Frequently Asked Questions

They are similar in that both practitioner styles are used to manipulate their client’s soft tissue through physical touch, but the goals tend to differ. Massage Therapists put a greater emphasis on stress reduction and overall relaxation, while Therapeutic Bodywork focuses more on pain relief, functionality, and working towards the ideal posture to create better balance throughout the body.

Across the U.S., the average massage therapist receives approximately 600-700 hours of training, and most continue their education taking a few advanced courses per year. My School was 915 hours and have continued to study consistently since graduating in 2014. Feel free to ask me about my educational experiences, practical training, and ongoing professional development.

No, In the cases where the client disrobes, the therapist will be outside of the room and the door will be closed.

No, There are many techniques for stretching and increasing joint range of motion/flexibility that can be enhanced while clothed. It is highly encouraged that you bring some athletic shorts if you’re a male, or stretchy/athletic shorts and a sports bra if your female. I am professionally trained in draping for the sessions where we use sheets and you will be covered at all times.

Before your massage, let me know which parts of your body you want them to avoid. I have no issues respecting your wishes and avoiding any areas of discomfort. However, there are occasions where the source of the pain and symptoms is around the area of discomfort. If this is the case, we can discuss the different options when we reach that point.

There should never be any “stabbing” pain or intense pain feelings in any session. If any of those areas are discovered, we will re-assess and take a different approach. Depending on the condition of the tissue, there are usually some moments of discomfort as we manipulate the soft tissue and create improved neuro and muscular balance in your body.

This varies by individual. Some people walk away feeling revitalized, others are sore similar to the feeling of a workout, and yet others feel great at the end of the session but are sore later that night or 24-48 hours later. This is due to DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) which is when the muscle has been stressed and is reorganizing the tissue/fascia after the stress causing event. This is very common in anyone who works out, (It’s how our muscles grow) but can also be common in bodywork since we are re-aligning the soft tissue.

For those who use bodywork as preventative care or in managing stress, one to two sessions a month is common. I learned while working in chiropractic offices that when dealing with a recent or acute injury, more sessions closer to the date of injury can greatly increase the speed of recovery. So, for bodywork aimed more at pain and injury, it tends to be bimonthly or weekly sessions in the beginning working towards once a month or until the pain goes away.

In my opinion there are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying bodywork. These include contagious skin infections, cold/flu, fever, or if you are intoxicated.

There are additional medical conditions that require adaptions (i.e. arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis). Inform your therapist of your specific needs so that they can adapt the technique to your situation and avoid any areas of unnecessary discomfort (i.e. cuts, burns).

It is a good idea to get approval from your physician before receiving bodywork (i.e. cancer, certain immune diseases, pregnancy, heart conditions, electrical/mechanical implants) This doesn’t mean you can’t get massage, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Pregnancy massage techniques vary depending on which trimester you’re in but is safe throughout nearly the entire pregnancy.

I currently do not accept insurance. I have in the past and may again in the future depending on how insurance rules evolve.

Yes, Bodysmith has a cancellation policy for 50% for any session cancelled within 24-hours.

  • Releases Endorphins (Amino Acids that work as the body’s natural pain killer)
  • Enhances Post-Injury and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
  • Increases Joint Flexibility/Range of Motion
  • Improves Proprioception (Body Awareness)
  • Circulatory and Respiratory Improvement
  • Chronic or Acute Muscular Dysfunction
  • Reduces or eliminates Chronic Pain
  • Muscle Spasms, Strains and Sprains
  • Improves Posture/Biomechanics
  • Promotes Tissue Regeneration
  • Migraine/Headache Mitigation
  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome
  • Improved Sleep Qualit
  • Decrease Inflammation
  • Lowers Blood Pressure
  • Can Enhance Breathing
  • Pregnancy Discomfort
  • Neuromuscular Pain
  • Increases Immunity
  • Improved Digestion
  • Promotes Mobility
  • Pain Management
  • Injury Recovery
  • Stress Reduction