Jenifer Coleman - Certified Massage Therapist

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wear loose clothes, or bring something to change into?
Not at all! Come as you are. Lots of people come straight from work in business attire. You are given privacy to get comfortable on the massage table, under a sheet and blanket.

Do I have to undress completely?
No. Some people are more comfortable doing so, and you will be fully covered by the sheet and blanket. Most people are more comfortable, though, leaving their underwear on. Either way is perfectly acceptable.

Women ask: Should I shave my legs before I come?
You can shave ahead of time if you want, but it is probably a better idea to do so one day prior to the massage to prevent irritation.

Should I come early?
If you are a new patient, then please arrive about 10 minutes early. If my door is closed, I may be finishing up with a patient. There is a bench just outside of my door, so have a seat and I will be right with you.

If you are not a new patient – just a few minutes early to allow a prompt starting time. I typically allow for extra time after your session for getting dressed, payment and rescheduling, leaving plenty of time to prep for my next patient.

I have a cold/the flu. Can I still get my massage?
No. Anytime you have a cold or anything with a fever, including the flu, getting a massage will only make you worse! These bugs are viral. Massage increases your circulation, pushing the cold or flu virus through your system harder and faster. It’s best to reschedule when the virus is fully out of your system.

Is it appropriate to tip?
As I have always said, “Tips are never expected, but always appreciated.”

Helpful Suggestions

**DRINK LOTS OF WATER!**

Drinking water after a massage is the most important tip of all! After any massage you must drink water to flush toxins out of your system. Otherwise they can come back to haunt you the next day, making you feel like you have the flu. Water will also help to minimize soreness.

Do you have dry skin? Your bath or shower before your massage appointment, it’s a good idea to exfoliate. This can be something as gentle as washing with your washcloth by moving it in a circular motion or as intense as using a loofah to remove dead skin. Don’t forget to exfoliate your back. What happens when dry/dead skin meets friction and massage cream is a sticky, uncomfortable feeling on your skin and your therapist’s hands. (But please feel free to moisturize as usual after your shower!)

The evening following your massage it’s best to avoid intense heat, like from a extra-hot shower or a hot tub. Ice can be used to minimize soreness the next day, but heat can make it worse.

General tips for heating/icing for aches and pains:
Here is my rule of thumb: When in pain – use ice (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off for up to an hour. If you wish to repeat, wait 1 hour before starting the process again). For the aches – use heat.