Leah Fein, NCTM, PTA

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your covid protocols?

Where will my massage or bodywork 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?
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?

 

What are your covid protocols?

I ask that all clients are fully vaccinated and wear a mask to their session unless they have a medical condition that prohibits them from either. Clients will not have to wear a mask for laying face down, I drape a pillow case in the face cradle that acts like a loose mask, but makes it easy to breath. I ask clients to screen themselves for covid symptoms: fever, shortness or breth, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell, or feeling at all unwell. Also if the client has recently (within the past two weeks), tested positive for covid or been exposed to a person with covid. If any of these scenarios are present, I ask you cancel your appointment at no charge. 

I am triple vaccinated and will wear a mask for the entire session. I screen myself for covid symptoms daily and will not come to work if I feel unwell. The massage table and face cradle are covered in a plastic protector that I spray down with 70% alcohol solution after every client, paying close attention to the face cradle area. I wear an apron that I change in between clients. I allow extra time in between clients for disinfection, and so you will not have to wait in the waiting room. 

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed or with underwear on; 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?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, and get under a clean sheet and blanket.

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 will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Massage shouldn't hurt, pressure is to the client's tolerance, and I will check in about how things feel.  Sometimes it can be intense to get deep work in troubled areas, but none of it should be unbearable. All work is up to your priorities, if you want to feel more relaxed, maybe less pressure, less specific work. If you are looking to really "get into" an area, the massage may be more intense. 

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; myofascial work generally uses less to no lotion to engage the fascia, neuromuscular therapy often means holding deep pressure on a trigger point, sports massage may be more of a leg "flush" close to or after an event, or sports massage may be using a variety of techniques to address a chronic biomechanical / injury issue. 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 the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner 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, temperature comfort, 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.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed and a bit "out of it."  This is a great time to be aware of how your body feels differently - what feels more open, does it feel easier to move, what does feeling relaxed in your body and mind feel like? After an initial period of feeling slowed down or sleepy, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

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 can be effective at breaking up post surgical scar tissue and lessening post surgical pain. 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. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the health history intake form is filled out. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or major medications you are taking, especially blood pressure, blood thinners or heart medication, and medication that may alter your feeling and sensation. If you are under a doctor's care for a serious condition, 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.

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
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