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What should I expect during my first Thai Massage appointment?
What should I expect during my first Thai Massage appointment?
Before you arrive I'll send you a digital intake form for you to fill out online. It is important to list all health concerns and medications so I can provide a safe and effective massage. Please plan an additional 15 minutes for your appointment to allow sufficient time to review you intake and discuss your goals. You may use this time to bring up any preferences you have or any questions about the massage.
Please wear loose or flexible clothing that allows for freedom of movement; many people find athletic clothing to be most comfortable. I will ask you to remove loose jewelry and watches before the session. Feel free to wear socks or not - whichever you are most comfortable with.
Thai Massage includes compression, stretches, and joint mobilizations. I will use my hands, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure and help you into stretches. During your session, your only job is to focus on relaxing and letting go; the less you try to 'help' me, the easier my job is.
I associate two types of pain with massage. The first is when a I hit a ”good spot” that is holding a lot of tension, and while pressure brings you some pain, it also brings relief. The second kind of pain goes beyond this first relieving pain, causing you to tense up and hold your breath. The saying “no pain, no gain” is particularly unhelpful in this situation, as this type of pain adds more tension to the body rather than helping it to relax. During your massage, please let me know if something does or does not feel good, if you would like more or less pressure, or if I need to move my pressure to a better spot.
What should I do during the Thai Massage session?
What should I do during the Thai Massage session?
During the massage, your job is to relax. You may choose to take deep breaths or meditate. Many people end up falling asleep, which is completely normal. During the massage I will be moving you around; just relax and try to not 'help' me. If I move you into an uncomfortable position, you may let me know or adjust on your own.
If there is anything that will help you relax more, please let me know. Temperature adjustments and pillows can be easily provided. I consider pressure adjustments to be essential to providing a good massage and welcome requests for more or less pressure. Please do not hesitate to ask to leave to use the restroom.
Some massage sessions may include some work from you. During assisted stretches you will be asked where your limit is in the stretch. Other techniques require you to add resistance to pressure. If at any point you would prefer to not participate and just relax (or to participate more), please let me know.
During a massage I encourage clients to relax and to communicate needs relevant to the session, such as temperature and pressure. Many people like to talk at the beginning of the massage as they begin to relax. You are not obligated to maintain conversation, especially as the session progresses and I focus more intently on finding areas of tension and ways to help your body relax.
How often should I get a Thai massage?
How often should I get a Thai massage?
You may choose to receive a massage weekly or biweekly in order to manage chronic pain, or monthly for preventative care and stress management. I advise you to pay attention to how you body feels in the days and weeks after receiving a massage, and to rebook when you feel the effects of your last massage diminishing.
You will receive the greatest benefit from the habit of regular appointments. In my experience, clients who receive massage on regular basis get better results for their flexibility or pain-reduction goals.
How should I choose a price on your sliding scale?
How should I choose a price on your sliding scale?
A fully sliding-scale business is not common, and it can feel odd or even uncomfortable to choose your own price. A sliding scale is built on trust - I trust that my clients won't take advantage of my pricing, and my clients trust that I will treat them the same at every price point. I have found that offering a sliding scale makes my practice rich, fulfilling, and sustainable.
If you're not sure what price point to choose, I have found Alexis J. Cunningfolk's Green Bottle Scale to be particularly helpful in describing degrees of financial privilege (follow the link for deeper discussion of their scale and an e-reader-friendly version). If you have more financial privilege, consider paying near the top of the scale. If you have less, feel empowered to pay near the bottom.
How accessible is your practice?
How accessible is your practice?
I work in a first floor studio with permanant ramps for any elevation change. A wheelchair acessible bathroom is available on the lower level and is usually, though not always, acessible by elevator. If you require wheelchair access, pleae email me to ensure the elevator is working and available at the time of your appointment.
One reason I love doing Thai massage is that it is more accessible for more people. The mat is large enough for people of all sizes, and I keep bolsters and pillows available for my clients' comfort.
Please get in touch if you require wheelchair access, have trouble getting up and down from the floor, or if you have any other accessibility needs. I will do what I can to find reasonable assistance or accommodation for you!
Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
I strive to create a space that is welcoming and affirming for all people, regardless of sexuality, gender, or gender expression. I do not need information about your identity in order to work with you (though information about surgeries and medications may be helpful), but I want you to feel comfortable with being yourself during your appointment.
While not necessary for your massage appointment, I do include space in my intake paperwork for pronouns if you would like to share them. Partner massage classes are open to any group of two people, including partners, family, and friends (please email to inquire about larger groups). I welcome all trans and non-binary clients; I am aware of some general issues the community may face, but please ask for a referral for any post-surgery work that is more specific, as I do not yet have specialized training.
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