I HAVE A FRIEND WHO WILL MASSAGE ME FOR FREE.  DO I NEED TO PAY A THERAPIST?

Training to be a massage therapist takes a lot of time, and is expensive.  Maintaining a  license requires a therapist to do continuing education, usually several courses each year, at his own cost.  All this ensures that when you visit a licensed therapist, you will not only feel good and gain some health benefits (better circulation, elimination of aches and soreness) but there will be no risk of injury, because your therapist is knowledgeable about anatomy and physiology. 

DO YOU MASSAGE BOTH MEN AND WOMEN?

All are welcome!  Women, especially those who are active or athletic, may benefit from a deeper style of massage. 

I’VE NEVER HAD A MASSAGE FROM A MAN BEFORE, AND IT SEEMS STRANGE.

Massage therapists are all trained in a similar way, though each person develops their own style based on their experience of what is most effective.  Most therapists are women, so male massage therapists often have a lot of male as well as female clients – those who prefer someone stronger, or someone of the same gender who can better understand how to massage a man.  I have heard it said that the only thing men and women have in common is that they all prefer the company of men!

SHOULD I GET COMPLETELY UNDRESSED?

Ideally, yes, because a full body massage includes areas like the buttocks, normally covered by underclothes.  But wear as little or as much as you are comfortable with; it is important that you feel relaxed, and if you are more at ease with some clothing on, that is fine.

WILL I BE COVERED?

A very large towel will be available to drape your whole body, and only the parts being massaged will be exposed.

SHOULD I SHOWER BEFOREHAND?

This is a courtesy to your therapist, but sometimes time or opportunity does not allow this.  Unless you have just come from a sandy beach, or are exceptionally dirty, it is not essential.

I’VE NEVER HAD A DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE BEFORE.  WILL IT HURT?

You may experience short periods (just a few seconds) of slight discomfort in the course of the massage, especially if you have knots that need to be worked on, but it will be well worth it for the lasting relief from pain or discomfort.

I HAVE SUNBURN.  SHOULD I GET A MASSAGE?

If the sunburn is painful to the touch, avoid massage.  In other cases, it should be no problem and I have massage oil which temporarily numbs the area being worked on if required.  Tell me if you experience any discomfort.

I HAVE HIV/AIDS.  CAN I STILL GET A MASSAGE FROM YOU?

Short answer, absolutely!  For a more complete response, I deferred to my webmaster, Dave Mills, who is an HIV survivor of nearly 20 years.  He says that for the newly or not-so-newly diagnosed, fear of rejection by others can be a significant issue.  Given the mind/body connection, it causes stress to build up in the body.  Touch – as noted throughout this site – is a powerful healing experience at every level.  Massage is therefore highly recommended.

(FOR MALE CLIENTS) I’M NERVOUS THAT I MAY GET AN ERECTION.

It is not uncommon for men to get an involuntary erection at some point during a massage.  Your modesty will be respected, and your therapist will not be concerned about it.