Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are you located inside the Trolley Barn Public Market?
Technically yes, but no. We are partially connected to each-other but you can not access our massage studio through the Trolley Barn Public Market. We are on the 2nd floor of the building directly next to the Trolley Market. In order to get to our studio you must use the left side entrance of our building (through the black door), and walk up the stairs and into our waiting room in Suite 202.
What are your COVID procedures?
We follow strong cleaning and sanitizing guidelines after every client. Upon entering the massage studio, we may ask a couple of brief health screening questions. If you have a 100.4° or higher temperature we will need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. We also run a HEPA air filter device that captures 99.97% of airborn particles such as pollen, mold, smoke, allergens, pet dander and dust mites.
What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
Upon arrival, you may have a seat in the waiting room. Your therapist will then introduce themselves and go over brief questions with you regarding your health and overall expectations in order to tailor the massage for your needs. They will then give you instructions before giving you privacy to disrobe, get on the table and lay under the sheet and blanket provided. During the session, the therapist will uncover the body part they are working on and cover it back up before moving on to the next area. If you need the therapist to alter the depth of pressure during the session, feel free to let them know since it is your massage and you should enjoy it! Then after the session is complete, the therapist will leave and allow you to get off the table and get dressed.
If I want a really deep massage should I see a male therapist?
The depth of pressure depends on several factors - the amount of body weight the therapist can lean with, the amount of muscles built up over years of practice, the techniques used such as counter pressure, etc. We are very particular about the therapists technique and have an adjustable electric massage table to ensure that any therapist working for us will be capable of giving the proper amount of pressure.
How many sessions will I need?
This will vary drastically based on the reason or issue(s) the client is coming in for. Generally for a major issue, it may take 2-4 sessions per month for a few months. Monthly on a regular basis is suggested for general maintenance; however, if there are no particular issues, a client can come once in a life time. Feel free to call and we will tell you how often we would suggest you come in based on the reason you would like to come.
What should I do when I feel ticklish on the massage table?
It is not uncommon to laugh during a massage, especially at first if you are not used to getting a massage.
Some people laugh because they are ticklish, which is due to the tight fascia, others laugh because it helps make them more comfortable. Some even talk or tell stories during the massage.
If you laugh chances are we will laugh with you because laughter is contagious, we don't mind it at all.
Massage has to hurt to do any good, right?
Absolutely not. It is important that you do not feel more than slight discomfort during any session or you may tighten the muscle, which is counter-productive to the Therapists goal. You may feel sore afterward is if there was extensive or deep work done on a particular area. Open communication is important as the Therapist will cater to the results you choose as the client. Whether it simply be relaxation or to focus on a particular issue you may have.
What should I do if I need to cancel my appointment?
Call/text the office or cancel online as soon as possible so the appointment slot is not being held for you. It is important to cancel 24 hours in advance if at all possible or you may be required to pay for the session in its entirety.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash is preferred, but we also accept debit and credit cards. Online users can also pay at the time they schedule their appointment.
What should I do after I receive a massage?
You will get off the table and get dressed as soon as the therapist leaves the massage area. Then it is suggested to drink a good amount of water throughout the day (unless you are on a diuretic). It is also best to relax throughout the day in order to have the best benefits from the massage and prevent sore muscles.
Is it ok to exercise right after a massage?
It is not advised since the muscles and nervous system have been put into a relaxation mode. Therefore any work outs may cause muscle soreness, dehydration and possible injury depending on the extent of exercise.
What if I have big breasts that get in the way or make it uncomfortable to lay face down?
We will certainly accommodate. We have several types of body cushions that allow the client to lay side-lying or face down without laying directly on a flat surface if necessary.
Can I joke about “happy endings” even if I have no interest in receiving one?
No, not even as a joke. This is disrespectful to us and our profession. Additionally, we have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.
I have acne. Will massage oils clog my pores?
Since oil may clog your pores, you may request that the therapist use cream or little oil during your session. Most of our therapists only use cream or little oil regularly and typically do not apply lubrication to the face.
Do you offer Graston Technique?
Not at this time. We do plan to offer it in the near future, and we encourage you to let us know if you have interest in this so we can let you know once we have this service.
Do you accept Insurance?
Massage therapy may or may not be covered under your insurance plans. Medicare and Medicaid plans do not cover massage therapy. Some plans specifically exclude massage therapy while other plans cover the service only if medical necessity criteria are met and prescribed by a doctor. If you are enrolled in a FSA (flexible spending account) you may be able to use that card to pay for services. Insurance and Massage Therapy is a tricky field, we highly suggest first asking your insurance provider and after that give us a call!
