ANXIETY CONSIDERATIONS
knowledge is power
Often worry and anxiety can be reduced when we have more information about what to expect.
If you have concerns about specific areas of your body, check out these pages:
anxiety about my head
anxiety about my arms
anxiety about my chest
anxiety about my back
anxiety about my legs
anxiety about my feet
Also, on my blog I have a series called "breaking massage myths" that may help shine a light on really common concerns or questions about massage therapy:
You DON'T Have to Bare It All
Deep Tissue or Bust?
Talking Ruins the Experience?
I'm Too Self-Conscious!
You Gotta Shave?
Drinking Water Post Massage?
One Table Fits All?
And lastley, as I serve clients with varying immune health, allergies, and sensitivities, safety and comfort are a top priority. Check out this page to read more about the steps I take to maintain a low-risk environment for all clients.
comfort & security
Massage therapy is an up-close-and-personal service. Protection of your modesty, ensuring a safe therapeutic environment, and respecting individual boundaries are of the utmost ethical and professional concern to me.
If there is something I can do (or not do) to increase your comfort during a massage session, please let me know.
Massage Sci's exterior door is locked with a deadbolt the entire duration of appointments. The interior office door is a sliding barn door with an additional layer of solid black out curtain behind it.
Removal any of clothing is your call, but regardless of your choice, I leave the room for you to get settled into the massage table (and to wash my hands!). I always ask for verbal permission before I re-enter.
Whether your clothing is removed or not, you are draped with two layers of linens: a sheet and a heavier top blanket. If you remain clothed and get too warm, we can remove one or more linen layers. If you have removed some or all of your clothing and are still too warm, one linen must remain as a professional barrier. Other cooling options included uncovering sections of the body, like the feet, or a fan.
Areas of the body that never receive massage therapy are the genitals and their immediate vicinity.
Areas of the body that may receive massage therapy with expressed permission and mindful draping include the abdomen, sternum, front of the hips, and inner thighs. Massage to the inner thighs may require the client to wear shorts during their session.
Due to various conditions, injuries, and overuse, I often apply massage therapy to the back of hips (glutes) over linens and/or clothing. If you prefer direct skin contact to glutes, instead of over the sheet, I will confirm permission, then proceed with mindful draping and positioning.