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Common Questions
Q: Do you offer sliding scale?
A: Yes! As part of my practice I try to make massage available to those who find the cost to be a barrier to access. I offer sliding scale by request, on 60 minute massages, in addition to my massage membership option, which takes $20 off of regular prices. If you would like to contribute to the mutual aid fund for free or discounted massages, please ask to add a donation to your service charge.
Q: This is my first massage, what do i wear?
A: You may wear as much or as little clothing as is comfortable for you. You will always be draped (meaning covered with sheets) except for the part of your body I am working on. I have given massage to fully clothed clients, partially clothed clients, and on clients with no clothing whatsoever. The less layers, the deeper into the tissue I can work. It depends on your massage therapy goals, and comfort level.
Q: Do you use nut oils?
A: ALLERGY WARNING: I use jojoba oil. If this doesn't work for you, please let me know up front, and in advance if you know you need a particular oil.
Q: I am nervous about touch, how do you manage that?
A: Consent is a huge part of my practice. I am trauma informed and deeply understand that trust is built over time. I welcome any and all feedback during and after your sessions. Throughout the massage, continuous check-ins and active consent will occur, while working on and moving to various parts of the body. I will continually describe what I am doing, and why if desired. This approach can help to calm and rewire the nervous system towards safety. Pausing and/or wrapping up the session is possible at any point.
This is your massage.
Q: Why do you focus on lgbtqia+ massage?
A. The experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community are often so inseparable from experiences of trauma, chronic pain, and autoimmune diseases. Massage can help with post-op scar tissue; rebuilding trust through consent practices, increased draping and communication; create a sense of community and acceptance in a gender affirming space; and reduce stress or physical tension in the body. ​​
Q: Do you offer gift certificates?
A: Yes! I can sell them in person, through email, or over the phone.
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Q: What do all the massage terms mean?
A:
Massage Therapist: This is the most current and appropriate term for a person who practices massage therapy. The word Masseuse is an outdated term that can have sexual connotations. The massage therapy world has tried to separate itself from the sexual realm, in part to reduce confusion (sex work is real work), and because licensed massage therapists are required to go to school, do many hours of internship, and take state/federal exams to become licensed. It's just different!
Swedish Massage: A classic, relaxing, ‘spa’ massage. Using long, gliding strokes and light pressure, this relaxing massage will reduce stress in your body/nervous system.
Deep Tissue Massage: Slow, deep, pressure is utilized to target points of tension in muscle and connective tissues throughout the body.
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Sports Massage: A great choice for athletes. This massage will prevent injuries, increase recovery time, and release muscles through assisted stretching.​
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Lymphatic Massage: This massage consists of gentle brushing throughout the body to promote lymph movement and drainage. This type of massage is encouraged for anyone with a compromised lymphatic system due to allergies, lymphedema, illness, injury, or surgery. This type of massage is very different than what you may expect of a massage.
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Myofascial Release: Involves gentle and consistent pressure to the connective tissues- fascia to reduce restrictions and increase range of motion.
Therapeutic Massage: A combination of massage therapy modalities and styles of massage to meet your body's specific needs. Pressure may vary throughout the massage.
Knot: A general area of a muscle that has a lot of tension. A small lump or multiple lumps can be felt under the skin. It may or may not be painful. Muscle knots can contain multiple trigger points.
Trigger Point: A specific, and hyper irritable spot in a muscle that is extremely sensitive to pressure. movement, and touch. Can lead to localized or referred (moving to other areas of body) pain, limited range of motion, and reduced strength.