New here? What to expect
Once you book your session via Massagebook (our online scheduler):
You will receive a confirmation email with more details on finding our space within the South Hill Business Campus, we recommend reading through this before you head to your appointment. You will also receive an email with a link to fill out our online intake form. Please take the time to fill this out, we recommend feeling into your body as you go through the form. If you have gotten massages before please think back to some of the things you enjoyed and also anything that could have been better.
Communication is the difference between a good massage, and an excellent massage.
A quick intake + your goals
We’ll start with a few questions about what’s been going on (posture habits, stress, pain, mobility), what you want most from the session, and any areas you’d like us to focus on—or avoid. We’ll also confirm the areas you'd like us to work on as well as pressure preferences so you feel confident from the start.
Consent-based work + check-ins (with professional draping)
Your comfort and boundaries come first. As you get onto the massage table we exit the room and will let you know to undress to your comfort level. You’ll be draped with a sheet and blanket at all times, and we only uncover the area we are working on. We can do a majority of most massage sessions through clothes and or sheets, so if that is your comfort level that is okay. We check in about pressure and comfort throughout the session, and you’re always welcome to ask for adjustments at any time.
Deep Tissue vs Painful Pressure
When receiving massage, one of the key effects is increased body awareness. This does not always mean a highly felt level of sensation, in many cases this is on a deeper level within the body. As your body becomes more aware of areas of less beneficial tension it begins to do its own unwinding processes. There can be moments of felt sensation that may be described by many as "good pain." Ideally you will be able to stay comfortable while receiving the massage, as one of the other key effects is helping to engage the parasympathetic nervous system AKA rest and digest. Here are some things to look for within your massage experience that may help you recognize when your body is no longer comfortably receiving the work:
Holding your breath, wincing, flinching, flexing or tensing, gritting teeth, clenching fists.
If you experience any of these, please communicate that with your massage therapist. As the receiver of the massage you are able to feel whats going on in your body much better than we are.
Quiet or conversational, your choice
Some people want a quiet, restorative session; others like feedback and communication. Either is welcome. Just tell us what you prefer, and we’ll match the session to your style.
What to book
30 and 45 minutes is ideal for focused relief in one specific area like neck/shoulders, low back/hips, jaw, or forearms/hands, when you want a quick reset without a full-body massage.
60 minutes is great for a "once over" full body session or more focused work on one or two sections (like neck/shoulders or low back/hips).
90 minutes allows deeper work and more full-body integration.
120-minute session is ideal for a full-body, unhurried deep reset with time to work through multiple focus areas, unwind stubborn tension patterns, and leave you feeling thoroughly restored.