FAQs
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The following tips are from the American Massage Therapy Association (via Health Modalities PC):
1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.
2. Don’t eat just before a massage session. Let your body digest your meal first.
3. Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.
4. Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing.
If you don’t want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage that will allow the therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.
Privacy – The therapist will leave the room to provide privacy while you undress. A sheet or towel is provided for draping during the massage and the therapist will uncover only the part of your body being massaged, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. After the massage is finished, you will be provided with privacy while dressing.
5. Communicate with your massage therapist.
Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.
Allergies to Oils, Lotions, Powders – The therapist may use oil, lotions or powders to reduce friction on your skin. If you are allergic to any oils, lotions or powders, tell your massage therapist who can choose a substitute.
Some massage therapists play recorded music during the massage session. Others find music distracting. If it’s provided, let your massage therapist know if you have any music preferences or if you would prefer they turn off the music.
Some people like to talk during a massage, while others remain silent. Tell your massage therapist what you prefer.
During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it’s from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.
Give feedback to the massage therapist during the massage on the amount of pressure, speed of hand movement, etc. If anything happens that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.
Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It’s important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.
6. Remember to breathe normally.
Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged.
7. Relax your muscles and your mind.
Tightening up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique they use and may also be able to help you relax the affected area. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet your mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.
8. Drink extra water after your massage.
9. Don’t get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session.
If you’re dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session.
10. Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions.
Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. If you’re getting a massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed.
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Outside-In acknowledges that the cost of services can be a barrier for people seeking massage therapy services. Every month, a limited number of sliding scale appointments are offered. Please contact outsideinmassagechi@gmail.com for more information.
We periodically offer discounts through social media. Discounted packages and monthly subscriptions are available upon request. Please contact outsideinmassagechi@gmail.com for more information.
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While we understand that things come up and schedules change, we kindly request at least 24 hours notice for cancellations to allow others to book. If you cancel a scheduled service at least 24 hours before the scheduled time, any deposit paid or prepayment you have made will be refunded or applied to a newly scheduled service. If you cancel a scheduled service less than 24 hours before the scheduled time, you forfeit your deposit. Please contact us at outsideinmassagechi@gmail.com for assistance with canceling your appointment.
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Reschedules made with at least 24 hours notice will result in full credit towards the rescheduled appointment. Please contact us at outsideinmassagechi@gmail.com for assistance in rescheduling your appointment or use our booking system.
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If you would like to make any changes to your appointment, such as service length, we kindly request at least 24 hours notice. Please contact us at outsideinmassagechi@gmail.com to submit a change request.
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We understand that unforeseen delays can happen. We allow a grace period of 5 minutes for your start time. Any delays beyond this will result in deductions from your session duration. If you anticipate being late, please send a text or email. If the delay exceeds 20 minutes, the appointment will be canceled and you will forfeit your deposit. We appreciate your understanding.
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If you are sick, please contact us at outsideinmassagechi@gmail.com. It’s important to take care of your health as well as the Outside-In provider. The first time this occurs, your deposit or prepayment will be refunded. If the Outside-In provider is sick and must cancel a scheduled service, Outside-In will give you as much notice as possible and your deposit or prepayment for that service will be applied to a future service.