Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

The therapist will ask you the goal for your session. "Why have you come in today?" And your answer will inform the work they do. Perhaps you just need to be relaxed so a full body Swedish massage for relaxation is what you will get. Or maybe today you have a headache or back pain you need relieved. So the therapist will focus on those areas and utilize varied techniques and tools to achieve that goal. You get to decide what each massage session will focus on or leave out. We charge for massage sessions according to how much time they take. We do not up-charge for different techniques, "deep tissue" or the use of tools. So there are no surprise costs at check out. And the hands on therapy lasts for the full amount of time scheduled with dressing time allotted between appointments. We do not shorten therapy time like many other chain massage franchises do. We work to achieve the goal and have you leave happy, wanting to return for more!

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client undressed down to their underwear; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be draped for warmth and modesty throughout the entire session.

The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean linens.

All massage sessions can be performed fully clothed if that is what you want. They will feel different from one done using lotions and oils because there is less stroking and more pressing, rocking and squeezing. But Thai massage and CranioSacral Therapy are all done fully clothed normally.

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.

A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscle tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is relaxed and the massage is not painful.

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscle tension and pain, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscle tissue, improve posture, and improve general quality of life. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

We do not bill insurance but we will provide you with an appropriate receipt for reimbursement. In Michigan the vast majority of health insurances do not pay for massage. The few that do require the massage to be a part of PT or chiropractic care in that clinical setting. There are some HSA ( health savings accounts) that will reimburse for massage and we can provide you a receipt for that. Also you may be covered with auto insurance or workman's comp situations if your injury is accident related. Again we do not bill but will provide receipts.