Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from my first visit?

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When you walk into Bennett Chiropractic you will be greeted by me and/or Dr. Bennett. I will go over your client intake form and will consider information about your physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress levels, medications and any areas of physical pain that could affect the outcome of your massage. This information will help me structure the session to achieve your health and wellness goals. If you have any questions or concerns, now would be a good time to make them known. If there are any areas that you would like extra time spent on, please let me know. 

You will then be lead into the massage room. There will be light music playing, essential oils diffusing, and dim lighting, all with the purpose to help you relax. If you are sensitive to strong smells, the oil diffuser can be turned off. At this point you will be left alone to undress to your comfort level. There is a row of hooks for you to hang your clothes on and a shelf for your phone, keys, glasses, etc. Once undressed, you will lie under the top sheet on the massage table either on your back or on your stomach, which will be determined before I leave you to undress. 

After a couple minutes, I will knock lightly on the door to make sure you're ready for me to come in. A simple "I'm ready" or "come in" will suffice. Now your massage will begin. I will ask at various points during your massage if the pressure is to your liking. If at any point you're in pain or are uncomfortable in any way, do not hesitate to let me know. I will be as accommodating as possible. You will not be able to enjoy the full benefits of massage if you're uncomfortable, so it is to your benefit to let any discomforts be known. Each massage is unique to the client and it makes my job much easier if you communicate with me. Let me know if you need more or less pressure, if you'd like me to work a little longer on a certain area, or if you'd like me to skip an area completely. It is not offensive to a massage therapist when clients do this, is makes their job much easier. I'm not a mind reader, so your input is essential to having an effective massage. Once the massage has concluded, I will wake you up if you've fallen asleep and will then exit the room so you can redress. Once you come out, you will make your way to the front of the office where a fresh bottle of water will be waiting for you. Feel free to use the restroom if you need to. At this point your payment will be taken and you will be free to go about the rest of your day. 

Please note that there will be chiropractic adjustments going on in the room adjacent to the massage area. Dr. Bennett's patients try to be as quiet as possible but unfortunately you can hear muffled voices and the adjustment table in the massage area.

are appointments required or can i be a walk-in?

Appointments are not necessarily required, but they are strongly encouraged. The schedule tends to fill up a couple of weeks in advance and if you chose to walk-in, you run the risk of being turned away due to a full schedule.

 Do you charge more for a specific massage, like deep tissue?

The only type of massage that I charge more for is prenatal massage. Anything else (such as deep tissue, relaxation massage, etc) will cost the normal amount based on the amount of time you'd like. 

Late Policy

Massage appointments begin at the scheduled time. If you are early, the massage begins at the time you're left to change clothes. If you are late, your massage will still end at the scheduled end time. Your appointment will be held for up to 10 minutes. If you are more than 10 minutes late, the appointment will need to be rescheduled. If you are aware that you're running late, please call and let me know. 

CANCELLATION/no show Policy

Scheduled massages can be canceled at any time, even 5 minutes before your appointment time. If you know that you won't be able to make your appointment, please let me know via phone call/text/email. Your appointment will be held for up to 10 minutes. If you are more than 10 minutes late, the appointment will need to be rescheduled. If you don't show up and are a no call no show, you will be sent an invoice for 50% of the service you were scheduled for. You will not be able to schedule another massage until you've paid the no show fee.

If you scheduled online and have already paid: you can cancel or reschedule your massage without losing your funds. They will act as a credit. If you no call, no show, then you will lose the entire amount you paid. The point of requiring payment upon scheduling is to reduce the amount of no call, no shows. This is non-negotiable.

Do I have to get completely naked for a massage?

This is one of the most asked questions, especially from women. In order to have an effective therapeutic massage, yes, there will be a certain amount of exposed skin. The only part that will be exposed is the area of the body that is being worked on. At no point will any private areas be exposed. Massage therapists are trained in proper draping techniques to keep your privacy in tact. While some people prefer to be completely naked during a massage, it is ok to keep your undergarments on. Ladies, you can keep your bra on if it makes you feel more comfortable (please note that a sports bra will need to be removed completely).  The bra will be unhooked at the beginning and re-hooked at the end of the back portion of your massage. Massage is all about client comfort, so please do not hesitate to let me know what can be done to make your experience more pleasant. 

Can I still get a massage if I can't lay on my back/stomach (due to discomfort or health problem)?

I have a massage chair available for those who have difficulty lying on their back for long periods of time. If you think you'll need this, please let me know ahead of time so I can be prepared for your visit.

Should I avoid eating or drinking before a massage? After?

It's best to not eat right beforehand. If you're too hungry to wait, something light that won't upset your stomach is okay. It's also alright to drink some water or lighter non-alcoholic beverages before your session. You will be given a bottle of water after your massage and you will be encouraged to drink plenty of water in the 24 hours following your massage. It is highly recommended that you not consume alcohol for 24 hours after a massage, especially if you received deep tissue/sports massage. Drinking alcohol after a massage can give you hangover symptoms. After a massage your body needs to re-hydrate and flush out the toxins that were released during your session.

What do I do during a massage?

Make yourself comfortable. If I want you to adjust your position, I will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

How often do you clean your room/sheets?

The massage room is cleaned once a week at minimum. This includes sweeping, disinfecting, dusting, etc. Sheets are changed after every client. My hands are thoroughly washed before and after every massage. I have a small bottle of hand sanitizer in the room that is used in case I cough or sneeze during the massage. Cleanliness is of utmost importance in the massage world.

How often should I get a massage?

It varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 4-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place. Frequency of sessions should be discussed with me after your treatment when I have a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues.

Can I bring my children with me in the massage room?

Children are not allowed in the room during a massage. The room itself is quite small and space is limited. It will be difficult for you to fully relax when you're worried about how your children are behaving, what they're getting into, etc. It's also much easier for me to work without having to be conscious of children in the room. I'm a massage therapist, not a babysitter.

What if I get an erection during my massage?

Most men avoid massage for fear this will happen to them, or, they get a massage but are unable to relax because of this fear. But there is no reason to be embarrassed. Sometimes men get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Touch administered to any part of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can result in a partial or complete erection. An educated, professional massage therapist understands this and it will not be an issue for them. In these situations, it's best to not acknowledge it and move on. If you are still concerned, it's recommended to wear more fitted underwear (briefs or boxer briefs) which provide more support than traditional boxers.
 

Note: If I feel that the session has turned sexual for the client, regardless of gender, I will end the session immediately.