What Can i expect from the session?

Great question! I actually have a whole page dedicated to exactly how a session is run, and the expectations of the client and LMT.

Click HERE to learn more about Sessions.

DO i need insurance?

Short answer - No.
Petrichor Healing Arts is considered “Time of Service”, meaning that I do not participate in insurance billing. This is not the case for every massage clinic or business. I require all services be paid in full. If you would like to see if your insurance will reimburse, you are required to pay for the service and then you may receive an emailed receipt to send to your insurance. Insurance reimbursement is not guaranteed.

Do I have to be completely undressed?

That is entirely up to you. After the intake prior to your session, I will leave the room so that you can have complete privacy to get dressed down to your comfort level. It is common for people to leave underwear on. The priority is that you feel safe. Some people even leave their socks on because they do not like having their feet exposed (if you are ticklish, please let me know). This is perfectly fine as well. I want you to be as comfortable as possible within the treatment room. You will be covered by a sheet and blanket at all times and I will only uncover the part of the body that I am working on. At no point in the session will your breasts or genitals be exposed. Please notify me if you do not want gluteal work done.

My massage room is a safe space; please do not worry about the state of your body, whether your legs are shaved, you have dry feet, etc. I have worked on thousands of bodies in my career, including many different body types, & view them all as equally beautiful canvases. My studio and the session is a judgment-free zone.

What if i’m transgender?

As a healthcare provider, it’s my duty to treat, not to discriminate. Every body is a good body; and all are valid. I am an ally and advocate for transgender identifying people. I will hold you to the same standards as everyone else in regards to your privacy and safety. My studio and every session is a judgement-free zone. I am there as your advocate for health. If you wish to disclose that you identify as transgender, I may ask clarifying questions during the intake process regarding your comfort to ensure that no matter the stage of your transition, you are feel comfortable and safe.

what if i’ve recently had surgery?

Depending on how recent the surgery occurred, for your safety, it may best that you have clearance from your doctor(s) prior to receiving massage therapy. If you have been cleared, I would like to have a copy of clearance for your file, for liability and ultimately, make sure it is safe for you! and I am always up for a conversation to discuss when massage may or may not be in your best interest of health.

can i get a massage if i am pregnant? what about post-birth?

Receiving a massage while pregnant can be a great source of relief and relaxation. There are certain cautionary areas that we will need to avoid that could be dangerous for you and baby, as well as levels of depth and pressure.

Post-natal or post-birth massage can always be a great source of relief. Recent guidelines have changed and you may return to massage as soon as you feel your body has healed from the birthing experience. For those who have cesarean births, please be mindful of your scars as those may need more time to heal before returning to the massage table.

For more information, see my prenatal page HERE

when is massage a bad idea?

If you have recently been severely injured & suspect a broken bone or torn ligament, I would want a doctor’s note before scheduling a massage.

If you are sick, experiencing fever, cold or flu symptoms, or it feels like your body is fighting a bug, massage is not recommended. In some cases, when your immune system is compromised, getting a massage will actually cause you to become sick due to the increase of toxins circulating in your body. It is also crucial to notify me of any swelling, bumps, rashes, red marks, open wounds, or changes to your skin. If you have a contagious infection, we will need to reschedule your appointment.

what happens if I get an erection during the massage?

Sometimes men get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. For some, it is simply a natural reaction. Yet, men commonly avoid massage for fear this will happen to them. Or, they get a massage but are unable to relax because of this fear. But there is no reason to be embarrassed.
Scientific explanation: Touch administered to any part of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), also known as the “rest and digest” or “feed and breed” system, which is responsible for the stimulation of activities such as digestion, salivation, urination, defecation, lacrimation (crying), and sexual arousal. When activated, the PNS slows the heart rate, redirects blood flow, and releases a molecule known as nitrogen oxide, which causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), resulting in a partial or complete erection without the awareness of the client. In most cases, the session can continue without needing to address it.

*However, if I feel that the session has turned sexual for the client, regardless of gender or orientation, I will stop the session to clarify the intent of the client, & may decide to end the session immediately. Any joking made in regards to a happy ending will also result in the termination of the session.

