BODYFLO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Table Massage?

I will provide you a custom bodywork session tailored based on our discussion and assessment of your needs. During the massage, you are comfortably lying down on a professionally engineered table, covered by a clean sheet and soft blanket. Your face will be held by a specially designed face cradle which has a sanitary one-time-use covering for each client. Only the area of your body being worked on is uncovered, and you can rest assured that all private areas are kept covered at all times and are never touched. Typically, my table massages last from 30 minutes to 2 hours and focus on decreasing tension and pain found in the soft tissues of the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. I may use several different massage modalities all of which involve stroking, kneading, compression, friction, holds and stretches within your normal range of joint movement. The movements and techniques will be applied the use of my hands, arms, forearms, and elbows.

Is the information I give you confidential?

Yes. The information that you provide me with during our time together is completely confidential. In order to best address your massage therapy needs and to ensure a safe and enjoyable session for both of us, some intake information will be required upon your first visit. I will allow for 15 extra minutes during this session, at no charge to you, so that we may discuss your massage therapy needs. Whether that information is medical, occupational, or spiritual, I will not use your name or other identity in conversations with others, nor will I refer to our sessions together with anyone that you might refer to me.

Are you certified by an approved massage school?

You can rest assured that I am a professional therapist. My training is certified by the MCKinnon Body Therapy Center in Palo Alto , Ca. This is a well-established and reputable massage school that has a certified massage curriculum and is state approved. To find out more about the Body Therapy Center, please visit the school's website at www.btc.mckinnonmassage.com I also belong to the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, one the the largest and most reputable massage therapy associations in the country. You may visit their website at www.abmp.com. I am dedicated to continuously improving my bodywork practice so that I can most effectively target the needs of my clients. As such, I am in constant pursuit of more knowledge and training in my field, and I am frequently enrolled in professional development and certification classes.

What is your massage cancellation and punctuality policy?

I ask that you call me 24 hours before the session we have set up for you if you feel you must cancel. If you are late for a session you have scheduled, please be aware that our time together begins when the appointment was set to begin. In order to respect the time of all my clients, I must end all sessions on time, as there likely will be someone arriving shortly after you leave. If you are late and wish to extend the session, I will do my best to accommodate you based on my openings for that day. Additional charges may apply.

Who should refrain from receiving massage?

Massage is a safe, non-invasive therapy that can bring many physical and mental health benefits to your life. However, precautions should be taken around caring for clients with certain medical conditions. Remember, this massage session was set up to nurture you, and we certainly wouldn't want to aggravate any existing medical conditions. You should not receive massage without a doctor's approval if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart Disease or history of heart attack
• liver/kidney disease
• a current fever
• any type of infectious disease
• open skin lesions
• blood clots

These suggestions are to be used as guidelines only. If you are in doubt about whether massage is safe for you, please contact your doctor. As with any physical therapy modality, please inform me of any health problems prior to the massage. I also would like to discuss with you any areas that are inflamed, show redness or a rash, or the presence of varicose veins. Together, we can ensure that your massage therapy session at Bodyflo Massage is a safe and enjoyable one.

What should I wear for the massage?

You may wear as much or as little as you like. Most importantly, you should wear attire that is comfortable and will allow you to completely relax. Regardless of your attire, you will always be covered by a sheet or towel, with only the part of your body being worked on exposed. Many clients choose to disrobe completely to allow the therapist to most effectively work with their body. Others wear under-garments, swimwear or shorts. Whatever you choose to wear, rest assured that I will use professional drapping techniques to keep you feeling safe and secure.

May I talk during our massage session?

Yes, you may talk as much or as little as you like. You should feel comfortable doing what comes naturally to you, including falling asleep the entire session. Some clients feel they need an emotional release by talking or sighing at times during the session. I personally believe that the deepest and longest lasting results are achieved by quieting your mind, and allowing yourself to drop into your senses to experience all the subtle messages our nervous system is sending us, but that we are often cut off from by our hectic lives. Most importantly, I will encourage you to communicate with me about your comfort level in terms of pressure, area being worked on (are we hitting the right spot?), and temperature throughout your session. Remember, you know best what feels right in your body, and the session is yours to benefit from.

Do you offer different types of music?

I keep my work space stocked with different types of music to met the needs of your massage session. You may choose to have quiet, soothing sounds transport you to a dream-like state, or more upbeat invigorating tunes aliven your day. Of course, the session can also be a quiet sanctuary, performed in silence with no music. You may play your own music as well.

What methods of payment does Bodyflo Massage accept?

At this time, Bodyflo massage can only accept cash or check payments, due in full at the time of services rendered. There is $20 charge for returned checks. Bodyflo Massage currently does not provide direct billing for insurance reimbursement. If you require a receipt for services, I am happy to provide you one at the time of payment.

I hope the information provided here has been helpful to you. If you have any unanswered questions, please email me at bodyflo@gmail.com