Where will my massage session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
What should I do during the massage?
How will I feel after the massage?
What are the benefits of massage?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?

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Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. You'll be in a private space within a little cottage, so you won't have to see any one else during your treatment.   *Check out my Studio Gallery Page

Must I be completely undressed?
I promise to always respect your boundaries. Therapeutic massage is traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session. 

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
No. I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket. Should you choose to spend some extra time relaxing with *Tea and Unwind* after your session, you will also have that time fully to yourself. 

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
This is entirely up to you. A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. We will chat about these preferences before your treatment begins. I will not work on any areas you are not comfortable with, you are fully in control at all times.  

What will the massage feel like?
Therapeutic Massage-  In a Therapeutic massage, I start with gentler, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system. As your body becomes relaxed, my pressure will gradually increase to address specific areas and deeper muscular tension. I will use oil to reduce friction against exposed skin, and will provide a damp washcloth at the end of the session to cleanse your hands and feet.  Please communicate any discomfort, so that I may change my approach. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting, so if something hurts, let me know!

Somatic Massage- Techniques similar to those used in therapeutic massage are combined with awareness-building meditation techniques and gentle movement. We may discuss what you are feeling, and I will take cues from you and your body, flowing accordingly. We may work the entire body, or pause where extra attention is needed. During a Somatic massage, you will feel nurtured and cared for, while you learn to make new connections to help you move and feel better in your daily life. A grounding and supportive Somatic massage is most beneficial if you've experienced trauma, addiction, are grieving, or just want to have a better relationship with your body. Multiple or regular sessions are highly recommended, as we are training your mind and body to communicate more effectively. Just like learning a language, the more you learn, the more efficient the conversation. 

Stone Therapy- Therapeutic massage techniques are combined with warm stones to melt deeper into the muscle tissue, dissolving away tension.  Wonderful for cold winter days.  With Cold Stone Therapy, we will use "cool to the touch" stones to help you feel relaxed and revitalized. Perfect for hot summers. 

Deep Bamboo Therapy- This version of a "deep tissue massage" is similar to a therapeutic massage, but is designed to break up the most difficult areas of adhesion. I will use heated bamboo sticks to access deeper into the muscle tissue, blasting away stubborn knots. 

Great Outdoors Sports Massage- Skiing, Hiking, Climbing, Rowing, Riding- whatever your passion, Montana has it. Keep your body up to the task. A quicker pace is used to energize your muscles and increase blood flow. Prepare your body for exercise, or recover from it. I may use vibration tools to power through myofascial adhesions. 

What should I do during the massage?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I may gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as rolling over or scooting down on the table). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask! You are fully in control at all times. 

How will I feel after the massage?
Most people feel very relaxed. You may feel a little "floaty" afterwards- we like to call it "massage brain", and it will pass quickly. I include a few extra minutes after every session for you to breathe and come back to focus, so you can go about your day feeling productive. You may feel yourself moving easier and feeling happier. Often, people experience less pain and greater motivation which can last for days or months!

After a Somatic Massage, it is possible to feel emotional.This is natural and healing. Memories and trauma processing may surface during or after a Somatic Massage, which is also a natural process. If you have a history of trauma or are grieving, please let me know and we will chat about what to expect.

What are the benefits of massage?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. Before our session, I will ask you general health questions. It is very important that you inform me of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Do not book a session if you have a fever, or are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms such as congestion, cough, or sore throat.  Massage can make these symptoms worse, and you risk spreading sickness to others. Please inform me if you are currently suffering an active breakout from a skin condition, or if you have any contagious conditions such as hiv. If you have recently been in an accident or seriously injured, I will ask for a doctor's permission before treatment. A Psychologist or counselor's referral is recommended for Somatic Massage.