Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
How early should I arrive?
I've never had a massage. What can I expect a session to be like?
How much of my session time is actual hands-on massage?
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?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
All in-studio appointments are received at Acupuncture & Holistic Care.
3 Sculps Hill Road, Lower Level, Orwigsburg, PA 1796
The building is at the intersection of Route 61 & Sculps Hill Road.
You can park in the lower lot next to the entrance, facing route 61.

 Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a comfortable, quiet room with soft music or ambient sounds being played to help you relax. The table is made with sheets and a blanket, and may be warmed by a heating pad if you like.

 

How early should I arrive?
Plan to arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If the door is locked when you arrive, I am wrapping up the session prior to yours and it will be open shortly!

 

I've never had a massage. What can I expect my session to be like?
You will be received at my studio within Acupuncture & Holistic Care. At your first appointment, we will sit privately in the waiting area and you will fill out an intake form with basic medical information to be kept on file. We will discuss your medical history, how you are presently feeling in your body, define any trouble regions to focus on, and talk about any goals you have for massage and your personal wellness. We will also take note of your posture and any imbalances.

There is a private bathroom you can use at any point during your visit.
(It's okay if you have to get up in the middle of your session!)

For your session, you will be guided to the treatment room. You will have the opportunity to privately disrobe to your comfort level and get under the covers onto the warm massage table. For Thai Massage you would remain clothed and get comfy on top of the blanketed table. There are two chairs, coat hangers, and a table surface available for your belongings. I will knock before reentering the room.

You may receive massage face up, face down, in a side-lying position, or seated, depending on your needs. There are bolsters and pillows available to prop you as needed for your comfort.

Sessions often begin with 3 deep breaths accompanied by essential oils. For all sessions except Thai Massage and Myofascial Release techniques, either organic fractionated coconut oil or organic grapeseed oil will be used to create a slip on the skin. Throughout the massage, only the part of the body being worked on is exposed. You will ALWAYS be securely draped. You may receive a hot towel on your back or feet, depending on your session type. At some point in the session, you may be asked to flip over, which you should do at your own pace.

During the course of your session you are invited to relax, focus on your breath, slow your mind, and perhaps find a meditative state. Most people close their eyes. At any time, I ask you to please verbally communicate anything relevant to the session such as: more pressure, less pressure, that's the spot, please don't massage my head/feet/glutes/___?___, have to pee, etc etc. Never be afraid to speak up! Especially if something hurts or you experience pain beyond your threshold, you need only say something. Massage should ALWAYS be within your personal boundaries.

At the end of your session, we will close with 3 more deep breaths with essential oils.
I will let you know the session has ended, usually suggest you have a stretch or drop into Child's Pose while you're still on the table, and invite you to take your time getting up. I will remove any bolsters, leave the room, and wait for you in the lobby with a cup of water.

You may pay for your session with Cash or Credit. All Credit transaction incur an additional 3% fee. If you wish to tip/offer gratuity for your session, please note I cannot accept it via Credit.

Feel free to ask any questions regarding ways to keep up the good work accomplished in our session. You'll be instructed to stay hydrated, especially the rest of the day to help move any toxins that were released. Stretching, exercise, and good self care are always recommended.

You can re-book your next session in person before you go if you like.
You can always log in to online booking @ https://pocketsuite.io/book/FarrOutWellness
Or you can send me a message on Facebook or via email: FarrOutWellness@gmail.com

 

How much of my session time is actual hands-on massage?
When you book a 60 minute session with me, you get a 60 minute massage. Unless you are late to your appointment, your chosen session length (30/60/90/120 min) will always reflect the actual hands-on time length of your massage. The intake, pre-session discussion, and post-session checkout are not included in your session length, except for Medical Massage sessions which have extra thorough assessment & measurement time noted.

You may notice on my online booking that a 60 minute session books for 1 hour & 30 minutes. This extra time is automatically blocked into all bookings so we can be thorough and mindful.

Must I be completely undressed?
Your "birthday suit" is the most natural way to receive a massage, and no offense is taken if you choose this option. However, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear!  You should only undress to your level of comfort. No matter your choice, know with assurance that you will always be properly draped during your session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The therapist should always leave the room while you undress, giving you time to relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheets & a blanket. Take your time! I personally always make sure to knock on the door before reentering, just in case you aren't quite ready.

Will I be covered during the session?
Yes, you will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.  If at any point during session you become uncomfortable, you need only say something and we can adjust. 

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, upper chest, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.  If there is an area your would prefer not to be massaged, please feel free to indicate this before or during the session. 

What will the massage feel like?
A relaxing Swedish "Classic" Massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. A light oil (I use 100% organic fractionated coconut oil or grapeseed oil) is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when the receiving body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). 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 at any time.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
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 and bodywork 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 or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. This is why it is so important to complete the intake form thoroughly, and take the time before each session to have a discussion on any medical changes or new prescriptions, consider how you are feeling that day, and what your needs and goals are.

It is very important that you disclose 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 or bodywork prior to any session.  Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.