Frequently Asked Questions

​Below you will find some questions that clients often ask about massage, MFR, essential oils, etc. I hope this will help you prepare for your appointment. However, if you find that you still have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via the contact page. You can also ask questions on my Facebook page. 

​What is Myofascial Release?


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​How do I dress
​(or undress)?
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  • Myofascial Release (MFR) is a modality of massage work that can accomplish the same results as Deep Tissue or Neuromuscular Tissue work, but with less pain and quite possibly longer lasting results. MFR focuses on the fascia, which is a mostly collagenous network of tissue that surrounds and permeates muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, joints and even into the organ tissue. And, like a sweater or a spiderweb, it is all connected.
  • Fascial restrictions (knots) can put as much as 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch onto this network. This pressure may result in pain in the immediate area, and/or referring pain throughout the body into other areas. Additionally, there can be trauma related restrictions that can live within the fascia and cause pain and discomfort.
  • MFR uses sustained pressure to help release these restrictions and begin healing. Sometimes results are immediate. But usually, it takes time.
  • You can read much more about MFR on John F. Barnes' site. I am certified Level 1 in his approach to pain relief, and continue to study and grow in my education about this modality.​

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​Honestly, this depends on what you type of session you book. 
  • For a Myofascial Release session - this medical massage body work is done without lotion, and partially clothed. This enables me to get a better range of motion and movement with your limbs and body. I do need to be able to sink into the tissue, though. Most female clients find a sports bra (non-underwire) and cotton running or yoga shorts the most comfortable. Some even wear a two piece bathing suit. Male clients are most comfortable in shorts. However, if you do not have anything like this, or are uncomfortable, then please do not worry. I will work with whatever I am presented with. Regardless, draping is just like traditional massage and only the area being worked on will be uncovered.
  • For Swedish, Hot Stone, or Aromatherapy - for these traditional "spa" modalities, the client is encouraged to undress to their comfort level. Many clients prefer to leave undergarments on. Those that have more experience receiving bodywork will tend to leave less on. The body is draped very conservatively throughout all sessions, and only the area receiving work will be undraped at any point in time. 
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​Is there anything I should do to prepare for the first appointment?
  • If you provided an email when you booked your appointment, you will receive a link to complete a health history form online. It is important that you complete this honestly and thoroughly to allow me to prepare for your session. If you are having troubles with the online form, you can contact me and I can send you a paper copy, or you can download and print out the form here (please bring it with you). If you do not complete it beforehand, you will need to complete it in the office and will need extra time to do so.
  • I will try to confirm your appointment with an email, providing some general logistics, as well as a Consent to Treat form. You can either print this out from the email, or download the form here and complete it prior to your appointment (please bring it with you). If you do not complete it beforehand, you will need to complete it in the office and will need extra time to do so.
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​Do I tip you?
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​What can I expect at my first appointment?
​How many appointments will I need?
  • If you are coming in for MFR, we will discuss your history, your long term and short term goals, and we may do a physical assessment. This will help me to formulate a plan and a recommendation for future sessions. Often times, a client's goal is to sleep better, to have reduced pain, or to have a better range of motion. I can help you accomplish these goals, but it may take several sessions. Often I will recommend weekly sessions initially, followed by another assessment. Not every client can do weekly sessions either due to financial or time limitations: we will work together at your pace.
    • ​If you have an acute issue from an injury or trauma, then we may meet your goals and be done.
    • If your issue is one of chronic pain brought on by your ergonomics, your work, a sport or a hobby you participate in, then my goal is often to get you to a maintenance session of once every 4-6 weeks. 
  • For more "spa" like sessions, I will conduct a brief intake to assess your health history and your goal for the session. But often since the goal is just to relax, we will try to get you on the table as soon as possible so you can move into a relaxed mode. 
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​What are essential oils and how do you use them in your sessions?
​What if I am allergic?
  • Essential oils are the concentrated liquid form of the aromatic compounds of plants, herbs, and roots. They are extracted using various methods (dependent upon the source), most often through a steam distillation process. I use therapeutic grade oils for aromatic and supportive benefits dependent upon your massage goals, your mood, or your request. Often, I simply diffuse an oil for your session to provide a pleasant scented component. With more experienced clients, I will incorporate essential oils topically into your massage. For Swedish or other treatments, I can mix oil into the massage lotion used during those sessions. 
  • If you have any allergies or sensitivities, I will certainly respect those concerns.  ​
  • I personally use oils aromatically, topically, and internally. I offer classes and one on one consultations to discuss these uses. Please contact me for more information, or you can book a FREE essential oils consultation session.