F.A.Q.

Not at all!

While what you choose to wear or not-wear during your massage might affect the style of massage that can be applied, there are plenty of ways to work around or through clothing.

I do recommend that if you prefer to remain dressed while on the table that you wear light, stretchy clothing for best results.  Clothing with a lot of pockets or thick fabric can take up a lot more time working through and usually aren't very comfortable in general for massage.

Be sure to hydrate!

Massage, especially deep tissue, can sort of "redistribute" the hydration you hold in your body at the time and leave you feeling pretty dehydrated.  Hydrating before-hand will help get better results from the massage.
Hydrating after helps maintain those effects!

I have robes available along with single-use slippers, a private bathroom in the office away from any windows between it an the massage room.
I try to leave enough of a time-buffer between appointments in case something like this comes up because I don't want you to miss out on any of your massage time.  I want you to be able to really relax (and who can relax if they have to use the restroom? haha).

So, please, if you feel the need to use the facilities: just let me know

✅ Hydrate, as said above as well.
❎ Avoid strenuous activity (your body is already hard at work on a deeper level after a massage and needs time to focus its resources on that).
✅ Gentle stretching/movement; "motion is lotion". 
The movement will help keep your body's various circulations pumping while gentle stretching will keep up the different tissue's gained elasticity and R.O.M. (keep them from settling into a shorted state during your recovery period).
✅ Get some food.  Massage can put your body into "rest and digest" mode.  It is also getting to work taking nutrients and resources throughout your body.  Something light and nutrient dense will be the easiest for your body to break down and process.  Nuts, fruit, yogurts, etc.
❎ I would avoid things like caffeine, fried/oily foods, alcohol, and other food/beverages that contribute to dehydration and are more work for your body to process for at least 4-6 hours post-massage. 
✅ Hydrotherapy (take a shower or a bath).  A shower will stimulate your nervous system on a deeper level post-massage while a bath with Epsom salts takes pressure off the muscles and joints.  Both encourage rest, promote circulation, relax the muscles, and influence the production of stress hormones.
❎ Do NOT take a super hot bath/shower, as that could increase any inflammation (not advisable right after massage).
[NOTE: if you get any cupping done, remember not to apply any heat or ice for at least 4-6 hours.]
✅ Make note of how you feel after your massage. Some tenderness/soreness can be expected with certain treatments but should not be intense or long-lasting. 
Any details you can give on your after-effect at your next visit will help better tailor the experience to your needs.

✅ And finally: get lots of rest.
This is somewhat already said earlier with avoiding strenuous activity, but it bears repeating twice, haha.  I know it's hard sometimes to allow yourself a break, so I want to emphasize how you deserve a rest and that it's an investment of time so you can do more later, for longer.

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Rest is when your body can let the "night crew" of your body make any needed repairs, build up where things need reinforcement, and work on taking cellular waste on its way to getting cleared out.

Not just yet, but that is something I'm looking into!
Currently this entire business is a solo-operation, but once I can devote time elsewhere I am planning on looking into how to get that set up.

I would advise against coming in for your massage if you might be getting sick.
I often wear a mask during sessions by default, but a massage when your body is actively fighting against an illness could potentially make you feel worse.

Even if it's short notice, just text me at (360) 200-8959 if you feel you might be sick and won't be coming in.  You and I are a team in improving your general well-being, and if an element beyond our control impedes that from happening that day, there will be another.

You should not get a massage if you are:

• running a fever or have symptoms of contagious illness
  (this indicates your body is busy fighting that and a massage will over-tax your systems).

• have an acute injury (0-4 days); such as a muscle tear, broken bone, or a contusion resulting in bruising.

• recovering from an operation
  (just like an illness, your body is currently working on a lot right now and a massage will leave you potentially feeling worse.)

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Before a massage, you should avoid:

• Alcohol or other substances that might affect your perception of pressure and pain.

• Prolonged sun exposure (either because of chance of dehydration or potential sunburn limiting the benefits and accessibility of the massage)

• Excessive caffeine intake (to avoid dehydration and other potential disruptions)

I currently only have the training and equipment for side-lying prenatal massages. 
If capabilities change on this, I will be sure to post an update (I know this is highly sought after).
Until then, I have many pillows and bolsters to make side-lying massage comfortable and relaxing.
(all pillows, including the body pillow, have several layers of cases including an impervious-barrier to maintain a clean environment).

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