FAQs
Getting Started
"Do I need a doctor’s referral to book a session?"
No referral is required! You can book directly at any time. However, if you have a specific medical condition, I might ask for additional details to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
"What should I expect at my first appointment?"
Before your session, you’ll complete a health questionnaire so I can tailor your treatment to your needs. We’ll start with a conversation to discuss your concerns, then move into a customized hands-on session.
After your massage, we’ll take a few moments to discuss how your body responded, any key areas of focus, and recommendations to help extend the benefits of your session. If needed, we’ll also outline a plan for continued progress, so you leave feeling supported, informed, and confident in your healing path.
Results & Effectiveness
"I’ve had massages before that didn’t help. How will this be different?"
Unlike generic massage focused on temporary relaxation, I take a precise therapeutic approach ~~ guided by expertise, and conducted with healing intention every time. Drawing from thousands of hours advanced training and hands-on work with diverse chronic and acute pain conditions, I use each session to target the root cause of any pain or discomfort. This is aimed at providing real, lasting relief beyond a quick fix.
"I don’t have time for regular massages. Will one session even help?"
Most clients feel noticeable relief after just one session, though long-standing issues often benefit from ongoing care for a while. Even if you can only come occasionally, I’ll help you make the most of each session to get meaningful results. This includes any observations and recommendations that can help you in your daily activities.
"How long will the results last?"
This depends on the cause of your pain or discomfort, your daily activities, and any underlying conditions. How long the condition has existed also makes a difference. Many clients experience immediate relief that lasts, while others benefit from regularly scheduled sessions. I also provide at-home strategies to help extend the effects of your treatment.
"Massage is just for relaxation, right?"
Not necessarily. Relaxation is a natural benefit of any well-conducted massage treatment. Indeed, repair and recovery can’t happen without it. However, if your needs go beyond that, a specific treatment plan will focus on the pain, discomfort, and compromised function ~~ so you can move better, feel stronger, and feel like yourself again.
"How long should I wait to exercise after a massage session?"
The effect of a massage session can continue for several hours, often into the next day, with changes which might be dramatic or subtle. It is always best to avoid any strenuous activity for 24 hours to allow your system to integrate these shifts.
The one exception is if you are receiving massage in preparation for an athletic event, and that is a very specific methodology.
"How often should I come in for massage?"
This depends on your goals and the condition of your body. Some clients initially come weekly until the pain is resolved and their condition improved. Others schedule monthly maintenance to keep themselves in balance. As a client’s circumstances and needs change, so too can the frequency of massage sessions. We can discuss what makes sense for you.
Techniques & Method
"What types of massage do you offer?"
Since my initial training in 1978, I’ve explored and integrated a wide range of techniques, creating a system that reflects my own healing philosophy. Rather than following a rigid protocol, I draw from many disciplines to provide treatments that are truly responsive to your body’s needs.
Some of the methods that influence my work include:
• Neuromuscular Therapy – Targets pain and dysfunction at the muscular and nervous system levels.
• Myofascial Release – Gently releases restrictions in the fascia to restore mobility.
• Craniosacral Therapy – Uses subtle touch to encourage balance within the central nervous system.
• Biodynamic Massage – Impacts the whole person, body and mind
• Lymphatic Drainage – Supports the immune system and reduces fluid retention.
• Eastern & Western Energy-Based Modalities – Help restore energetic balance and alignment from head to toe.
• Somatic-Emotional Therapy – Supports the mind-body connection in releasing stored tension.
I also offer Transcending Warm Stone Massage, a slow, meditative session that harnesses the energy of the stones to bring deep relaxation and often a profound sense of wholeness.
Every session is thoughtfully tailored to meet you where you are in your healing process, ensuring a treatment that is both therapeutic and deeply restorative.
"Is this deep tissue massage?"
Many people assume that deep tissue massage requires strong, heavy pressure, but this is a misconception. True therapeutic work is about precision, not force.
My methods can include deep tissue work, with a caveat.
To directly reach deeper muscle layers, the superficial tissues (those closer to the skin) must be mobile to allow access. If they are tense and stiff, forcing through them too quickly can cause unnecessary pain, tissue damage and bruising, and even make the body resist the work. The best strategy in this case is to help those tight, hard superficial tissues become pliant first. This can take time as your body integrates the progressive changes.
My approach respects this process, allowing for deep, lasting relief without the rebound or post-massage soreness that aggressive pressure can cause.
By working with your body, not against it, I’m working to ensure your treatment is both comfortable and effective — giving you the long-term results you need without unnecessary pain.
Without this understanding, many people have repeated forceful massage for the same thing over and over and never make progress.
"You’re so small ~~ how could you help me?"
Yes, my stature is petite. But skill and technique matter more than size! My deep knowledge of the interplay of the systems of our bodies allows me to work with precision, using well-honed methods that achieve powerful results without brute force.
"Can you work on specific injuries or post-surgery recovery?"
Yes! I have extensive experience helping clients recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions. If you have a specific issue, let me know so I can tailor your sessions accordingly.
