FAQ for Massage with Anne Hilke

What services do you offer?
The massages I offer are custom tailored for my clients. There
is no difference in price between a relaxing Swedish
massage and a deep tissue massage. I will ask you what
goals you have for your massage session, and we will
customize a massage just for you.
I offer Swedish massage, deep tissue modalities, prenatal
massage, cupping massage, stone therapy, amateur massage
classes, and I have had basic training in cranio sacral
therapy.

Where are you located?
I rent a room at Graham Spa in Matthews, NC. It is beautifully
decorated and is located off of Independence Boulevard,
close to the intersection of Sardis Rd North and Independence
Boulevard.

What other services are available at your facility?
At Graham Spa, massage therapy and esthetic services are
offered. Next door, at Graham Studios, there are technicians
who offer full service hair and nail services.

Do you offer outcall massage?
I do have a portable table and can offer outcall massage at
client's homes and businesses. There is an extra charge for
outcall massage therapy, and no discounts are offered. There
will be a 15 minute phone interview before we can schedule
an appointment. Under no circumstances do I offer sexual
services.

Do you offer chair massage for corporate events?
Yes. Whether you are looking to have a promotion for your
customers, or an employee appreciation day, chair massage
is available.

Do men and women get massage?
Yes, absolutely. Both men and women receive massage
therapy.

Is massage safe for everyone?
There are certain conditions for which massage therapy may
be contraindicated. These may include, but are not limited to,
certain heart conditions, certain types of cancer, and those
taking certain medications. You will want to ask your
physician before getting a massage if it is safe for you. Please
also feel free to call me and ask. I will be happy discuss your
condition with you and your doctor. I will not perform
massage on people that have contagious conditions which I
could possibly contract through massage. This protects me,
and other clients that I have. Even if you have a cold, we will
need to reschedule your appointment.

How should I prepare for my massage?
You may enjoy your massage more if you do not eat 2 to 3
hours before your massage. You will want to drink plenty of
water on the day you will come in for your massage.

What should I do after my massage?
Enjoy yourself. You may want to clear your schedule after the
massage, so you can enjoy the effects. You will want to drink
plenty of water for 2 days after your massage. This will help
to flush toxins out of the body.

What can I expect when I get a massage?
When you come in for your massage, you will first fill out a
medical history form. We will discuss what goals you have for
the session. I will explain how to get on the table. I will leave
the room and ask you to get undressed to your comfort level.
Your private areas will always be covered during the
massage, so you may choose to take everything off or leave
on your underwear. After you are on the table, I will knock on
the door to make sure you are ready. In a full body massage,
I will massage the back, the back of the legs, gluteal area,
feet, the front of the legs, arms, upper shoulders, neck, scalp
and face. Areas not being massage will be draped (covered)
by a sheet. Of course, we can avoid any area you would like.
Not all massages have to be a full body massage. We can
spend the entire time working on whatever area you would
like. Many clients will have only the back worked on for an
hour. Remember, your private areas will be covered at all
times during the massage. In most massages, a massage oil
or cream will be used. Oil will not be used on any part of the
body which is clothed during the massage.

Will the massage hurt?
You should never be in pain during a massage. Everyone has
different pain tolerances, and each person likes different
levels of pressure in different areas. If you would like more or
less pressure at any time, all you have to do is let me know.
Some people may be a little sore the day after a therapeutic
massage if they do not get them on a regular basis. This is a
feeling similar to soreness experienced the day after you
work out at the gym. If you ever feel sharp pain after any
massage, this is not normal. You should call your therapist
and doctor.

What if I get aroused during the massage?
Although this rarely happens, it can happen. It is literally a
reflex (like getting goose bumps when you are cold), and
usually is very short term. It is never my intention for this to
happen, but this physiological response can happen. I do not
get offended, do not pay attention to it, and usually will not
even notice. If there are any areas that need to be avoided
because they make you uncomfortable, all you have to do is
let me know. Please note, I do NOT offer any sexual services
at any time. It is not acceptable, at any time, to touch me or
touch your private areas, and it will not be tolerated, without
exception.

Should I talk or be silent during the massage?
This is completely up to you. I will take my cues from you.
Some clients will talk during the entire massage, some will
talk part of the time, and some will not say a word.

What areas are massaged during a massage?
In a full body massage, I will massage the back, the back of
the legs, gluteal area, feet, the front of the legs, arms, upper
shoulders, neck, scalp and face. Not all massages have to be
a full body massage. We can spend the entire time working
on whatever area you would like. Many clients will have only
the back worked on for an hour.

Do I have to take off my clothes to get a massage?
No. Although most clients will take all of their clothes off, or
only leave on their underwear, some clients will leave on all
of their clothes. Remember all of your private areas will be
covered throughout the entirety of the massage. If you choose
the leave all of your clothes on, we will not be able to use oil
on the areas covered by clothes. However, we can always do
a massage with all of your clothes on. It will not be a
traditional table massage, but it will still be a wonderful
experience, just the same. Your comfort is my top priority.

What should I wear to get a massage?
That is up to you. If you will leave your underwear on during
the massage, you will want to consider if you want your
gluteal region massaged. If so, you may want to consider
thong underwear.

How often should I get a massage?
This is up to you. Some clients get massage weekly and some
clients get massage once a year. Generally, for maintenance
reasons, most people find that having a massage every 3 to 6
weeks is most beneficial. It is recommended that you not get
a deep tissue massage in the same area two days in the row.

What education do you have?
I attended and graduated from the Southeastern School of
Neuromuscular and Massage Therapy in 1998. I have
completed continuing education courses including ethics, the
art of massage cupping, basics in craniosacral therapy, hot
stone therapy, anatomy & physiology, prenatal massage and
teaching amateur prenatal massage.

How does one become a massage therapist?
Every state's regulations are different. In the state of North
Carolina, one must attend and graduate from a board
approved massage school with at least 500 hours of
education, pass the national exam, apply for state licensure
with the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork
Therapy and apply for an art of healing privilege license as a
professional individual. Massage therapists must complete
board approved continuing education to keep their license.

If you have other questions, please do not hesitate
to ask. You may e-mail or call with your questions.

email: mynextmassage@cs.com
phone: (704) 345-7201