Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in the comfort of your own home, or in the privacy of our serene treatment room. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort, complete with fresh sheets and blankets.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session. For Manual Lymphatic Drainage sessions, you may remain fully clothed if you choose- be sure to dress in soft, comfortable clothing.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket that will be provided.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, face, neck, and shoulders.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required. Some conditions that require a doctors approval prior to massage are cardiovascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, heart conditions, hypertension, etc), edema, nervous or psychotic conditions, epilepsy, trapped or pinched nerves, and cancer.
If you are currently experiencing fever, contagious disease (such as the flu or skin disease), neuritis, or are
under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please do not book a massage
Please know that once you have scheduled your appointment, I reserve this time especially for you. As appointment availability is limited, 48 Hour notice is required when canceling or rescheduling an appointment (and please do so via text or phone call at 609-820-1340 — do not send an email).
If you cannot provide 48 hour notice, you will be charged up to 100% of the session cost. Cancelations that are eligible for a refund, if prepaid, may be subject to a service processing fee. This policy applies when redeeming a gift certificat; the balance for cancelation will be deducted from the certificate.
Missed ("No Show") appointments must be paid for in full in order to schedule any future appointments, and any future appointments must be pre-paid in full.
Series/package payments are due at the time of the first appointment. Cancelations/rescheduling for package sessions within 48 hours of scheduled appointment will be deducted from the package balance.
Accepted forms of payment are cash and Venmo (@Meredith-Carmen); payment is given directly to therapist (rather than through True Salon). All scheduling is arranged directly with therapist.
Avoid wearing perfumes, lotions or other synthetic fragrances for your appointment. Please do not schedule an appointment after applying self-tanning lotion or having a spray tan. If possible, avoid using deodorant prior to your appointment, especially if you will be having a Lymphatic treatment.