Arrive early.  If this is your first appointment, 20 minutes is not too early.  This allows time to fill out our new client form, and get ready for your therapy session.
 
Please wait quietly in our reception area until you're called.  Other clients may be receiving a massage therapy session ahead of you, and will appreciate the courtesy.

Set your cell phone on silent ring while waiting, and turn your cell phone off during your appointment.

Bathe and change into clean clothes before your appointment (if at all possible).
 
Empty your bladder and bowels prior to your appointment to avoid embarrassing interruptions.  Restroom facilities are available just down the hall from our office.

No children under age 12. (We have no child care facilities available.  Sorry.)  We also do not provide massage therapy for anyone age 12 or under.

Clients older than 12, but under the age of 18 are not seen or treated unless referred by a physician and accompanied by parent or legal guardian.  A letter from the referring physician is required, and the presence of a parent or legal guardian in the therapy room during the therapy session is mandatory.

This is one of the most common questions we're asked.  We're also asked to what extent you'll undress.

Casual is best.  You may wear street clothes, a sweat suit, or other comfortable clothing.  Wear clothing that's easy to remove, and easy to put back on.  If you're coming to your appointment from your workplace (such as an office), your office attire is very acceptable.  If you have a job where you get very dirty or sweaty, it's more comfortable for you and your massage therapist if you clean up before going to your appointment.  You'll be laying on a massage table for 30 minutes to two hours (depending on the length of time you select).  Want to have that dirt and sweat rubbed into your body?  Clean is best.  Massage oil also applies to your skin more easily, and is more readily absorbed when you're clean.

Will you be naked?  No.  You will always be "draped" (covered) with a sheet, and sometimes also with a blanket. You will never be left feeling exposed.  When we work on an arm, we'll fold the sheet back and secure it out of the way.  We use similar techniques for your legs and feet.  Draping is required by Texas law.

When therapy is required on your back and/or shoulders, the drape will be folded down at your hips. If you’re wearing underwear, we may gently tuck the sheet around the waistband to protect your clothes from the massage oil. If you’re wearing a bra, we'll work around it. If you’re wearing a tank top or shorts, we'll accommodate you. Various massage techniques can be utilized in the presence of clothing. If we feel we can’t effectively treat your issue through the clothing you've chosen to wear, we will tell you, and together we’ll figure out another solution.

Please know that we're very accommodating where your attire is concerned.  It’s most important to us you're at ease with the treatment. If that means you prefer to leave some clothing on, we understand.  Just as in your doctor's office, you'll have the massage room to yourself to change and prepare for the session.  Even if you're shy or self-conscious, you have plenty of privacy.

Your therapist will give some suggestions whether you should remove your clothing above the waist, or disrobe completely for a massage. Remember, massage therapists work with people of all shapes and sizes.  We aren't here to judge you .. but instead to put you at ease.  Bare is best, but ultimately, you decide what's most comfortable for you.

Your therapist will offer suggestions whether you should remove your clothing above the waist, or disrobe completely for a massage. Remember, massage therapists work with people of all shapes and sizes.  We aren't here to judge you .. but instead to put you at ease.  Bare is best, but ultimately, you decide what's most comfortable for you.

Jewelry and watches must be removed as well.

While massage oils are an important part of your experience, your therapist will ensure you're not greasy when you leave the massage therapy room. Special precautions can be taken to protect your hair from the massage oils.  If you'd like to wear long hair in a ponytail or clip .. that's fine too.

Feel free to ask questions.

Please speak up during the session if you are hot or cold, need more pressure or less pressure, and so forth.  We want you to have the most effective massage possible.
 

After Your Session:
After your massage, your therapist will leave you and allow you to relax for a short time.  Take your time getting up and dressed, but please don’t take too long, as there will be other clients coming in after you.

You will be asked about your method of payment.  Most clients elect to pay by credit or debit card, but we also accept cash.  Checks may be accepted from clients with a long-term history with us.

Massage therapists are licensed by the state, and have spent hundreds of hours in the classroom plus hundreds more hours in internships.  They then take a very comprehensive examination required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.   Licensed massage therapists widely agree the term "masseuse" is generally unprofessional, and often has sexual connotations.  Also .. while licensed massage therapists are fully qualified to provide a foot massage, don't confuse them with a "foot-massage-only" business.  People who administer only a foot massage are not required to be licensed, and won't have the same extensive training of a licensed massage therapist.

Women come in and apologize for not shaving their legs.  No problem.  It happens almost every day.  Most men don't shave their legs.  Unless your hair is razor sharp, it won’t be a problem.

 
DO shower before your massage.

Please make sure you're relatively clean when you arrive for your massage.  Try to have clean feet, nails, hair, and skin in general.  Remember - you're asking someone else to touch you.  Before coming in, ask yourself if you would want to touch you.  Do your therapist a favor and clean up or rinse off if needed.  Also .. when your skin is clean, it will more readily absorb lotions and oils used during your massage.

 
DO pay attention to your feet, especially if your therapy session will involve a foot massage.

Let us know if you have any fungal or other issues.  Some are highly contagious and must be treated before we can see you for a therapy session.

DON'T get a massage when you're sick.

If you're sick, please don't come in.  We don’t want to be responsible for spreading communicable diseases to our other clients.  Call us and reschedule your appointment.  We realize some illness can occur rather quickly.  You go to bed feeling good, and wake up feeling achy and feverish.  We have a 24-hour cancellation policy .. but there's also an element of trust required.  If you're truly not feeling well, call us and reschedule.  We'll trust you to be honest about it, and won't charge you for a one-time cancellation.  Second and subsequent illness cancellations are subject to our cancellation payment policy.

DON'T worry about bodily functions.
You might think this one is the opposite of massage etiquette!  Experienced massage clients know the embarrassment and the struggle of failing to suppress flatulence during a massage session.  Don’t be troubled.  Your therapist will totally understand if you "pass wind" during the massage.  It indicates the therapy session is having beneficial results for you.

DON'T worry about falling asleep.
Dozing off during a session is considered to be a compliment for a massage therapist.  It's a sign you're very relaxed, and that the therapist's job is being done well.  Your therapist will wake you up when it's time to turn over, or at the end of your session, whichever occurs first.

DO anticipate the “butt massage”.

There's a lot of tissue that needs to be worked there.  If you are uncomfortable, you won’t be asked to expose your rear.  It's up to each client to inform us whether you want this area of your body involved in your therapy session or not.  If you want your glutes and thighs avoided, please let us know before we start your sessions.

 
DO communicate.

Even if the goal of your massage is simply to relax and forget about your overflowing inbox for an hour, be up front with your therapist about any medical issues you have.  People make the assumption that massage can do no harm, and that's mostly true, but there are definitely situations where massage can be harmful.  The most dangerous are circulatory issues, like a blood clot sitting in a limb. Herniated discs are bad, too."  It's better if you say too much, or are very demanding, than be someone who says absolutely nothing.  We don't have any way of knowing what you want.  You have to tell us.

DON'T communicate too much information.

Please save the sex-life talk and other personal conversation for your significant other.

DO tip.

If your therapist was very responsive to your stated issues .. tip handsomely.  Most therapists only actively provide massages for only 20 to 30 hours a week.  It's hard on their body, and requires a lot of energy.  Renewing their license also requires that they take continuing education classes throughout the year, and constantly improve their skills.  This takes time away from their work.  Tipping lets the therapist know you appreciate their efforts.