Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that's not answered here, please contact us.
At your first massage, you’ll complete a health history form and address any of your concerns and goals with your massage therapist. Once the treatment has been determined, the therapist will leave the room to allow you the privacy to get onto the table and make yourself comfortable. Before re-entering the room to begin the treatment, your therapist will knock on the door.
Depending on your preventative and maintenance needs, one massage per month is the recommended frequency. If your specific condition or needs demand it, your therapist will design a plan which may involve more or less frequent massages.
Most people feel very relaxed and experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. People often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.
We use hypoallergenic massage oils and our oils are only scented with Certified Therapeutic-Grade essential oils. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist’s attention.
Yes we do! Massage is a great way to show someone how much you care. Gift cards can be purchased online or at our spa.
Prenatal Massage
Each woman and each pregnancy is different, so there is no standard answer for this question. If you are planning to use massage therapy as an integral part of your prenatal care we suggest once a month in the first trimester, twice a month in the second and third. If you are having a difficult pregnancy with back pain, sharp leg and hip pains or sleeplessness we recommend increasing your session to 1 1 /2 hours or coming once a week in the last trimester.
With proper technique and pressure levels, absolutely. By policy we do not massage abdomens in the first trimester. It is completely safe, as your uterus is still the size of a plum and protected by the bony structure of the pelvis. However, due to the high incident of miscarriage in the first trimester we avoid it because it tends to cause some anxiety, and the object of the massage is to reduce stress. After 12 weeks it is your option to request massage on your belly with light, circular strokes. This promotes skin elasticity and circulation to the general area. Especially in the third trimester, we like to think of it as baby’s first massage. According to the mothers, they seem to like it very much!
You may be relieved to know that in most cases it is safe (and beneficial!) to receive massage up to your due date and beyond. Many women schedule a session on their due date so they have something to look forward to if they have not yet gone into labor. A massage is a great way to prepare your body for the experience of giving birth. Women on bed rest should receive modified massage, (very light pressure on extremities and no abdominal massage) and you should always consult your doctor if you have special circumstances.
We do not use “Prego Pillows” or tables with holes for the belly. Our belief is receiving a massage with such items is counterproductive to why so many of you need a massage – to relieve back pain. We use pillows to place you on your sides or semi-reclined so there is no pressure on the abdomen whatsoever, and the spine and surrounding muscles are able to relax.
Not true. Now more than ever your feet need relief from joint pressure and swelling. But there are acupressure points around the ankles and feet that, when actively and aggressively worked, can bring on contractions. This is handy during labor, but those specific places and techniques are carefully avoided until then. This is one of the many reasons to see a knowledgeable therapist.
Postpartum Massage
In most cases, as soon as you like. We have given massages as soon as one hour after the birth of the baby, and it seems to make a real difference in postpartum recovery. Massage soon after delivery can aid recovery by increasing your circulation and cleansing toxins like lactic acid from your muscles (after all, you’ve just run the marathon of all marathons!) We like to be able to help as soon as possible, but realistically there are issues surrounding the logistics of childcare and feeding times. Although we do not provide childcare, you are welcome to bring a caregiver with you. Then you can receive your massage without worry, and feed your infant before or after your session. Women who have had a Cesarean-section usually need to wait a few weeks and bring written approval from their physician.
Gift Cards
Gift Cards for any occasion! Please call to order, online purchase not available at this time.