For your first visit, plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early to complete a brief health history form. At this session, we will discuss your goals for the treatment, whether you are coming in for help a specific concern or just want a relaxation massage. If you have had an accident, injury, or otherwise have a condition that requires several visits, we will set up a follow-up plan. I will ask you specific questions and may perform an assessment to determine the optimal treatment strategy. Because of the assessment, time on the table for the first visit will be slightly shorter than with follow-up appointments.
I am a massage therapy provider under Labor & Industries, and also accept Personal Injury Protection (PIP) situations; I am happy to bill for services provided under these circumstances. If you are coming in under a PIP or Labor & Industries claim, or want me to provide you with a super-bill to get reimbursed by your insurance company, you may be required to bring with you a referral for services. Please check with your insurance company about this requirement, prior to your session. In addition, with certain medical conditions, I may request a referral before treating you, if I have questions as to whether massage therapy can be safely provided to you.
If you have any medical documents that relate to the condition, such as x-rays or medical reports, please bring those with you to the session. You will also be asked about medications you are currently taking and whether you are receiving treatment for medical conditions. Certain conditions require modifications in how massage is provided, and in a small number of situations, massage may be completely contraindicated. If you have questions about whether to receive massage, ask your primary health care provider.
Sessions are 60, 75, or 90 minutes in length, according to your preference. I am also available to do chair massage at an office or function; these sessions are 15-30 minutes in length.
As a client, you have full control over the amount of pressure you receive. I will check in with you regularly to make sure you are comfortable with the pressure being provided. There are two types of pain. One type of pain is where you feel ‘that hurts so good’. That type of pain is okay, if it is comfortable for you. The other type of pain is one where you tense up, perhaps hold your breath, and feel uncomfortable. This kind of pain is not therapeutic. Please let me know if you experience this kind of pain.
Wear comfortable clothing (pants, shirt), if you plan to receive styles of massage/bodywork that are done fully clothed, such as Shiatsu/acupressure, craniosacral, Reiki, or seated massage. If you are receiving Swedish, myofascial, or deep tissue massage, you will be asked to undress to your level of comfort. I will only uncover the part of the body I am working on and re-cover the area before moving to another area of the body. Regardless of the style of massage received, private areas are always covered and are never touched.
My philosophy is that we are partners in your healing process. I focus a great deal on prevention and self-care. I may offer you exercises or other ‘homework’ to practice between sessions. These are designed to support the massage treatment you just received. I also offer classes periodically on movement reeducation methods (qi gong, Biosomatics®, Bones for Life® to support the body’s structure, posture, and movement. These classes are described in the Classes pages.
