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.
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.
"How is this different from 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.
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, 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.
My approach respects this process, allowing for deep, lasting relief without the 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 results you need without unnecessary discomfort.
Many people have repeated forceful massage for the same thing over and over and never make progress… and the reason for that requires a much longer explanation.
"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 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.
"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.
"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.
Comfort & Experience
"What should I wear for my session?"
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.) In the end, it’s entirely up to you. You’ll always be professionally draped for 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.
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,
Still have Questions?
If there’s anything else you’d like to know, just ask. I’m happy to help. Brenda
