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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: What kind of massage do you do?
A: I've been trained in Swedish Massage. Swedish is made up of 5 types of massage techniques ~ effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration and friction as well as joint movements. Swedish massage strokes always move towards the heart. I've also been trained in deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release techniques, as well as pre-natal massage. | Q: How much training have you had?
A: My initial massage therapy training was 300 total hours. 250 hrs were in class work that included swedish massage technique [125 hrs], anatomy & physiology [75 hrs.], health & hygiene [20 hrs.], business practices & professional ethics [15 hrs.], hydrotherapy [15 hrs.] and 50 hrs. in my clinical internship ~ my hands-on work. I was also on a scholarship during my training, which was more like a work study program, where I did an additional 150 hrs. of hands-on body work. Whew! I graduated with over 200 hrs. of REAL bodywork. In addition to my initial training I also took some continuing education courses to became spa certified. I learned how to work with paraffin [hands, feet, elbows, & as a facial], salt rubs, herbal body wraps, mud body masques, vichy shower, and spa facials. I've had approximately 24 hrs. in this type of training. Last year my continuing education course was in soft tissue therapy concentrating on the upper body. It was an amazing 6 hr. course. This year I took two 6 hr. courses of continuing education. One course was taught in Austin and the other was taught here in San Antonio. Both courses were about Stretching. Really great courses! My initial training was pretty weak on stretches. The various stretches will be great for all my clients but will be extremely beneficial to the Roller Girls and the runners I massage. FYI: I'm required to take at least 6 hrs. of continuing education every year. | Q: Do I have to get naked for a massage?
A: No, not at all. You don't HAVE to do anything. You have the choice to stay completely clothed or to be in some degree of undress. It also depends on where and how long this massage is going to be. If it's at your workplace for only 15 minutes, you'd more than likely keep all your clothes on. But if you're in my workplace for an hour you certainly do have the freedom to get completely naked if you choose. Besides, the way I work ~ with a top sheet as a drape~ I never see any part of your body except for what I am actually treating. | Q: What happens during a massage?
A: Well, a typical full body massage (min. 1 hour) begins with you lying face down with your face in the face cradle of my table and you under the top sheet. When I first begin you can place your arms to your sides, off the sides of the table, or hanging down on either side of your head. When I return from washing my hands I'll drape the sheet around your hips so that I can work on your back. I'll start with an overall massage of your entire back area ~ from shoulders down to your hip bones. Next I work on your lower back then back up to your upper back and shoulders and neck. Then I'll massage one arm and hand and move to the other arm and hand. At this point we're at the halfway point of this massage, yep ~ 30 minutes have passed! I will cover your back before I begin massaging your lower body. I move the sheet so that I can work on each leg and foot. When I'm done I'll ask you to turn over onto your back and continue to massage the front of your thighs and lower leg. After I've massage both legs, I will move up towards your head. I massage the top portion of your chest, your neck and a bit of the tops of your shoulders. Almost done. I'll finish up the last 5-10 minutes with a face and scalp massage. The very last thing I massage is your ears. Sounds a little odd, but my clients LOVE it. And there you have a 'typical' full body massage. Keep in mind that it's your time. You should feel free to ask me to omit parts and lengthen the time on others. I have spent many an hour massaging only a client's back. I'm your massage therapist and I will be happy to massage whichever body parts are giving you problems. | Q: Do your hands ever get tired?
A: Actually no, they rarely do. I had some fantastic training that taught me how to work properly with the right kind of body mechanics that prevent, or at the very least, lessen the stress on my body. I use a minimal amount of upper body strength because my massage table is so low and I use my body weight to increase/decrease the pressure of my massage stroke. | Q: How long have you been massaging?
A: It's been just over 3 years now. I received my temporary massage license at the beginning of October 2003. I've been practicing solo ever since. Q: Is tipping a 'do' or a 'don't'?
A: Tipping is completely at the client's discretion. I have some clients who always tip and others that have never tipped. I appreciate it very much when it happens! But I always give the same great service to all my clients regardless of tips. I suppose the next question is...'what is an adequate amount?' Again, I leave that completely up to my client. Honestly, I have received a wide range of tips from a couple of dollars to $20. Tips are never expected but always appreciated. Q: What kind of payment do you take?
A: I take cash, check, money order, PayPal, and most recently, credit card payments via PayPal! You can now pay with your Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. It's not even necessary for you to have a PayPal account. I send an invoice to your email account and you follow the link in order to complete payment. I must receive payment in my paypal account by your appointmment if you choose to pay by credit card. This is the only way I can ensure prompt payment of my services. 
Q: How much do you charge for a massage?
A: $30 a half hour massage $60 an hour massage $85 an hour and a half massage $115 a two hour massage $120 a 4-handed massage (2 LMTs work on you for 1 hour) $120 for a 'couple' massage. Q: Has anyone ever propositioned you?
A: No. And I hope it never does. *fingers crossed* I've been fortunate enough to have built the majority of my client base from word-of-mouth, from friend to friend to family member, etc. People who have come to me in this way know that I am a LEGITIMATE massage therapist and have never disrespected me in such a way. And just in case someone is reading this and is still wondering ~ NO, I wouldn't accept such a proposition. I would immediately stop the massage and kick you out. And I will expect you to still pay me for my time and for having to have put up with you. |
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