What To Expect At Your Massage Therapy Appointment
Responsive care for every body.
Your comfort and autonomy matters to me. You're always welcome to ask questions, request adjustments to pressure or positioning, take a break, or let me know if something doesn't feel right.
Your First Appointment
For most new clients, I recommend booking a 90-minute initial appointment whenever possible.
Your first appointment is designed to give us time not just to treat your symptoms, but to understand them. With a 90 minute treatment, we will review your health history, complete any necessary assessments, discuss treatment goals, and still have meaningful hands-on treatment time.
Your Treatment
No two appointments look exactly the same. We’ll start with a conversation about how you’ve been doing since I last saw you, what your symptoms look like today, and what goals you hope to achieve today. Then we’ll move into hands-on treatment. My style is based in Swedish techniques, and I may also include guided breathing, cupping, acupuncture, and/or manual lymph drainage.
Curious about these techniques? Read more about them here:
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Swedish Massage
A classic approach that uses long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation, circulation, and tissue health.
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Cupping
Silicone or plastic cups are used to create a vacuum pressure, providing an additional direction of movement for soft tissues.
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Hydrotherapy
The strategic use of heat and cold can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and encourage tissue healing.
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be incorporated into treatment when appropriate to help reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and support movement.
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Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual lymph drainage is frequently used to reduce swelling or edema, whether from an injury or after surgery.
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Therapeutic Movement
Whether used during treatment or suggested for home care, therapeutic movement helps build long-term resilience and ease.
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Sensory Supports
Patients are invited to have the therapeutic environment adjusted to their comfort, including lighting, music, or the option to incorporate essential oils.
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Guided Breathing & Relaxation
Breath cues may also be used throughout the session, or expanded into simple exercises or meditative practices tailored to individual needs.
Between Appointments
What happens between appointments is often just as important as what happens during them.
Self-management strategies are meant to be collaborative and realistic. We'll build a plan that fits your life, not someone else's. Together, we'll determine what level of change feels manageable and sustainable in your daily life.
This may include simple exercises, hydrotherapy, movement strategies, breathing exercises, or small adjustments to everyday habits.