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What precautions are you taking during the pandemic?
As of March 1st, 2022 clients are not required to wear masks in the office. As of June 1st, 2023, Anna no longer wears a mask for every session. She will gladly put one on if it makes you more comfortable—just let her know! If you have concerns or require special accommodations, please contact Anna.
What does massage feel Like?
Everyone knows massage is relaxing, right? But what does it feel like? Those squeezes your friend gives your sore shoulders are just the tip of the iceberg! Massage therapists use a variety of different techniques to relax your muscles and your mind. Often, a massage begins with long strokes down your back, starting with light pressure and working gradually deeper into your muscles. Once your tissues are warmed up, the therapist incorporates other motions into the long strokes—squeezing, deeper contact with thumbs, fingers, palms, forearms and elbows, jostling, and percussive techniques are all possibilities. The massage should feel good and relaxing. The techniques should never cause pain or discomfort; you should let the therapist know if what they are doing is painful. Need a visual aide? Check out this video from Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals.
Do I have to be naked?
That’s up to you! You will always be given privacy while you dress and undress to get on and off the massage table. In between, you will be covered at all times by a sheet, with just the area being worked on exposed. As for what to wear during your session, that’s completely up to you. Many choose to keep their underwear on, but this isn’t necessary. The therapist will never expose your breasts, genitals, or gluteal cleft (that’s your butt crack) in the course of a relaxation massage. And if there are any areas you want to keep covered, or don’t want to receive touch, just let them know!
what if i fall asleep?
All manner of human reactions to therapeutic touch are completely normal and expected. Falling asleep, snoring, drooling, passing gas, stomach gurgles, muscle twitches, and yes—even erections—are natural responses to the parasympathetic nervous system engagement that occurs during a relaxation session. A professional therapist will ignore your bodily responses, with the knowledge that you’re doing just what you came in to do—relax!
how will I know what to do?
Your therapist will give you detailed instructions about how to disrobe and position yourself on the massage table. Once you’re comfortably situated, you don’t have to do anything! Your therapist will tell you if she needs you to move, turn over, etc. And she will give you instructions again when the session is over. In the meantime, just relax and enjoy your massage.
Why does massage cost so much?
It seems like massage therapists should be raking in the big bucks, right? As of 2023, the national average cost of a massage is $87/hour. Multiply that by eight hours a day, five days a week, and you get a pretty hefty sum! However, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into each hour of massage. Anna has calculated that for every hour spent with a client, she spends an additional 90 minutes setting up, cleaning, doing laundry, making playlists, writing newsletters, maintaining the website, etc. On top of the time spent, there’s also added costs. For independent practitioners, there’s rent, equipment maintenance, supplies like linens and massage oil… You get the picture. Money to pay for these things comes from what you pay for your session. And ultimately, there’s the simple fact that most massage therapists cannot see eight clients a day, five days a week. Massage is physical labor. Many therapists leave the industry due to injury or burnout. Practitioners who are successful long-term set limits and stick to them. Many eventually scale back their hands-on time and teach, or practice lighter-touch modalities such as cranio sacral therapy. The cost of your massage pays for every aspect of your experience—clean sheets, quality oils, healthy practitioner—not just the labor of your therapist.
should i tip?
Anna does not accept gratuities. The cost of each session is all-inclusive. However, therapists at spas and other establishments often depend on tips for their income, so always ask about the protocol around gratuities when receiving massage elsewhere.
How do I prepare for my session?
It’s always a good idea to arrive a few minutes early, to allow time for paperwork and a relaxed discussion about your goals and expectations prior to the start of your session. Staying hydrated is a good goal in general, but especially for massage, as hydrated muscles are less stiff and easier to work with. Otherwise, come as you are! No need to shower, shave your legs, or do your hair—your therapist will just mess it up anyway!
Should i talk during my session?
There’s no need to make conversation during a massage. A professional therapist might ask you a few questions during the session related to your comfort, but otherwise she’ll work in silence. You may talk if you want to, but carrying on a conversation will disrupt the therapist’s concentration and detract from your own relaxation. Massage is a time to let your mind be quiet; it’s okay to let your mouth follow suit.
what if i feel self conscious?
It’s completely natural to feel self conscious about your body—most of us do at one time or another! A massage session is a place where you can relax, feel safe, connect with your body, and build a healthy relationship with yourself. A professional therapist works with all shapes and sizes, and cultivates an attitude of non-judgement about the bodies on her table. It’s okay to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable with ourselves, but we shouldn’t let that stop us from receiving massage! If you have specific concerns about your body—areas you don’t want touched, etc.—just let your therapist know.
what if i have to use the bathroom?
Ideally, you’ll use the bathroom before you get on the massage table. But if you find that you have to go in the middle of a session, that’s okay! Anna has fuzzy bathrobes on hand for you to put on. Don’t let a full bladder ruin your relaxation; just say, “I need a bathroom break!”
Does Anna perform deep tissue?
Anna’s style of massage tends towards the gentler, more relaxing end of the spectrum. However, this doesn’t mean she won’t work deeply! Relaxation techniques lay the groundwork for deeper contact, because they encourage the body to soften and readily receive touch, instead of guarding against painful pressure. It’s true that for some, Anna’s gentle approach won’t be effective; no therapist is right for every client. If you’re interested in a different approach, please contact Ethan Brady of Peak Life Massage Therapy, Maggie Raposo, or Pixie Ré Tallent.