If you are still concerned, I recommend wearing more fitted underwear (briefs or boxer briefs) which provide more support than traditional boxers, & request to not have work done on upper legs or gluts.

How often should I get a massage?

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide. Every therapist has their own thoughts on this subject. I personally believe everyone would benefit from a massage session once a month, minimum. If you have more chronic conditions or diagnoses, it can increase to once a week. It all depends on what you and/or your body needs. I believe in autonomy, you are the expert of your own body. If you need a further discussion to see what may be better for you, I’d be glad to have that conversation.

What do i do during the session?

During the session, your main priority is to communicate pain level, pressure levels, or discomfort of any kind. Ultimately, I want you to relax and focus on your breathing but sometimes I may need you to participate in stretches or mobility exercises.

am i allowed to talk?

You are absolutely allowed to talk during the session. I encourage communicating throughout the session in regards to your comfort and discomfort. I discourage talking about more sensitive subjects (for example: religion and politics), I want the session to be peaceful as possible. In regards to inappropriate subjects, those discussions will not be tolerated and will result in ending the session early.

will the massage hurt?

Depending on the level of pressure during the massage and techniques, there may be some discomfort in order to get effective treatment. It is my job as a Massage Therapist to check in with pressure, it it your job as the client to communicate pain and discomfort so that you are not in pain. Following a massage, and possibly even for a few days after, there may be some residual soreness as a result of your massage. Make sure you are following the Massage Therapists after care instructions to help your body recover and make the treatment last longer. If you are concerned, please reach out to your Massage Therapist about at-home care to help you recover.

How will I feel after my massage?

It is common to find yourself in a tranquil state, or what I like to call “massage high”, after your session. You may feel tingly, sedated, & loopy, as well as have trouble concentrating, walking, & maintaining balance. You may want to take a moment to center before driving or returning to your day. Depending on the intensity level of the work we do, you may feel sore for up to a day or 2 after the session. It is important to stay well hydrated after the massage and keep your level of physical activity low while your body adjusts.

will I be sore the next day?

Depending on the level of pressure and techniques used during your massage, there may be resulting soreness. Following a massage, and possibly even for a few days after, there may be some residual soreness as a result of your massage. Make sure you are following the Massage Therapists after care instructions to help your body recover and make the treatment last longer. If you are concerned, please reach out to your Massage Therapist about at-home care to help you recover.

will massage fix me?

Short answer, no. Massage therapy can’t simply “fix” anything, but it can aid in the healing process. Clients vary with different ailments, some chronic, some intermittent. The therapies to alleviate these conditions vary as well. Some people walk away from a single massage therapy session feeling immediate relief, others have felt a physical improvement the next day or a few days later, and some have required a series of regularly scheduled massage therapy sessions in order to notice significant improvements. During intake it’s important to talk about your session goals, current ailments, and expectations. I can help you understand the benefits I anticipate you’ll receive and how soon you can expect those benefits from your massage therapy treatments.

what if I’ve had a difficult day and i’m crying. should I cancel my session?

You are absolutely welcome to cry the entire session if that is what you need to do. Sometimes that is the best time to be on the receiving end of therapeutic touch. While I am not a licensed psychologist, many people bring their problems to me. I will listen & do my best to help you find peace in the moment. I provide a safe environment & guarantee that everything which transpires in your session remains confidential.

am I supposed to tip?

That is completely up to you. Tips are not expected but are greatly appreciated. The standard tip amounts I receive fall in the 10%-30% range.

But please know that whether or not you tip will have absolutely no influence on the quality of your massage. And if you would like a longer session length but it means you can’t afford a tip, no problem! I would rather give you the session length you want!

Can i workout after my massage?

Professionally speaking, it is best to allow 24 hours after a massage session for your body to repair & for the soft tissues to adjust to the new patterns created by the massage. Light exercise such as walking, yoga, & swimming are okay activities.

Refund policy

- All purchased services, gift cards, gift certificates, and products are non-refundable