What to Expect

These are our most frequently asked questions by individuals experiencing their first massage with us. Do I need to shave? No. You are not expected to shave before your session. Some clients feel more comfortable getting a massage after shaving because there can be some tugging on hair as a result of the motion or movements used in the session. Some individuals find this feeling to be uncomfortable. If it doesn't bother you, then no worries. Come as you are.  ​ Do I need to undress completely? No. Your level of undress may vary based on your comfort level and your massage. It is, for example, expected that during a chair massage the clothes remain on. Chair massages do not typically use lotion/oil to offer relief. In contrast, table massages are typically more comprehensive and offers a wider variety of techniques requiring lotion, oil, and or tools. In those cases, it is not expected that you fully undress, however removing some clothing allows the therapist better access and freedom of movement to troublesome areas. It is also normal for the therapist to massage over a blanket or sheet for part of the massage.  Whats most important is your comfort. We wish you to feel relaxed, not stressed or anxious.  ​ Should I tip? It is considered a common courtesy to leave a little something extra for your therapist. The cost of your session pays the therapist, but also covers additional facility and supply costs. If you do leave gratuity, it is very much appreciated by your therapist. ​ What is a "normal" tip? Gratuity, or tipping, is not mandatory, however it is very common. Most of our clients leave a 20% tip for the therapist ($24 on a 60 minute massage). Tips can be processed via card or cash at checkout. ​ What is the difference between Deep-Firm Pressure and Deep Tissue? Deep-firm pressure implies that the level of pressure applied to the body is heavy. Therapists will use their body weight to accomplish this in a variety of ways. However, Deep-firm pressure does not always mean deep tissue. Deep Tissue massage is considered more therapeutic and intentional. It may combine trigger point therapy as well to alleviate continuous aches or pains in the body. Deep tissue therapy does not always require deep pressure. Deep tissue massage is more likely to leave you feeling sore for up to several days after the massage.  ​ Is it normal to feel dehydrated after a massage? Yes. It is recommended to hydrate before and after your massage. Massage stimulates a variety of the body's systems and your body will need time to recover. The best way to help it recover faster and flush any toxins from the body, is with water. ​ Is there anything I should do before my massage? Yes. There are several things you can do before your massage to ensure an enjoyable and helpful experience. You should absolutely drink water and use the restroom. We have a robe available if you need to stop the massage to use the restroom, however this can disrupt the flow of the session so it is advised to use it prior to starting.  In addition, it is advised not to take any medications that could impede your ability to gauge pain and sensation. Anti-inflammatories, pain killers, and some other drugs are on the "avoid" taking list. This is for your safety to minimize any risk of injury during your session.  Do NOT imbibe alcohol or recreational drugs before your session. Massage stimulates blood flow and may result in an increased feeling of intoxication if performed after drinking or taking drugs. ​ Do you accept insurance or HSA/FSA cards? Ideal Massage does not accept payments through insurance companies. Certain HSA/FSA cards may work at our locations, however that is dependent on the bank who moderates and approves purchases on the card as we may not appear to be coded as a medical business. Most insurance companies will reimburse for massage treatments after providing a receipt and additional documentation. We are happy to help you get the information you need to file a reimbursement request. ​ How long should my session be? There is no easy answer to this question as everyone's needs are different. A standard session is 60 minutes, however we offer a variety of lengths of service to meet your needs. If you are working on multiple parts of the body and are looking for attention to specific areas, longer sessions give the therapist more time to accomplish these things. If you are limited on time, it is best to give your therapist one or two areas to work on to help you get the most relief during the session. It is also worth noting that not all massage types are available in every length of service. This is due to a variety of reasons, but primarily for the safety of the client. For example, prenatal and ashiatsu massages are limited to no longer than 60 minutes while reflexology and TMJ are typically no longer than 30-45 minutes.  ​ Is it normal to experience soreness/tenderness? It can be. Everyone experiences massage a little differently. Some may experience bruising, while others may not. It is the same with soreness. This can be dependent on the condition of your body before the massage as well as the work you and the therapist agree to. It is common to experience soreness with Deep Tissue/Therapeutic work. ​ Whats the best way to tell my therapist I want more or less pressure during my session? The easiest way to tell your therapist is just to tell them. During your session, your therapist will ask you about the pressure or the feeling of the technique or tool being used. The best thing you can do, is answer honestly. If you experience a painful or uncomfortable sensation you can tell the therapist to stop for a second while you communicate what you are feeling. Letting your therapist know what you are feeling (such as tingling, pain in other areas of the body, etc) can help your therapist understand more of what is going on.  ​ I am pregnant, can I get a massage? Yes, but only after the first trimester. The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are considered the first trimester and this is often the most frequent term of pregnancy for miscarriage. Ideal Massage does not perform any massage for any individual that is pregnant and in their first 12 weeks of pregnancy.  After the first 12 weeks of pregnancy you should book a prenatal massage. Even if you arewanting to book a couples massage, it is best to book it as a prenatal massage for the individual who is pregnant and leave a comment that it is a couples massage with the name of the other party member.  Note: not all therapists provide prenatal massages which is why its important to book it as prenatal. If the appointment is booked as a regular massage with a therapist who does not offer prenatal, we may not be able to perform the service if no other prenatal therapist is available.  ​ I just had surgery, can I get a massage? Yes and No. After surgery, there is a specific type of massage available called "post-lymphatic" massage that should be used during the first 8-10 weeks after surgery with the approval of your doctor. Unfortunately, Ideal Massage does not provide this service at this time. After 8 weeks, or the approval of your doctor, we can perform lymphatic massage and some other forms of massage depending on the type of surgery you underwent. The best way to find out if we are able to help, is to call one of our locations and speak with a front desk Manager. They know what questions to ask to book you with the right therapist or, if necessary, refer you to another specialist.  ​ Do I have to share my medical history? Yes. Our intake form and your therapist will ask about your medical history. This is to ensure your safety as there are some medical conditions where massage is not recommended. This means that you should also inform your doctors of any massage treatment you are receiving, especially if you are taking any medication regularly. Frequent massages can influence your body's response to some medications and can worsen symptoms associated with some medical conditions. If you are unsure whether massage is right for you, we suggest speaking with your doctor. We do have some therapists who have additional training in medical massage as well if that is your preference.  Additionally, if you are also receiving treatment from chiropractors, they may suggest waiting a few days before getting a massage after an adjustment. This will vary from client to client and the best thing you can do is ask your chiropractor.  ​ I am receiving massage therapy due to injury in an accident. How can I request a copy of my treatment for my lawyer/job? You have a right to your treatment notes and can request a copy of them by making a written request to our office by email or mail. For safety and security we will not release information directly to a third party. We will accept your written request and make the requested information availble to you. You are free to provide that information to anyone you wish including a lawyer or worker's comp case manager.  ​ If you have any additional questions, we suggest you call or email us for more comprehensive information. Our front desk management team is well versed in a multitude of situations and, if necessary, can consult your therapist directly to ensure an accurate response.  ​