Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from a massage?
You can expect to be very comfortable in your own home. You should expect to have a professional massage and I will listen to your body’s needs. Expect for me to follow the ethical guidelines set forth by the Ohio State Medical Board.
Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in one of my professional offices, which are located in Berea, Ohio and Shaker Heights, Ohio. I also provide outcall services to existing clients, where your massage session will be in the comfort of your own home, *hotel room, or *backstage; where you feel most comfortable. I have some clients that prefer their bedroom, some that prefer the open space of their living room, usually its based on comfort, privacy and space. Feel free to have your favorite tv show or movie on or whatever music that you enjoy to listen to and relax with.
What happens during a session?
I will first ask you about your expectations of your massage and any problems/issues you are facing, even if its just to relax and de-stress. I will step out as you undress to your comfort level and lay on the table and cover yourself up with the sheet. I will enter the room when you are ready. The massage will begin once I place my hands on your body. After the session I will again leave the room and allow you to get dressed.
Do I get a full 60 minutes if I book an hour massage?
Yes, I give you the full amount of “table time” you have asked for. The only exception would be if you are not on the table at the scheduled massage time (this will be considered a late appointment). I will have my table set up and ready and will arrive to allow enough time to find a place to set up and ready before scheduled time.
Do I need to disrobe?
I will ask you to undress to your comfort level. You will always be covered with a sheet. Only the part of the body I am working on will be exposed, and I will make sure you feel as comfortable as possible. Draping (using the sheet) is required.
Is it OK to talk during my session?
This is your session. I am there to allow you to be relaxed and receive therapy needed. I have some clients that are more relaxed by talking. After all you are lying undress on a table with me touching you, talking sometimes makes it easier for you to trust me which then makes it easier for you to relax. Most of the time I find those that talk slowly becomes less as the session progresses, and some even fall sleep.
I will only talk if talked to, but I will be asking throughout the session how you are feeling, and if the amout of pressure is ok for you. Always be sure to speak up about your comfort- too hot or too cold, too much pressure, or not enough, ect.
Will a massage hurt?
This depends on the type of massage you get. A Swedish massage isn’t a deep massage and shouldn’t hurt, yet this type of massage is very light and wont be able to work out any stress that’s within the muscles. Muscles that need the work are going to have that “good pain” associated with it during a massage. Typically during a Deep tissue massage, you will have the “good pain,” as the pressure will be deeper and I will be doing specific work on muscles that are tight. Sometimes the “good pain” becomes a little too much, and this is up to you how much pressure you like. Never let the saying “no pain no gain” make you think that you need it to hurt. The best way to deal with the deep pressure is to stay relaxed and breath through it. A sharp pain may indicate that a muscle is injured or inflamed, you should know your body and know your limits. You may feel soreness up to 2 days after your deep tissue massage, and that is normal. It’s the way of your body telling you that you need the work.
How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed and tensions released. Aches and pains are nonexistent or minimal. A lot of the time you feel like you want to relax after your massage, but you’ll experience a surprising energy. Make sure to drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins that were released during the massage.
How long do the effects of massage last? How often should I receive massage?
This depends on the person, their body, how long they have experienced the burden, and what they do every day. The effects of a regular massage are amazing. Muscles have a memory and it takes time to teach that muscle how its supposed to act. If you are experiencing chronic pain, a weekly massage is ideal. Massages weekly or biweekly makes a huge difference in your overall health and tension levels. Massages are wonderful for prevention, health maintenance, or just to feel better. I have clients that receive 2x weekly, weekly, biweekly, and monthly, it all depends on what they are trying to achieve/prevent/maintain.
Am I supposed to tip?
Tipping is personal preference and tips are always appreciated.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance at this time.
I see you give couples massage, how does that work?
When I do couples massage, I work on each client one at a time. Once the first client gets off table, I go in and get table ready for the next. Each client during a couples massage gets their amount of table time. With a couples massage the second travel fee is waived.
I see you are available for late night appointments, is this a professional massage?
I only provide professional massages, and I follow the ethical guidelines set forth by the Ohio State Medical Board. I understand that most of my clients, especially the ones from out of town have hectic schedules and can only be available for massages late at night. I try to be available as much as possible, but sometimes I just can’t accommodate every hour.
Do you massage someone that isn’t a professional athlete or entertainer?
I specialize in professional athletes and entertainers but I am not limited to just them. I have regular clients in Cleveland who are doctors, lawyers, CEO’s, ect. I am not a massage therapist for everyone, if you want a massage from me, contact me and we will talk to see if we are a good match.
Do you travel? Will you go on the road with bands or teams? How about vacation with me or to my home during off season?
Heck yeah! My bags are already packed- passport up to date. Prices and travel fees to be negotiated, I do have some blackout dates during Aug-Jan
I was just traded to another team/city, do you know any other therapists in the city Im in now?
I would love for my company to be a part of a referral system. I can always try to find someone for you, and I would appreciate it if you find one to send me their info so I can use for further referrals. Remember, I could always travel to you as well.
Do I have to pay sales tax?
Yes, you will have to pay sales tax for receiving massage services. If you have a prescription for massage, please bring with you and sales tax will be waived (one prescription needed yearly).
How should I pay?
I prefer cash on hand at time of appointment, but I do accept credit cards (sales tax and 3% credit card processing fee will be added) as a form of payment.
*you will not be required to be an existing client for hotel and backstage massage services.