may also experience some discomfort as your body tries to eliminate toxins, realign your posture, incorporate sensory input, balance hormones, increase function, release restrictions, etc. With some work you may also experience more lucid dreaming, nostalgia, and emotional adjustments. Generally, negative symptoms should dissipate in about 24 Hrs and release should occur. Feel free to contact me if you have specific questions about the after effects you are experiencing.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

For most massages, you will be asked to undrape to your level of comfort and climb under the sheets. Only the part being worked on will be exposed as we go along. For CST it is unnecessary to disrobe. For belly work women will be given a breast drape so that the belly can be exposed.

WHAT IF I'M UNCOMFORTABLE WITH..?

Ask the therapist to avoid contact with any areas that make you uncomfortable. If you experience any discomfort during the session, tell the therapist that the music, draping, warmth, pressure, strokes, etc., should be adjusted to your level of comfort. It's your massage and your body so speak up!

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A BODY WORKER?

Most importantly, look for a therapist with state certification and license, demonstrates a mastery of techniques and knowledge of anatomy and physiology and mind-body centered therapy, upholds standards of practice and code of ethics, takes part in continuing education, and demonstrates client care. After that, look for someone who fits your style. Every therapists has their own skill set and capabilities.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Feel free to contact me.