The things people ask before they book.
If yours is not here, call me. There is no such thing as a silly question about this, and I would much rather answer it before you are on the table.
Before your first session
What happens on a first visit?
We talk for about ten minutes first — what hurts, what you have already tried, what you want out of the hour. That conversation is not taken out of your session time. Then I leave the room, you get comfortable on the table under the sheet, and we begin.
What do I wear, and what comes off?
Undress to whatever level you are comfortable with; most people keep underwear on. You are covered by a sheet the entire time, and only the area being worked on is uncovered. If keeping your clothes on is what makes this possible for you, say so — there is good work that can be done through clothing.
Do I need to arrive early or bring anything?
No. Come as you are. Arriving a couple of minutes early is nice but not necessary, and there is no paperwork waiting for you if you filled in the booking form.
Is it going to hurt?
It should not. Deep work can have a firm, satisfying ache to it, but pain that makes you tense up or hold your breath is counterproductive — your body braces against it and the tissue does not release. Tell me and the pressure changes immediately. That is information, not complaining.
Choosing a session
I do not know which massage I need. What should I book?
Book the one that sounds closest, or call and describe what is going on. Nothing is locked in — I shape the session around what I find once we start, and switching approach costs nothing.
Thirty, sixty or ninety minutes?
Thirty minutes is a focused cupping session on one or two areas. Sixty is enough for a full-body Swedish, or for real attention to one region — a neck and shoulders, or a low back. Ninety is the one most people settle into, because it covers the whole body and still gives real time to a stubborn area.
How often should I come?
For a specific problem, weekly or fortnightly at first, then spacing out as things improve. For general maintenance and stress, monthly suits most people. I will tell you what I think you need, and it is frequently less than you expected.
Can massage help pain I have had for years?
Often, yes. It usually involves both hands-on work on the restricted tissue and giving an over-alert nervous system time to settle — which is why I treat the whole person rather than the sore spot. Progress is rarely a straight line, and we will know within a few sessions whether it is helping you. If it is not, I will say so and point you somewhere better.
Practical things
How do I book?
Book online at any hour, or call or text (859) 202-5287 — that is the fastest way to reach me, and I return messages the same day where I can. Booking online takes about a minute and no card is needed.
What if I need to cancel?
Give me 24 hours' notice where you can and there is no charge and no awkwardness. Life happens; a call or a text is plenty.
How do I pay?
At the end of the session — cash or card, whichever is easier. Nothing is taken when you book online. Tipping is never expected.
Do you take insurance?
Sessions are paid directly rather than billed to insurance. If you have an HSA or FSA card, that will generally work. I can provide a receipt for your records.
Where are you, and who do you see?
I work in Richmond, KY and Lexington, and clients come from across central Kentucky — Berea, Winchester, Nicholasville, Georgetown and the surrounding area. Call or text and I will tell you exactly where to come.
When massage is not the answer
Are there times you would turn me away?
Yes, and I would rather be straight about it. Fever or active infection, recent surgery without clearance, a new and undiagnosed injury, blood clots, or certain skin conditions all mean we wait or you see a doctor first. Rescheduling costs nothing.
I am pregnant. Can I still book?
Yes — prenatal massage is one of the sessions I offer, on a specialised table with cushions so you are comfortable at any stage, and with no abdominal pressure. Tell me when you book, and if you have any complications or your provider has asked you to take care with anything, we will talk it through first.
What information do you keep about me?
Your name and contact details, so I know who is coming. Anything you tell me about your body in the booking form is encrypted before it is stored, only readable by me, and deleted automatically afterwards. You can decline to have it stored and still book — we will just talk it through in person.