Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do I need to do to prepare for my first massage session?
A: Please arrive about ten minutes early to fill out the health history form. Also, try not to eat a heavy meal before your visit. If you do eat, make sure you give yourself at least one hour to digest. If you plan to exercise the day of your massage, make sure you do so beforehand.
Q: What can I expect during the massage visit?
A: Upon arrival, you will fill out the health history form and speak briefly with the massage therapist about your reasons and expectations for the visit. There will be an opportunity to use the restroom before beginning the session. You will be given complete privacy in the studio while you prepare for your massage by disrobing and laying on the massage table fully draped, at which point the massage therapist will re-enter the studio. During the massage session, the part of your body being worked on will be undraped, and then covered again before moving on to the next area. Once the session is complete, the massage therapist will leave the room while you dress and meet you in the reception area.
Q: How private is the massage session and do I need to undress?
A: The Art of Health has taken many steps to ensure your privacy during the massage session. The studio is an enclosed room and the windows have blinds and curtains to provide a safe, comfortable environment. Please undress to your comfort level. For a full body session, some people undress completely while others prefer to keep their underpants on. If you do not want to remove any clothing, dress in loose clothing so the massage therapist can touch and move the areas of your body that will be receiving bodywork. You will never be completely exposed during the massage; the massage therapist only undrapes one area at a time.
Q: Should I tell my massage therapist if I have sensitive skin or allergies?
A: Yes, especially if you have a severe allergy to nuts and/or seeds. Grape seed oil is often used as a base mixed with essential oils to lubricate the skin during the massage, but organic hypoallergenic lotions and cremes are available for clients with sensitive skin, allergies, or are prone to break outs.
Q: How will I feel after receiving bodywork?
A: Most people feel relaxed yet energized. Occasionally, clients will experience dizziness or feel lightheaded directly following the massage. Make sure to drink plenty of water to flush any toxins from the body that were released from your muscles. If you received deeper work, you may experience muscle soreness or fatigue the next day. This is completely normal and does not usually last longer than a day. Please be sure to tell your massage therapist if you experience discomfort or pain after the massage or experience soreness that lasts longer than a day.
Q: Is it appropriate to tip my massage therapist?
Tipping is absolutely welcome, but by no means mandatory. If you feel inclined to include a gratuity, please do so by personal check or cash. We no longer accept tips by credit card.
Q: I am training for a marathon and would like to incorporate deep tissue & sports massage into my training regimen. When should I schedule my massages?
A: All runners can benefit from massage, but it is especially useful for marathoners and runners covering more than 35 miles per week. Schedule your deeper massages after your training runs preceding a rest or light day. Plan your lighter sports massages just before the race to warm you up and post-event to flush waste from your muscles. Be sure to leave at least 48 hours to recover for the event after your final deep tissue massage and wait about 48 hours before receiving your first intensive massage post-race. Adding massage to your training will add longevity to your running for years to come.
