• Fever
• Any type of infectious disease
• Systemic infections
• Severe cold
• Recent or poorly healed fractures
• Bleeding, burns or other acute injury
• Liver and kidney diseases
• Blood clot
• Pregnancy-induced diabetes, toxemia, preeclampsia/eclampsia
• High blood pressure (unless under control with medication)
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Open skin lesions or sores (I may work around them if localized)

The guidelines here are pretty straightforward. You don't want the Massage to make an underlying medical condition worse, and you don't want to pass anything contagious to the Massage Therapist. If you're unsure about whether a minor condition should prohibit you from getting a Massage, call before your appointment.
I will ask at other subsequent visits about any new medical or physical conditions. If I do not ask, volunteer that information if there are new conditions I should know about.

How often should I receive a Massage?
The answer here depends on the reasons for receiving the Massage. If a client comes for some injury relief, or to relieve chronic tightness or pain that is interfering with their daily lives in some way, weekly sessions may be necessary for a while to build on each session's improvements.
For those who use Massage as preventive care and managing the stress, once a month is a good standard.

What types of Massage are there?
There is a wide array of Massage and Bodywork modalities (methods or styles). The most common, and probably the best known, is Swedish-style Massage.
The modalities I use are Swedish-style Massage, Injury Recovery, Trigger Point Therapy (Deep Tissue), Energy Healing, Reflexology and Accupressure.
They all have one goal in mind, to bring the body's systems back into balance. All Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers try to bring the client back towards the state of natural equilibrium in their bodies. However, this does not usually happen in one session.

What is not included in a Therapeutic Massage?
Sex is not included. Let's get it right there out in the open. We all know there are tons of places that call themselves massage parlors, and probably the last thing you'll get there is a real Therapeutic Massage. Do not confuse these places. These massage parlors may have licenses, but a Therapeutic Massage is not what they're selling.
Many phone books have listings for Therapeutic Massage, and most of the people or businesses listed there are serious Bodyworker's, not prostitutes.
Most practitioners of Therapeutic Massage call themselves Massage Therapists, because the titles masseur and masseuse have sexual connotations associated with massage parlors. Massage Therapists work out of their studios or offices, not parlors.

Will a Massage hurt?
It depends on the type of Massage. A relaxing Massage that does not probe very deep into muscles should not hurt. On the other hand, to be able to work out any stress deep within muscles, deeper more probing strokes may be and may cause some discomfort.
Everybody has different thresholds of pain. The depth of a stroke may not be deep enough for one person's liking and may cause pain for another. Make your preference known. Any time during a Massage, give me feedback on which depths of strokes are more to your liking.

Do I have to be completely undressed?
You should undress to your comfort level. I will work to the best of my ability, around the clothes you have left on. Understand this may mean certain areas of your body may only receive minimal work or not be massaged at all.
I will always ask your permission before a Massage what areas you want or do not want massaged.

Will I be covered during the Massage?
You will be covered with a sheet, towel and/or blanket, at all times. My goal is to make sure you are comfortable and feel secure. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.

What parts of my body will be Massaged?
This will vary from therapist to therapist. The one area you can be assured that will not receive any stimulation, are the genitals.
If one area of the body takes a lot longer than expected to Massage, I may skip other areas of the body to finish within the allotted time.
I will ask you during the intake, if you have any areas of your body that you would prefer not to be Massaged and I will respect your wishes.

What if I have sensitive skin?
I use the highest quality of massage lotions, oils and creams which contain one or more of the following: coconut oil, Sweet Almond oil, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. Please inform me if you are sensitive to any of these ingredients or any other ingredient not mentioned here.

What if I'm overweight or embarrassed about my body?
Don't let that stop you. You're denying yourself quite a pleasurable experience.
As a Massage Therapist I have seen bodies in every imaginable shape and size, from young to old, and I'm not here to judge your physique. I am a professional who has found Therapeutic Massage to be a wonderful gift to give to men and women alike, regardless of age and weight. I am proud of what I can offer to people in need of help or just wanting to luxuriate in the therapeutic sense of touch.

What if I'm ticklish?
If you are ticklish in a certain area, you can choose to not have that area worked, but the techniques used usually do not cause you to be ticklish.

Can I talk during a Massage?
The key to a Massage is relaxation and allowing yourself to enjoy the experience. I want you to relax, to just let your mind float free, and let the Massage transport you to an almost subconscious bliss. But it's not uncommon for many people to be more relaxed talking. After all, you're lying undressed on a table with a stranger touching their skin.
There are times when you should speak up during a Massage. If anything makes you uncomfortable, bring it to mine attention. Feel free to speak up, if something about the Massage is or is not working for you.

What if I fall asleep?
If you fall asleep, then you will have a relaxing Massage. I will wake you at the end of your session.

What if a Massage wasn't quite what I wanted?
Each of our Massage Therapists has their own style, their own approach to Massage, the strokes they like to use, and the depth they like to work. Some prefer a more clinical approach, some a more personal approach. Not every client clicks with every Massage Therapist. The key is to find one who can deliver the type of Massage you like best. When you find one you like, stick with them and sing their praises.
I've had many Massages over the years from both men and women. Some have been astoundingly good, others just so-so. Some have skipped areas that I would have would have preferred to have been Massaged. Others have had a quiet, impersonal approach and I prefer it the other way around. This doesn't mean they've given you a bad Massage, or that you haven't reaped any benefits from it, just that it wasn't quite what you're looking for. This is one reason why personal recommendations from friends and family can be so valuable. You can get a good sense of the therapist's style from them, and know how well it matches your expectations before you visit them.

Thank you for the Inquiry!