Massage Therapy FAQ: Answers to Common Questions & Tips

Call Courtney at (757) 632-6543 and she will be happy to find a time that works for you! ​You can also book online up to six hours before the appointment start time. ​

**A credit or debit card is required to reserve an appointment. First time clients are required to put down a 50% deposit to hold their appointment. Existing clients can reserve their appointment with a 30% deposit. Members need not put down a deposit fee and can book freely.

Sessions are available by appointment only.

Same day appointments are sometimes available when booking at least 6hrs in advance. However, I recommend booking in advance.

​Yes, you receive the full amount of treatment time that you pay for.  You are not charged for the intake and interview process, or the time it takes you to dress.

Please arrive on time for your appointment.  Time for your appointment has been specially arranged for you. If you arrive late your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. I will do my best to provide you with the services you have booked, but I cannot guarantee the full time if you arrive late.  Full payment for your scheduled services will be expected.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, you can log into your account and make changes anytime.  For late notice cancellations, please call Courtney directly at 757-632-6543 as soon as possible.

Full payment is required for the following conditions:

• Less that 24 hour notice to cancel or reschedule.

• No show or missed appointment

• Late arrivals. Arriving late for a service may require shortening the length of the treatment.

When booking a treatment you are required to agree to these terms and conditions in order to reserve your space.

We accept credit cards. Tap, Swipe or insert is available. You may also present  gift certificates

A credit or debit card is required to reserve your appointment.

Although I do not accept insurance, many plans do cover massage therapy with a doctors prescription and copies of receipts.  I can also print out all of your visits at the end of the year, and you can log-in to view all of your visits.

Tipping is neither required nor expected, but of course I appreciate the gesture! If you would like to leave a tip, simply add the gratuity at checkout or leave cash for your therapist.

The best appreciation you can show is by referring your friends and family to me and letting them know about the amazing benefits of massage therapy!

Yes. I am licensed in the state of Iowa, and hold a certification in the state of California.

I am also a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).

To be eligible to receive a license for Massage Therapy in the State of Iowa, massage therapists must complete a minimum of 600 hours (most schools exceed this minimum) in an approved massage school, provide examination results, including scores, from the the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

Licensed massage therapists must complete 16 hours of continuing education to renew their Iowa license every two years.

I also hold a certification in Aromatherapy from the Aromahead institute allowing me to make professional massage therapy products.

Please read about Your First Visit.

You don't need to necessarily shower right before your massage, but do we ask that you come to your appointments clean.

This depends on your comfort level and the type of massage you are going to receive. 

For Therapeutic Massage, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage,  and Hot Stone Massage, many people prefer to be completely nude when they receive a massage, while others prefer to keep their undergarments on.  It's completely up to you, and you are encouraged to undress to your level of comfort.
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Tight-fitting or bulky undergarments can sometimes get in the way of the massage, especially if your problem areas are the low-back, buttocks, or hips.  Women usually remove their bras so no straps are in the way of back and shoulder massage.

Licensed massage therapists must ensure that clients are always properly covered by a sheet or towel, genitals will never be exposed, and only the specific areas being massaged will be uncovered. 

You are encouraged to openly communicate with the massage therapist about your preferences and comfort.  If anything needs to be adjusted, or if we are almost (but not quite) getting the right spot, just speak up and let us know right away!

However, it is a myth that massage therapy needs to hurt in order to be effective.  Some of the most effective techniques involve very light, gentle touch.  Often, too much pressure can cause muscles to tighten further, and detract from the effectiveness of your treatment.

This is truly up to you. Feel free to chat but also know that becoming quiet and relaxed not only allows your therapist to focus but also helps with muscle relaxation.

Definitely communicate with your therapist if you feel any pain or discomfort, if you have any concerns during your massage, or if there is anything your massage therapist can do to make you more comfortable.  Some types of massage that work on deep layers of muscle and tissue, such as deep tissue or sports massage, will require more feedback to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.

If you are sick, you may get your therapist sick and pass it on to other clients that day. Even if you are giving less than a 24 hour notice, we prefer you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell, so let us know as soon as possible.

​It is important for you to fully complete your Health History and keep your therapist up to date on your condition.  Not all types of massage are appropriate for all conditions.

This very often happens during a massage and is nothing to be embarrassed about. 

Of course! I want you to be able to fully relax. Please just let me know!

Not a problem. I wouldn't notice. This is always a judgment free zone.

Please do tell me right away.

Please refrain from using tobacco, recreational drugs, or alcohol at least 4 hours before your appointment.  Even some prescription or over the counter medications can contraindicate massage.

Please let your massage therapist know if you do not want to be touched in a specific area or in a certain way. You don’t have to give us any details, and you have the right to ask to take a break or end your massage all together at any time, for any reason.

Our professional ethical code of conduct that requires us to make sure boundaries are clear, and massage therapist-client relationships must be kept professional, or be terminated if things become personal.  Additionally, I have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.

No, not even as a joke.  This is disrespectful to your massage therapist and our profession.  Additionally, we have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.

Arousal is a natural parasympathetic response, so don’t feel guilty. However, understand that it was not your massage therapist’s intention to arouse you. Our professional ethical code of conduct that requires us to make sure boundaries are clear.  If there is a distracting technique or motion (i.e. rocking the prone torso) that aroused you, it is okay to tell your therapist to stop that motion.   Just to be clear, we do have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.