Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

I've Never Had a Massage Before. What Should I Expect?
When you call for an appointment, I will ask you some general questions about your health and if you have any illnesses, conditions, or issues of pain or stress. The new client packet I send you will have easy directions to my location plus a Health History Form for you to fill out. Please read the New Client Information page for specific details about the massage. First appointments are up to 30-minutes longer as we discuss your health history and any stress or pain issues prior to the actual massage or other therapy. This information will help me provide the most appropriate therapy for you.

Do I have to Undress for the Massage?
As a massage therapist, my goal is to make sure you are comfortable at all times and to ensure your complete privacy. Your session will be in a private room. You will undress to your comfort level (in privacy) after I leave the massage room. In a professional massage you are always completely covered (draped) with a large sheet (and a blanket if it's cold) and only the area being worked on (your back, leg, arm, etc..) is uncovered during the therapeutic work on that area. Note that draping is always required for all sessions. After the massage, I will leave the room so you can get dressed in privacy.

If you (or someone you know) are uncomfortable with the idea of undressing for a massage, then you might like to try one of the other therapies where you remain fully clothed. Consider Reflexology Therapy, Chair Massage, Reiki, Ah-Shiatsu Barefoot Massage or Tibetan Singing Bowls.

Will the Massage Hurt or be Painful?
NO! Massage therapy should never be painful. There are various kinds of massage from Relaxation Massage (light to medium pressure) to Hot Stone Massage (light, medium or deep pressure) to Deep Tissue-NMT or Ah-Shiatsu Barefoot Masasge (medium to deep pressure). These are different therapies and have different techniques and goals. No matter which one you choose, each session is always customized to your needs and comfort level and as light or a deep as you like but never painful.

How Will I Feel After My Massage or Reflexology Session?
You should definitely feel much better after experiencing  Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage, relaxation massage or other bodywork as it helps you relax and de-stress. Clients report that theuy feel better and sleep better. Note: It is important to drink at least 1-2 liters of water after your massage and the next day as your body is releasing toxins that were stored in your sore muscles.

How Often Should I Get a Massage? 
You can get as massage weekly, monthly or as often as you want and your budget allows. In general, as a maintence level, it's a good idea to have a massage every month to help your body stay in condition. However, in the case of chronic pain or rehabilitation you may need masasge more often, maybe every week for a few weeks until you feel better and your condition improves. Together we will assess your situation and see what is most beneficial for you.

Preparing for your massage, Reflexology or other therapy - what should I do?
If your appointment is for Reflexology, please wash your feet well and make sure your toenails are trimmed. If you are coming for an appointment after any intense physical activity - running, exercise, gardening, farm work, working with animals, dog grooming, construction, road maintenence, heavy work-out, etc, involving sweat, sawdust, manure or dirt, please shower before your appointment for everyone's comfort.

If I'm Pregnant Can I Receive Massage & Hot Stone Massage?
Yes, I accept pregnant clients for massage anytime after the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Hot (or Cool) Stone Massage may also be beneficial relieve back and hip pain, stress and tension. It will help promote relaxation and make you feel better and sleep better. Foot massage can be wonderful during later months of pregnancy, especially to assist with circulation and to help reduce swelling to the feet and ankles. For more information about pregnancy massage, see the Prenatal Massage page.

Do You Take Insurance?
Yes, only if your conditon is specifically approved for coverage. I will work with you and your insurance company if they approve massage therapy after an accident, surgery or during your rehabilitation. You will need: 1) a doctor's prescription for the specific condition, and 2) the prior approval of your insurance company for massage therapy. Please call me at 970-204-1794 to discuss your situation.

Massage Therapy is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. And, unfortunately, at this time most health insurance does not cover massage therapy for general pain relief, preventive care or improved health. Massage is allowed under some Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - please check the exact details of coverage with your plan to make sure massage therapy is a covered expense and that you can submit a receipt to be reimbursed for your payment. 

If I am not feeling well the day of my appointment what should I do?
Please call me right away to reschedule your appointment. You should not receive a massage while you are sick or feeling like you are coming down with something, You should not get a massage if you have a fever, nausea, migraine, a cold or the flu, or any contageous illness.

What If I Have a Health Condition or Illness?
If you are in general good health, then you will likely benefit from massage and/or Reflexology. However, under the following conditions, a Reflexology and Massage session may not be beneficial. Please call me for a free consultation if you have any of these conditions:

• Right after Surgery. (After you are released by your doctor or medical practitioner you may have Massage or Reflexology to assist you during your rehabilitation.) 
• Current case of athlete’s foot - will prevent you from a Reflexology Therapy session on your feet until it is completely clear and no longer contagious. (You may still have massage on your body.) 
• Unstable blood pressure that is not controlled by medication 
• Congestive heart failure 
• Severe Swelling (edema) of the body or feet 
• Contagious illness - cold, flu, etc 
• Serious illness - Cancer, AIDs, H1N1, West Nile, Kidney Failure, etc.. 

What About Stone Massage in the Summer?
Stone Massage is suitable all year as warm stones can be used in focused areas for pain relief, and cool stones can be placed for comfort and relief from heat. You may benefit from a combination or hot and cool stones accordng to your preference and the weather. If you are hot, I use various techniques to cool the body to delicious comfort, and cool stone reflexology on your feet feels like heaven. So a massage with a combination of cool (and warm) stones placed on various parts of the body for grounding and balance feels great!

What if I Just Want a Regular Massage Without Stones?
Every session is always customized to you and your needs. You may choose to have a massage without stones. Please see the Relaxation Massage - Swedish page or any of the other therapy pages for more information.

Can My Children Receive Massage Therapy?
Yes, children (age 8-18) can benefit from the variety of therapies including Relaxation Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology or Chair Massage!

I currently have several children as clients who are receiving massage therapy for pain and/ or stress issues. Each session is totally customized to each child's individual needs.  Sessions for children are generally 30 minutes long and parents are required to be in the room with younger children. Depending on the child and their situation, they can have a chair massage or a massage on the massage table, with or without hot stones.

Your child will be treated with the highest level of ethical and professional standards and conduct. The privacy, safety and feelings of your child are of the utmost importance. You, the parent will complete a health history form for your child and we will talk about any issues of pain or discomfort.

Kids will experience the same benefits from massage therapy as adults. Active children can get sore muscles, leg cramps, and "growing pains". Massage Therapy Can Help! Children benefit from pain relief, stress release, a positive method of relaxation and positive therapeutic touch. Hot Stone Massage or Reflexology the day before that big exam, performance, or the ACT/SAT test could be beneficial to help your kids relax, sleep better, and reduce stress and test anxiety. 

What Are Your Qualifications as a Massage Therapist?
I am a Registered Therapist in good standing in the State of Colorado. I have extensive training and education and my qualifications exceed all the required standards. I also hold the highest level of national certification (not every massage therapist holds this) by The National Certification Board - NCBTMB which requires the highest standards of education, practice and ethics for a Certified Massage Therapist in the United States. I am certified to teach some massage therapies and Reflexology and my teaching credentials have been officially vetted by the State of Colorado. For more information about credentials, see the About Me page.

Qualifications for Massage Therapy differ depending on the state. In Colorado, all Certified Masage Therapists must be registered with the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Registration laws require that the therapist have the requred hours, proper curriculum and training, graduate from a State-approved accredited school, prove their credentials and education and have a criminal background check from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.