You should complete the following forms before your session:
– Client Intake Form*
– Preferences Form
– HIPAA Acknowledgement
– COVID Protocols and Agreement
– Cancellation and Late Policy
– Prenatal/Postnatal Intake Form (if applicable)
*It is important to list all health concerns, medications, and allergies so the session can be adapted to maximize benefit and minimize the risk of any harm.
To maximize hands-on time all forms should be completed online prior to your first appointment.
Assuming all intake and disclosure forms are completed prior to arrival, your time will begin with a ~5-minute planning session with Sarah to discuss a strategy for your session and confirm your goals and how/where you want your hands-on time focused. You will then be left alone to get undressed and comfortable on the table. Sarah has allocated a total of 10 minutes for planning, settling in, and redressing after your session. Please let her know, in the note when booking, if you feel you will need more time.
Your hands-on time will last the entire duration of the time booked
Example: A 2-hour session = 120 minutes of hands-on time + 5 minutes for planning, settling in, and 5 minutes for dressing after the session
Exceptions include late arrivals, time used to complete intake forms, and sessions ended early for a violation of policies.
All sessions: Hot or cool neck wrap during planning. High quality, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic topical, and hot or cool towels incorporated into your session. Scented hot towels, access to our locker room, showers, and sauna after your session.
2 and 3 hour sessions: 1 ounce therapeutic topical, to take home and use in between sessions.
When booking with StayWell Massage hands-on time is the same as the amount of time you book. Also included in the cost of your session is an extra 10 minutes which will be utilized for planning, and time getting on and off the table.
Example: A 2-hour session = 120 minutes of hands-on time + 10 minutes for planning, settling in, and dressing after the session
Sarah runs her sessions on time. Arriving 5-10 minutes early is always helpful, especially when you need the restroom before your session, but not necessary. There is a lobby where you can wait. Sarah will greet you in the lobby at the beginning of your time. If you are running late, some time may be lost from the planning session and hands-on time.
Your comfort is the most important component of a great session. You should undress to the level you are comfortable with. Most clients completely undress, including underwear, if they intend to have full bodywork. You will always be draped during your session.
However, if you will be more comfortable remaining partially, or fully dressed Sarah will work around the clothing. If removing all or part of your clothing makes you nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session and should remain clothed
Draping is the term employed by massage therapists to describe how we use sheets, towels, and/or blankets to cover and secure a client for modesty and comfort during a session. Most modalities are best-applied skin to skin, and therefore require the client to remove some or all clothing to achieve the best results from their session. As a result, Sarah is responsible for creating the boundaries to enable both herself and her client to feel respected and safe during their session. Therefore, draping is not only important but required at StayWell Massage. If you are sensitive to temperature, it is Florida after all, ice and heat can easily be incorporated into any session to enhance the comfort of your experience.
Make yourself comfortable.
Communicate any discomfort to Sarah and she will assist in making adjustments. Throughout your session, Sarah will adjust your body positioning, both during draping and treatment, if she needs your help she will ask. Otherwise, allow your body to relax into her hands and trust that “she’s got you”. As your body receives the work you should also change your position, as needed, for comfort.
Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session, others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It’s your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. During your first session, feedback on pressure and massage structure will likely be requested but not excessive.
Sure, if you would like to talk. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many therapists discourage talking in hopes that you will relax more easily and be more receptive to the work. In many instances, people feel more comfortable starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter a quiet state of relaxation.
Most importantly, there are times when you need to speak up. If you are uncomfortable in any way, you should let Sarah know immediately. Pressure can be adjusted (lighter or deeper) if a technique or location is just not working for you. Also, let her know if you get too warm or cold, the lights are too bright, or the music is distracting. If something can be done to improve your treatment she wants to know, at that moment.
All massage treatments begin and end on time. When booking your treatment you will notice that your time will be 10 minutes longer than the hands-on session you booked.
Example: A two-hour massage booked for 8am will show as booked from 8-10:10am. The extra 10 minutes will be utilized for planning, settling in, and redressing.
You can maximize your hands-on time by ensuring your forms are completed online and by using the restroom upon early arrival 5-10 minutes.
The type of massage you get is based on your goals for the session. Different massage modalities or techniques, ex: deep tissue, are often used by clients as a way of defining their goals (ex: pain relief) but not necessarily the only or best modality your therapist would use if given a more clear idea of your goals. For more information please see my blog post “What Kind of Massage Should I Get”
There are a few conditions that would prevent you from enjoying a massage.
You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection.
There are many other conditions in which Sarah may need to adapt her techniques (ie. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (ie. cuts or burns). With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician
Choice of music is a part of the experience at StayWell Massage. Please complete the music section on the preference sheet. If you have no preference, relaxation music will be used during your session but can be changed at any time.
Sarah A Taylor LMT CA
License#MA99324
Prioritize your self-care, empower the best version of yourself, and enjoy the process.
“Help me, help you” – Jerry McGuire
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