Alternatively, Cash is preferred, but we also accept debit and credit cards for services rendered.
What do I do during a massage treatment?
After disrobing to your comfort level and getting under the sheets, the Therapist will enter to begin the massage. You do not need to do anything during the session. If the Therapist is working on your arm, there is no need to hold your arm as tensing your muscles will be counter-productive.
When it’s time to turn over during the massage, the therapist will hold the drape to keep it from moving and tell you know which way to turn over.
Can I talk during my session?
This is entirely up to you! You will receive the most effective treatment if you fully relax without conversation. But the Therapist will not be distracted from the work if you choose to hold a conversation.
When should I not get a massage?
The main things that will prevent you from receiving massage is sickness and current risk of blood clots. There are certain medical conditions or conditions that will prevent someone from receiving a massage, however, the Therapist will go over the intake form with you to make sure you are cleared for massage.
I’m never sure about gratuities for massage services. What should I tip?
Most clients tip $20/hour on average or 25%. There are small gratuity envelopes available to put your tip in if you prefer to keep the amount anonymous as the therapist does not generally check the tip envelopes until the work day is over. You also have the ability to tip if paying by credit card.
Are walk-ins and same day appointments available?
We run by appointment only. It’s worth calling/texting that day to see if we have anything, but evenings and weekends typically are booked up if you try to book on the same day. We highly recommend following us on our social media pages and asking us to be on a cancellation wait-list as those are the two best methods we use to immediately notify people of any last minute appointment openings.
What if I am late arriving to my appointment?
You are paying for the specific time slot scheduled. In the event you are late, the therapist will start your session as soon as possible and work on you until the end of your scheduled time. If you simply do not show because you’d be running late, then we may need to charge for the session since we specifically saved that time slot for you.
Do I need to shower before my massage?
You do not, however, we do ask that you are clean and have showered that day at some point please. We use primarily cream unless receiving a hot stone massage so that you do not feel the need to shower after if you don’t wish to shower again that day.
What if I fall asleep, snore, or drool during my massage?
We’ll consider it a job well done in getting you to relax!
Can I blow my nose, itch, or get up and go to the restroom during a session?
Absolutely, we want you to do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable!
Is it ok to use tobacco, marijuana, or drink alcohol before my massage?
No. In fact, you should not drink before or after massage because it will spread the alcohol more quickly throughout your body and the Therapist does not wish to be held liable for any safety issues stemming from massaging with substances in your body.
Which massage is right for me?
If you are looking for a relaxing massage, you may choose a Swedish Massage or Hot Stone Therapy. Most clients choose to get a Deep Tissue massage for a greater depth of pressure or a Sports massage which is tailored for specific issues. The Sports massage is more common for those who are very active or an athlete with specific issues. Sports massage is recommended to get the best results for those looking to target specific muscles groups using advanced modalities. We also offer Craniosacral therapy as a gentle approach to relax tension of the head and other issues. Other modalities include Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage and add-ons.
Can I drink alcohol before a massage?
No. You should not drink alcohol a few hours before a massage as the massage will spread the alcohol throughout your system more quickly. The therapist will be forced to reschedule your appointment if you drink alcohol within a few hours before the massage in order to keep you safe. It is also not advised to drink alcohol immediately after the massage either as you may become intoxicated more easily.
Can massage help me lose weight?
Massage cannot directly help you lose weight. It can, however, help relax your body and help restore homeostasis, which can in turn help your body function better if you are on a weight loss journey.
What types of massage oils/lotions and essential oils do you use?
Hypoallergic cream is often used as it gives a good glide to each stroke but does not leave the client feeling oily after the session. Some therapists or certain types of massages, however, will use oil sparingly in the session. Aromatherapy may also be used upon request, which is mixed into the cream or oil or diffused in the air but absorb into the skin quickly.
For Hot Stone Therapy, an oil specifically designed for massage will be used.
For Infant massage, an all-natural gentle oil will be used and the parent is welcome to bring their own lubricant if desired.
Will I be sore after my massage?
You will not be sore in most cases. However, if deep tissue techniques are performed, you may be sore for 24-48 hours after the session due to the “work out” done on the muscle tissue. It is helpful to drink water throughout the day you receive massage in order to help flush out any toxins that are released through massage.
Can massage help with TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)?
A TMJ massage can be extremely helpful in relieving symptoms associated with TMJ such as jaw tenderness, earaches, headaches and facial pain. There are 4 muscles in the face that contribute or cause TMJ Disfunction, and our therapist Michele has particular massage techniques she can use to help. This type of work can be slightly painful for the client but Michele can work with your pain tolerance and make sure its more relaxing than painful. Choose “Sports Massage” then pick “Michele” when booking this appointment through our website or mention it if calling.
