F.A.Q's
What should I expect when I come in for a massage?
Plan to arrive a little early to fill out a health questionnaire. The
therapist will go over it with you to find out what type of massage you want
and if you need focus on a specific area. You will be taken to the massage
room and instructed where to hang clothing purses, etc. You will undress to
your level of comfort. You will be covered by a sheet except for the body
area being worked on. You may wish to leave your underpants/shorts on. (Gentlemen,
when I say "you can leave your undershorts on", please take this
as a hint. It makes draping easier and is more sanitary.)
What type of massage should I get?
If it's your first time getting massage or you just want to relax a Swedish
Massage would probably be best. If you have been referred by a Physician or
have a specific area of pain or specific condition, you may want to try a
combination of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage. The combo is what I end up
doing most of the time. I also do Pre-Natal and Sports Massage. If you're
pregnant it is a good idea to get the OK from your Doctor before receiving
Massage, especially if you are considered High Risk. If you have any medical
condition it would be a good idea to get a prescription for Massage plus you
don't have to pay sales tax if I have your prescription on file. (Also see
the "About Us" or the "Newsletter" pages for descriptions
of the types of massage I offer)
What if I don't like the Massage?
The client bears some responsibility in this. Please tell me if anything
is painful, uncomfortable or not what you were expecting. I need to know if
you want Relaxation Massage or Deep Tissue, or if you want a specific area
of focus. I would rather have someone give me feedback than not be a repeat
customer. I do not give refunds or "do-overs". You are paying for
my time as a health professional. Would you ask any other health professional
for your money back? (Good Luck with that.)
What if I get an erection during the massage?
This is a perfectly normal response. It has nothing to do with sexual
arousal. It just means you are relaxed and your parasympathetic nervous system
has taken over. It sometimes happens when receiving massage on the thighs
as well. However, please be respectful of the therapist and don't show up
to a session with the intention of getting a cheap thrill. If you are inappropriate
in any way you will be asked to leave and will still be charged for the full
session.
Do you work on the groin muscles?
The groin muscles are in the scope of our practice in Ohio. However, I require
that you have a prescription from your physician stating you have an injury
and need work in that area. The same policy applies regarding any inappropriate
behavior.
What if I pass gas during the massage?
I may ask you if you want an Aromatherapy massage. (Just kidding). This
is another thing that can happen when you are in parasympathetic mode. When
you are relaxed your food starts digesting and moving through the intestines.
Your stomach may gurgle or you may pass gas. * I overheard one of my colleagues
telling a client that the biggest compliment she can receive is if someone
farts during a massage. Thanks but I don't need that much validation. A simple
stomach gurgle will do.
What is your cancellation policy?
Since I don't accept credit cards it's hard to enforce a cancellation policy.
I understand things happen and your time is valuable. Please respect that
my time is valuable also and don't make cancellations or reschedules a habit.
No show/ no calls are unacceptable and future appointments will need to be
pre-paid. In the event of a no call/no show gift certificates will not be
honored.
Please feel free to email me at ShoshanaSparks@hotmail.com with more questions about massage and other bodywork and I will do my best to post an answer.