What type of massage should I book?
If you’re looking for pure relaxation, we recommend booking a Swedish massage. However, if you’re experiencing any muscle discomfort or tension, a Deep Tissue massage might be the right choice. Our approach to Deep Tissue massage is focused on carefully working through the layers of muscle and fascia, targeting adhesions between tissues, muscle fiber spasms (“knots”), and joint restrictions caused by tissue limitations. While Deep Tissue massage doesn’t have to be painful, there might be areas that feel tender. We value open communication with our clients, so always let us know if any technique or specific area feels uncomfortable. If you are pregnant or recently gave birth (in the past 1-3 months), book a prenatal massage.
How does prenatal massage help during pregnancy and the first three months after birth?
Specifically, bodywork support during pregnancy and after birth can help:
– Reduce back and joint pain: As a woman’s body changes during pregnancy and birth, she may experience discomfort and pain in her back, hips, and other joints. Bodywork techniques can help alleviate this pain and improve mobility. Studies show that massage can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for pain medication following birth.
– Promote relaxation: Pregnancy and the months directly after birth can be a stressful time, both physically and emotionally. Bodywork can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can lead to a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy and infant stage. There will also be a focus on relieving tension in the muscles used when feeding and lifting, once baby has arrived.
– Improve sleep: Many pregnant women and those with new babies struggle with getting enough sleep. Bodywork can help improve sleep quality and duration by reducing pain, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.
– Prepare for childbirth: Certain bodywork techniques can help prepare a woman’s body for childbirth by increasing flexibility and improving circulation.
What should I expect for an in-home massage?
Your therapist will arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will allow time for setting up the table. We ask that you have a space around 5’x8′ available. Your therapist will bring a heating pad, sheets, lotion, and relaxing music.
To create an optimal environment for your massage experience, we recommend adjusting the temperature in your house to a level where you feel most comfortable. During a massage, people may feel slightly colder as their sympathetic nervous system calms, so having a blanket nearby is advisable. In the case of a prenatal massage, please have a couple of pillows or a body/pregnancy pillow available, similar to what you use while sleeping.
As we set up, we will discuss with you the reason for the massage and establish our goals for this session. When we are ready for you to get on the table we will step out of the room, preferably to a bathroom or kitchen so we can wash our hands. When our time is complete, we will help you sit up if necessary and step out to wash our hands, allowing you privacy to dress.
As we pack up we will discuss what muscle issues we noticed during your session and give suggestions for stretches if necessary. If you do not use our online scheduler for booking appointments and paying, we can also set up your next appointment and take payment at that time.
Do I have to get undressed or take off my underwear?
To ensure your comfort and privacy, we always use a full top and bottom sheet, uncovering only the area we are working on. You may remain fully or partially clothed during your massage if you would prefer. When working on the covered areas, our techniques will involve more compression and stretching rather than continuous flowing movements to achieve the desired effects.
You also have the option to remove all clothing except for underwear. The same idea applies – if we need to work the muscles in your buttocks/hips we will use compression (over the sheet) and stretching. These techniques are as equally effective in addressing muscle tension as flowing massage techniques.
Should I talk or stay quiet through my massage?
Up to you! While we always encourage and appreciate feedback during your massage (too hard, too light, a little to the right, more time on my feet, etc) you may otherwise use this time to calm your thoughts and rest peacefully. We can also talk the entire time – some people find this more relaxing!
Do you take insurance?
Short answer – no.
Long answer – the State of Illinois does not allow massage therapists to diagnose. Insurance claims need a diagnosis code. You may attempt to get a diagnosis code with a prescription for massage from your doctor. If you have this, we can send you a receipt that you can submit, with the prescription, to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement is dependant on your specific insurance company/plan and would be at the out of network rate, since we cannot be in network.
How many massage do I need?
Determining the number of massages you need depends on several individual factors, making it difficult to provide a definitive answer here. Clients with chronic conditions may schedule sessions once a week or every two weeks to manage their symptoms effectively. For others, a massage every 4-6 weeks suffices. After you and your therapist have discussed the reason(s) for your massage and conducted your initial session, your therapist will have a better understanding of how your muscles respond to therapy and can identify any potential triggers for recurring issues. Based on this, they can provide more personalized recommendations regarding the frequency of future sessions.
Should I tip?
We always like to say that we accept tips but never expect tips. We aim to keep our massages affordable for most, which is why our prices tend to be lower than other in-home therapists. If you loved your massage and can afford to give a tip, it is very much appreciated as it helps us keep our prices low and cover additional expenses, like meter parking charges and gasoline.