Can I stop by the office to pick up a gift certificate?
Our office hours are by appointment only. Please call or text us to make sure we are available before coming to the office. We would hate to waste your time! Additionally we can always mail you a gift certificate as well or you can purchase an eGift card.
Do I have to be completely undressed?
You may undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed, but will be covered appropriately at all times during the session. We will work around any undergarments or clothing you leave on as best as we can. It is important to be comfortable during the session in order to have the optimal benefits from the session. We will give you privacy to undress, get onto the table and cover up with the sheet and blanket provided.
How often should I get a massage?
This will vary based on the issue(s) you are experiencing. If you are looking for relaxation or general maintenance, We suggest monthly massages or when you feel the need to get another massage. Most severe or chronic issues are better taken care of with weekly or biweekly appointments depending on many factors. This question is better answered after you are have had your first appointment.
Do I have to listen to elevator music during my massage?
Absolutely not. We will play relaxing massage music during your session, but have the ability to change the music if requested.
How will I feel after my massage treatment?
A massage will typically leave the client feeling relaxed and loose. Depending on the depth of pressure and techniques used, it may also make one feel slightly sore the next day if they had specific issues focused on during the session. In several cases, we use techniques that will ease into the muscles in a way to try to prevent any soreness after. We also encourage drinking water and taking it easy the rest of the day after the session in order to flush out all toxins that were released during the session so you feel more rejuvenated and loose rather than sore.
How do I talk to my massage therapist about money? I’d like to come more often, but it would be a financial hardship.
We do have specific costs in order to keep a successful business and help others, however, feel free to ask if you’d like to discuss any options we may have.
Will I get a full 60 minutes of massage when I book a 1-hour appointment?
The way our scheduling is, we do allot enough time to give a full 60 minute massage as long as you arrive on time.
Do you offer couples massage?
We do not offer couples massage at this time, however, with advanced notice we may be able to accommodate you if our therapists’ schedules line up with the request. Call, text, email, or Facebook message us and we’ll see what we can do, 267-450-9707 , info@alleviatemmt.com and https://www.facebook.com/alleviatemassageandmuscletherapy
I woke up with a cold today. Should I come in?
No. If you are sick in any way, the massage will push the illness through your body and may cause you to feel worse. You may also spread your sickness to the therapist, which would force them to take off work until they feel better in order to protect future clients from getting sick as well.
What if I forgot to shave?
No problem, it will not affect the massage.
Should I tell my therapist if I have a rash or wart?
Yes please. Warts are viral and can be contagious. The therapist will work around it if they are aware of the wart.
Can massage treat tinnitus?
It can in certain circumstances due to releasing tight muscles within the jaw and neck that may be contributing to the tinnitus. The massage may also help ease tension and stress that may also be a contributing factor.
Can I get a massage while pregnant?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended! Massage and Chiropractic are both very helpful in realigning and relaxing the body to help the pregnancy and delivery go more smoothly. Although massage is not known to cause a miscarriage, it is asked that you do not get a massage before 8 weeks of pregnancy since most miscarriages happen around 6 weeks. You should also know better at that point as to whether you have some complications. We certainly do not want you to feel a great massage has lead to any issues! Choose “Prenatal & Postpartum Massage” when booking this appointment through our website or mention it if calling.
Does cupping work?
Some say it’s subjective and some say it works. The purpose of cupping is to draw toxins to the surface and stretch the muscle fascia out by pulling up rather than always pressing down on the muscles. If you are interested in having Cupping done you can choose this under “add-ons” while booking the massage online.
Can massages help headaches and migraines?
It may. Massage may help if it is a tension headache, is caused by trigger points in the neck area, is caused by facial restriction, or anything else that is soft tissue related. Additionally, we have a special lotion and aromatherapy available upon request that has pain relieving ingredients known to help with headaches.
What does the parking situation look like?
There is plenty of free parking all around, and also some metered parking! Although the parking directly behind the building fills up most days, there is another parking lot next to the train station within a short walking distance. We explain it in detail and include satellite images of available parking on our contact us page.
Do you do abdominal massage or massage the glutes?
Abdominal massage and Glute massage may be included as part of your overall treatment if the therapist finds that there is a particular muscular or fascial issue needing to be addressed. At anytime if there is ever an area of the body you wish for your therapist to stay away from we ask that you let the therapist know in advance.
Do you offer Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Yes. Our massage therapist Tiffany is a certified lymphatic drainage specialist and is currently accepting appointments.