Massage and cupping can be uncomfortable, but you should always speak up if it goes from being pleasantly uncomfortable to painful in any way. I try to work within my clients’ pain tolerance limits. In fact, pain during a massage can be incredibly counter productive. Please leave “no pain, no gain” at the door and trust the process!

All sessions, whether it’s your first time seeing me or your 100th, start with a brief discussion of how you’re feeling in your body that day and what your goals look like. After intake, we may or may not perform some measurements and assessments so that we can keep track of progress toward your specific goals. Most of the session will be massage and cupping (if you’ve chosen to do it), followed by some simple stretches and exercises that you can do for homework, again, based on your specific goals.

I always tell people to undress to their own level of comfort. I can massage around or through most clothing but cupping only works directly against skin. Most people choose to be either completely nude on the table or leave only their underwear on. Either way is truly fine with me! You will always be covered by a sheet and blanket except for the area that I’m working on (which will never EVER be genitals or breasts).

Over the years, I’ve kind of developed my own style of massage… as most long practicing LMTs tend to do. I mostly blend Swedish massage with sports massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. I don’t do very much stretching on the table but will happily guide you through stretches once you’re off of the table.

I am certified to do prenatal massage, but I ask that you wait to see me until you are in your second trimester. I always do prenatal massage in a side-lying position. Cupping is not something I will do if you are pregnant.

I try not to leave people feeling super sore, but it’s entirely possible that you’ll be sore for a day or two after a session even if I don’t use a lot of pressure. You can help this by being well hydrated during and after the session, getting in some gentle movement in later in the day, and having a warm bath with Epsom salts.

Whatever you’re inclined to do is what you should do! One of my favorite things about massage is that I get to talk to so many different people, but I will respect the silence if you would prefer to be quiet. The only time you absolutely have to talk is if I ask a question about any tenderness you’re feeling or whether or not the pressure is comfortable for you. If you choose to chat during your session, whatever we talk about will stay in the room.

While I do recommend some gentle movement later in the day after you’ve seen me, I don’t typically recommend a hard or intense workout.