Common Questions about Massage

What services do you offer?
Some clients request a specific
modality that I offer (Swedish, deep
tissue, prenatal, hot stone, cupping,
basic cranio sacral, chair massage, etc),
but most prefer a combination of
several techniques tailored to their
needs.

Where are you located?
I rent a room at Graham Studio & Spa in
Matthews, NC. It is beautifully
decorated and is located off of
Independence Boulevard,
close to the intersection of Sam Newell
Rd and Independence
Boulevard. <mapquest map>

What other services are available at
Graham Studio Salon & Spa?
Graham Studio Salon & Spa is a full
service salon and spa. Between the
over 20 technicians, many services are
offered including: massage therapy,
facials, waxing, hair cuts, hair color,
hair highlights, manicures, pedicures,
acrylic nails, gel nails, and more. We
also have an on-site jeweler that sells,
repairs and appraises jewelry. For
services other than massage, call
Graham Studio at 704-841-8422

Do you offer outcall therapeutic
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. These
appointments must be scheduled over
the phone. Call 704-345-7201.

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. These
appointments must be schedule over
the phone. Call 704-345-7201

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

Can everyone get massage?
For almost everyone, massage is very
beneficial and safe. For a few medical
conditions and for those taking certain
medications, certain areas or
techniques will be avoided. For some
medical conditions a doctor's approval
in necessary, and for others massage is
not recommended at all. You should
always ask your doctor for their
recommendation if you are unsure if
massage is safe for you. Please feel
free to call or e-mail me about a specific
condition as well.

How should I prepare for my massage?
Other clients have reported that they
enjoy their massage more if they do not
eat 2 to 3 hours before their massage.
You may also 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 may
want to drink plenty of water for 2 days
after your massage.

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. 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?
I don't believe you should ever 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/or doctor.

What if I get aroused during the
massage?
Although this rarely happens, it can
happen. It can be similar to 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. . . and
several clients drift off to sleep.

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 if you are still wearing all of
your clothes. 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.
It is rare that any massage oil would get
on your clothes, but you do not want to
discount this possibility when getting
ready.

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 iis
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, safe practices
for massage with clients with cancer,
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@yahoo.com
phone: (704) 345-7201