Author: racheltstevens

If you aren’t able to fill out a health history form ahead of time, please arrive ten minutes early for your first appointment to fill one out.  Afterward I will  familiarize myself with your health history and begin by asking you some general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions that need to be addressed, and to get an idea of what therapies would best achieve the results you want. You and I will talk about goals for the session. I may ask to perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your muscles and joints, especially if you’re coming in with an injury! Please let me know if you have any problems historically lying on your stomach, back, or side.  I have many tools and techniques to work on your muscles without putting you in an uncomfortable position! Continue reading “What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?”

Any time is a great time to get a massage! You don’t need to wait until you’re stressed or injured. Massage works wonders as preventive care by reducing stress, promoting embodiment and awareness, and improving mobility and muscle tone. Instead of waiting until your back hurts from overwork or stress, or the headaches that start at the back of your skull begin to pound, or the stress of every day life is driving you to your limits, try scheduling a massage before these things happen. A regular massage is a wonderful way to cope with stress, both physical and emotional, and to keep if from causing discomfort or harm to your body. It is a lot easier to keep yourself regulated and pain-free with preventative massage, than it is to treat the pain after an injury has occurred. Keep in mind that you are much more likely to injure yourself when you are under stress, and that stress can flare up old injuries and medical conditions. Regular massage is a great way to build your relationship with your body and cope with the stresses of everyday life. Continue reading “When should I get a massage?”

There are some instances where receiving massage could do more harm than good, to you or to me as your therapist, and some cases where massage is safe with adaptations.  If you have any of the following conditions, you should not get a massage (and if you develop any prior to your appointment, let me know and I will be happy to reschedule you): Continue reading “When should I not get a massage?”

When the massage is over, I will leave the room so that you can get dressed in privacy. If you have fallen asleep, I will wake you gently. Massage and bodywork can be extremely relaxing, affecting all your body’s systems so be sure to give yourself a moment to re-orient yourself and pandiculate (think a dog languidly stretching and wiggling after a nice nap) before slowly getting up. Continue reading “What should I expect after my massage?”

Certainly!  I have a number of pre-set playlists if you’d prefer, or you can choose to have different music or no music at all. Studies have shown that music at under 60 beats-per-minute has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and therefore can enhance your experience. However, while this may be true, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be listened to while you get a massage. If it relaxes you and you enjoy it at home, why wouldn’t it do the same during your treatment? You are welcome to bring a cd or music player with the sounds that you would like to experience.  I’m happy to plug your phone in or link it with bluetooth to my music player.

Continue reading “Can I choose what music I listen to during my massage?”

This is a body-positive and gender-affirming practice.  As a massage therapist I come from a place of compassion and acceptance.  I’ve seen and worked with hundreds of clients with diverse body types and experiences and I’m not here to judge yours. My goal to help you be more comfortable and connected in your body.  

Continue reading “What if I am self-conscious about my body?”

Sure, if you’d like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about what works for you on a particular day.  Depending on what we’re working with on a particular day, we may have more of a verbal dialogue about what’s going on in your body.  Some days you might want a quiet session to focus just on body sensations and float away into massage bliss.    Continue reading “Can I talk during my session?”