If you’ve scheduled an appointment and received a confirmation message directing you here, it is helpful to know the following: My office is at 600 2nd Ave N. Clear Lake, IA. Even if the Journey Health Shop is closed my sign will indicate I’m IN and the door will be unlocked for you, so please come right in; no need to ring the doorbell. Por favor solicite español si es necesario, estoy aprendiendo y entiendo un poco. If you’re currently under the care of a physician, then I recommend contacting them for necessary precautions. Should you start to feel symptoms of cold/flu, please reschedule as massage will make you sicker and puts others at risk.
Other points to cover:
- There is a flight of stairs to climb to my office, if that’s an issue.
- Chewing gum is a choking hazard on the table.
- Please refrain from cell phone use during our appointment time, which is limited.
- If there are other questions or concerns, please contact me, Christina, directly at (641) 530-5024.
- If you’re pleased with your massage, tell your friends and leave a review on Google or Facebook business pages. If you aren’t, please tell me and perferrably during the course of our session while I have the power to make a difference. While I do prompt communication before, during, and after the massage, it is nevertheless your responsibility to be honest about your needs. I go to great lengths to be transparent and helpful on my end, it is appreciated if you can too.
- Are masks required?
No, sir/ma’am. I do not require you to wear a mask. But let me know if you prefer them and I’ll wear one along with you without a fuss.
- Are you a masseuse?
I’m a Massage Therapist; a certified, licensed, insured, bonafide body-worker and health practitioner. Also, I do not work out of a massage parlor, but rather an office and the structure you lay on is not a bed, but a table. If you slip on semantics the sky is not going to fall down, however we all appreciate your contributions to helping the social climate move from a seedy connotation to a respectable healthcare profession.
- Do you offer Deep Tissue?
Yes, however this is a terrible misnomer. Deep Tissue is not a pressure nor a specialized modality, but an application which every accredited massage school covers in basic training. I repeat: Deep Tissue is not a pressure, it is a technique. When people ask this, what I hear is, “I need a massage I can feel. Relaxing is nice, but I need something that’s effective. I have specific concerns and I need noticeable results.” I respect that and I agree. If you aren’t getting measurable results from your massages, then there is either a breakdown in communication between you and the therapist, an actual impediment on their part, or impatience/unrealistic expectations on the client’s part.
- I need you to push hard so I can feel it. It’s got to hurt to get better, right?
While there are some aggressive modalities out there, I myself am not geared toward beating muscles into submission and have read too many studies documenting the adverse effects of such “massage.” Aggressive treatment is connected to Rhabdomyolysis, an injury or even killing of the muscle fibers from crushing pressure, a serious condition later perceived as elusive aches or pains dubbed Post-Massage Soreness & Malaise (PMSM) which can lead to hospitalization. You see, muscles aren’t very thick and the other soft tissues surrounding those muscles aren’t so tough either. We’re talking skin that can tear lined with blood vessels which will perforate and bleed out, lymph ducts that can constrict or deluge, and nerves that get pinched. More often I find our pain and tightness is rooted in the fascia, which is a fibrous web encasing the muscles, but it’s just yea thin and only responds to slow stretching manipulations. Besides, you’ve been rough on your body already; that’s why you’re seeking a massage therapist. Why would you think I’m going to be rough on it, too?
That being said, if you’re needing a more clinical style or sports massage, then let’s collaborate and see what we can do together. It’s all about communication and patience; the massage is only as good as our teamwork. And while it’s perfectly reasonable to request more pressure here and there during your massage, please be aware that if you can’t feel what I’m doing, then the issue may be beyond the scope of massage therapy.
- Which should I receive first, a chiropractic adjustment or massage?
Massage, as it loosens up the very muscles that are tight and pulls one out of alignment. This affords the chiropractic doctor an easier, more effective and longer lasting adjustment for your benefit.
- I’ve got body aches from this cold/flu. Can I schedule a massage?
I’m sorry for your trouble, but absolutely not– for your safety, my own, and everyone who passes through my office afterward. I understand body aches can become unbearable, however a viral/bacterial infection is dangerous and will only make it worse for you by pushing the illness even deeper into your system. Please isolate, bed-rest, and after the last of your symptoms have cleared up then wait another seven days to receive a massage as this ensures there’s nothing left in your system to stir up again.
- What length of session would you recommend?
- Half an hour is adequate to address a specific problem area.
- One hour can accommodate either a full body for general relaxation, or more in depth work on a focused area.
- Ninety minutes is the best for full body, deeper relaxation with extra time allotted to problem areas.
- What form of payment do you accept?
I can accommodate cash, check, or credit transactions as per your convenience and offer an electronic receipt emailed or texted.
- Can I buy a one hour and break it up into two half hour sessions?
As appealing as that is to try, that would technically be two separate sessions. So, no, I’m afraid not.
- How do I prepare for a massage? Do I need to wear or bring anything specific?
No. Assuming you’re a moderately hygienic adult you don’t need to prioritize shaving, wearing cosmetics, or having the appropriate attire since you’ll be disrobing for the session, which we’ll both establish in the consultation. Just be aware that any garments you choose to maintain may come in contact with the massage oil/lotion, which has some potential to stain. Please reduce jewelry to a bare minimum; medical IDs are an absolute exception.
- Hair up, or down?
Up, please, if you’d like the neck and shoulders to be treated.
- I got a new tattoo; how soon can I get a massage?
You can receive massage anytime, although the immediate area should be avoided for up to one month to avoid complications that may impede the healing process. Whether it’s linework or filler, that’s quite the investment, so let’s protect it!