Practical & Booking
"How can I make an appointment?"
There are three ways you can make an appointment:
- Use the button at the top of this page to book online
- Call me. You might have to leave a message and play a little phone tag. I always return calls as quickly as I can during business hours
- Send me a detailed message via the form on my Contact page giving the date, time and service you would like to schedule.
"How long are your sessions?"
I offer 60- and 90-minute sessions, with the full time dedicated to hands-on work — unlike many places that include dressing and consultation in your stated session time. In fact, I ask you to allow an additional 15 minutes for the pre- and post- session care.
"Do you offer same-day or emergency appointments?"
I recommend booking in advance, but occasionally I have last-minute availability. Feel free to call me on the day for openings, as my online scheduling system is set for bookings at least one day in advance.
"What if I need to reschedule?"
I understand that life happens! You can easily reschedule online using the link in your confirmation or reminder email. Reminders are sent out two days in advance of your appointment. I have a 24-hour cancellation policy, so if you need to reschedule, please do so at least a day in advance to avoid a fee. This timeline is reduced to 12 hours for members and prepaid series holders.
"How do I keep track of the series I bought or membership I have?"
An online account is automatically created for you when you become a client. You can log into this account at any time to view your series or membership. You can see all your booking activity, payments, gift certificates you have purchased. You can also view the health questionnaire/intake form you completed to see if it needs updating.
"How do I log in to my account?"
You can log in via the top right corner of my scheduling home page: click on the three horizontal lines. You can also use the link provided in your confirmation and reminder emails.
"What can I do in my online account?"
Here’s what you can do 24 hours a day any day when you log in to your account:
- book or change an appointment. Note that if you’re cancelling within 24 hours of the appointed time, you’ll need to call me. At that point, this option is not available online as it’s now in the period when a cancellation fee is charged.
- set up a series of appointments
- keep track of any series or membership you buy, future appointments and appointment history
- check payments, gift certificates, credits
- buy instant gift certificates. You can either send them by email – or print them out
- write a review of your experience, which I always welcome
- send me a message directly from the Message section
"Is A Touch of Wellness disabled accesssible?"
Yes. This is a single-story building with several parking spaces at the front designated for less able drivers. Access from the parking lot is easy. A Touch of Wellness is located immediately off the front lobby.
We have washrooms designed to accommodate a wheelchair.
Comfort & Experience
"What should I wear for my session? Do I have to take my clothes off?"
You can undress to your comfort level. Depending on the work you need, I might make a recommendation.
I can always use methods that work through clothing if you prefer. In the end, it’s entirely up to you. When undessed, you’ll always be professionally draped for personal privacy and comfort.
"Do you use oils or lotions?"
Yes, I make a high-quality nourishing lotion with organic apricot kernel oil with no greasy residue. You won’t feel you need a shower afterward. If you enjoy aromatherapy, I can also incorporate essential oils into your session.
Some of my techniques are best performed without oils or lotion.
"Will I be sore after my massage?"
Usually no. Occasionally, a client experiences tenderness after our first session. This is one of the reasons I make a follow-up phone call the next business day after your first session. Since every person and body is unique, I want to be sure to apply my methods in the best way to serve you going forward.
"Can I talk during my session?"
That’s entirely up to you! Some clients prefer silence to fully sense the session, while others feel more comfortable with conversation. My priority is creating the best healing environment for you.
"I’m afraid massage will hurt or make my condition worse. Will it?"
A guiding principal of my work is to not create pain to relieve pain. My method is gentle yet highly effective — I never use forceful or aggressive techniques. Instead, I work with your body, not against it. You can think of a session as a respectful conversation I have with your body, ensuring pain relief that feels safe, comfortable, and supportive.
"What if I have allergies?"
I recognize that some people are sensitive to incense, candles, herbal or essential oils and other substances.
I can use a lubricant that suits you if I know your sensitivities in advance. Normally, I use an unscented massage lotion that I make with organic apricot kernel oil, purified alkaline water and organic beeswax.
Organic essential oils are used on request and with your consent. I do not burn candles or incense, and pets are not allowed in my office.
In addition, my office has a hepa filter air purifier.
Payment & Policies
"Do you accept insurance?"
I do not bill insurance, but I can provide a detailed receipt if you’d like to submit it for reimbursement under a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
"What forms of payment do you accept?"
I accept credit/debit cards, cash, checks and HSA/FSA cards.
"Should I tip?"
Some clients consider massage therapy health care and some see it as a personal service. Some like to give extra as a way to express their gratitude for the care they’ve received, and I’m always thankful for the gesture. But it is never expected.
My focus is always on providing the best possible care, no matter what a client chooses,
Can I see my payment history?
An online account is automatically created for you when you become a client. You can log into this account at any time to view your payments, gift certificates you have purchased, your series or membership. You can see all your booking activity. You can also view the health questionnaire/intake form you completed to see if it needs updating.
Still have Questions?
If there’s anything else you’d like to know, just ask.