- How early should I come for my appointment?
Come in at the time we scheduled. Don’t worry, I’ve already factored in the paperwork and consultation (10-15 minutes) so you’ll receive the full amount of massage you’ve booked. Also, it’s common for people to take some time afterward to regain their bearing since bodywork can affect alertness, circulation, and equilibrium. If you have to be out by a certain time, then give yourself an extra thirty minutes to enjoy yourself and not rush.
- Why is there paperwork?
Iowa State law mandates a basic intake process so that I can prove your understanding of and agreement to receiving the services provided. It’s about making sure you’re fully informed on the purpose and limitations of massage therapy, are aware of your rights and responsibilities, eliminates the presence of contraindications (when massage is safe, inappropriate, or even dangerous for either one or both of us,) and ensures I am applying safe techniques so that complications do not arise. Paperwork keeps us safe and it’s particularly useful in the case of an emergency. Each session is documented to establish history and to chart patterns, which has proven medically relevant in several cases. All information is protected from third parties and stored under lock and key.
- How far do I undress? AKA Do I take off my underwear?
That’s up to you. I suggest disrobing at least the area we’re addressing and at most what you need to relax. Clothing is how you maintain your boundaries while linens is how I maintain mine. So, hypothetically, if we’re doing a half hour for your back, then I’d instruct to disrobe your upper torso, advise that a lady’s bra tends to get in the way, and to please bring any waistbands down to the hips that I may access the low back while also keeping your clothes away from the massage oil. However if your belt, trousers, etc. are going to constrict and impede relaxation, then that’s your call. Again, covers (i.e. blankets, sheets) are there to provide boundaries, comfort, and warmth. The only body area exposed is the one being addressed and only for that duration.
- Where should my arms be?
Wherever they’re comfortable. Above the covers, under the covers, down along your sides, hanging off the table. Feel free to move about, try different things. Don’t worry about me, I’ll reposition your limbs as necessary to access the muscles as needed. And you don’t have to offer them up, I know where to find them and I’ll return them when I’m through.
- Is it OK to talk during my massage?
Short answer: Yes, but I’m not a chatty Cathy; I’ll be concentrating on doing a good job and checking in with you from time to time.
Long answer: A little bit of socializing is fine, it’s common to be curious of your massage therapist and I’m happy to visit before or even after your session. But it’s important for the focus of the massage to be on helping you obtain the deepest level of mental and physical relaxation possible. Also, it’s not unusual for someone to work through heavy emotional matters while on the table; by all means, let it out in this safe, private environment we’ve created if it brings you closer to the peace you need. I won’t judge and I don’t document those kinds of things. Always, always, speak up if you need an adjustment to the massage application, body positioning, or any changes about the environment, anything!
- What kind of product do you use?
Unscented, nut-free oil. If you have sensitivities to general fragrances, please relay so when scheduling so that extra precautions can be taken to reduce risiduals from the air and linens for your comfort and safety.
- Is there aftercare to follow, like drinking extra water?
- Be cautious where motor functions and alertness is concerned, as with initially rising up off the table, taking stairs (use the banister!) and operating an automobile, because massage can cause lightheadedness and slower reflexes. Try easy, gentle stretches to restore awareness and circulation.
- Avoid strenuous physical activities as expecting muscles to go from a super lax state into work mode can cause injury.
- As for water intake, we should all be well hydrated already. To determine what may be an appropriate level of hydration for your individual lifestyle I recommend consulting a medical doctor, nutritionist, healthcare specialist, or fitness instructor before any massage therapist.
- Tenderness/soreness is not a desireable side effect where my professional practice is concerned (that’s what I’m trying to alleviate, not cause) unless specified where techniques are used such as trigger point therapy to aggressive knots, which the client understands and consents. In such cases, apply a cold compress 15 minutes on, then 15 minutes off, until relieved. (Bruising is never acceptable! That’s not massage, it’s assault.) Should soreness happen after a session with Spirit-Hands, communicate this information that future adjustments can be made for your safety and enjoyment.
- How often do you recommend getting a massage?
Let me ask this: How often are you going to conduct the offending activity? Do you spend a lot of time at the computer? Take long or frequent drives? Have poor posture? Sleep on a bad mattress/pillow? Carry everything on one side? Have an active or athletic lifestyle? Big stress? It’s entirely case by case. You may need a couple brief sessions in one week to work out a strain, or kink. Or you may want weekly to biweekly appointments until the muscle memory is trained out of hypertonicity. Some clients are content with monthly maintenance. Others, I don’t see but once a year. Bear in mind everyone makes progress at different rates, so there may be a little release in the first session, or a complete release that lasts. You are the sole authority on how you feel.
- Do you live here?
No. This location is a century-old house, but it is not a home. The Journey Health Shop is a business on the main floor, while Spirit-Hands is on the upstairs level (one room is for massage and another for art. Plus the bathroom for public use.)
- Is your office wheelchair accessible?
I’m afraid this century-old house does not afford wheelchair accessibility. However I do have a portable chair and table if arrangements can be made.
- Do you massage “all over?” *Wink* I’ll pay extra.
It’s not a frequently asked question per se, but my answer has always been and always will be thus: Thank you, no thank you. I am not desparate for your money, I’ve worked too hard for my licensure, I respect the industry too much, and I am not interested in cheap thrills. If you don’t want to hear it from me, then perhaps you’ll understand it from my husband or better yet, from my friends at the CLPD which is just two blocks away and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind lending their assistance.
