Most clients experience some anxiety when meeting a massage therapist for their first appointment. Inviting a mobile massage therapist into your home can add to the list of anxiety-provoking questions you may have.
I hope to answer some of the questions you may have about what to expect at our first appointment:
- How much space do you need?
- What should I wear?
- What should I do about my dogs/cats/house llamas?
- Will you help with my problem areas?
Payment
I take many different forms of payment, including credit cards, cash, and even cryptocurrency.
First time clients are required to pre-pay for their massage session, unless some other arrangements have been made in advance. Pre-payment drastically reduces the number of no-shows and late cancellations that can wreak havoc on my schedule.
The online booking system will accept major credit cards and FSA/HSA cards.
If you wish to purchase a session for another person, consider a gift certificate.
Pre-First Appointment (Intake)
When you book your appointment, you will receive a link to my online intake form. This form helps me develop a treatment plan and sets expectations before we even meet. It is very important that you carefully and thoughtfully answer the questions to get the best results.
There is space on the form to indicate your problem areas or muscles that you would like me to focus on. Tell me the specific reasons you are seeking a massage.
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Here are some questions you can think about when filling out the form:
- Are you experiencing pain? If so, where?
- Are there any movements or actions that you are unable to perform without discomfort? For example, “I can hardly turn my head.”
- Are you seeking simple stress relief?
- Is your job physically demanding, or are you mostly sedentary?
- Do you have any hobbies or workout routines that may be overworking your mucles?
Upon Arrival
Visits to My Home Studio
If you are visiting my home studio in Raytown, I will send you a text message with detailed instructions on where to park and how to find my studio entrance. Please keep in mind that you are visiting my home and while rare, there can be occasional distractions. I do have dogs. They are very friendly and cuddly, though you are not likely to meet them as they will be kept in a separate space for the duration of your appointment.
Mobile Massage Appointments
When I arrive, I’ll be carrying my massage table (for Swedish, Deep Tissue, or Lymphatic Drainage massage sessions) or a floor mat (for Thai or Shiatsu sessions) and a bag of supplies. I will carry the table or mat to the area you have set aside for the session.
Products and Supplies I Use
I almost exclusively use Sacred Earth massage products. I have a selection of oil, lotions, and creams. These products are vegan, non-greasy, non-staining, and have an added benefit of being very good for your skin.
With the exception of a warming lotion (cinnamon and clove) and foot lotion (peppermint), Sacred Earth products are unscented.
Space Requirements
You should choose an area of your home that is relaxing and free of traffic from other members of your household. The massage table is roughly 4 feet wide by 6 feet long. I will need space to move freely around all four sides of the table. I have found that quiet dining rooms or dens/living rooms work best. A large master-suite bedroom can also be a good choice.
If you are able to provide an ottoman, bench, or chair for my use at the head of the table, it is greatly appreciated.
I will need access to a restroom or kitchen sink where I can wash my hands before and after the massage. Ideally, this is in a separate room to ensure your privacy while disrobing and re-dressing.
Linens
I am able to provide the necessary sheets and linens for your massage. If you wish to provide your own, here is what I will need:
Swedish, Deep Tissue, Lymphatic Drainage
- Two sheets
- at least one must be a flat sheet
- One pillowcase
- One standard towel
- One blanket (optional)
Shiatsu, Thai
- One flat sheet
- One standard towel
What About Pets?
As a general rule, I have no problem with pets. If you have an anxious or overly excitable pet it may be best if they are confined to an area away from the massage workspace. Sometimes dogs are frightened by the massage table and may behave in an unexpectedly aggressive way. I am not allergic, and as a guardian to three dogs of my own, pet hair is a constant companion.
What About Kids?
Basically, the same statements above about pets can be said about your children, too. If they are likely to intrude on your relaxation, maybe confine them to their carrier for the duration of the massage. Optionally, I keep duct tape in my car.
Joking aside, I also provide pediatric massage sessions. It can be a nice way to send them off to bed quiet and relaxed!
Music
I bring a portable speaker and my typical playlist is hand-selected music that I, personally, like to relax with. I have several additional playlists ranging from spa-type music to modern pop that I can use for our session.
You are more than welcome to provide your own selection of music you find relaxing, even if that means it’s whale mating calls.
First Appointment Assessment
After I have the workspace set up, I will go over your intake form with you, discussing the areas of pain you have described. I may also assess your standing posture and if you are able to walk, I may ask you to take a few steps so that I may assess your gait.
The First Session
I will step into the bathroom to thoroughly wash my hands and allow you to undress “to your comfort level” and lie face down on the table under the top sheet. If we are doing a Thai or Shiatsu session, you do not need to undress (you should be wearing loose comfortable clothing) but you will lie face down on top of the sheet I have placed over the mat.
The massage will begin with several warm up techniques and then focused work will begin.
In order to maintain my schedule and not impact other client appointments, sessions will end promptly at the arranged time. In other words, any time that you have to spend gathering supplies, wrangling pets or children will impact the amount of time I have for your treatment.
Professional Ethics
Not only am I a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, I am a Board Member for the Missouri Chapter.
I am also a Nationally Board Certified Therapeutic Massage Bodyworker.
I follow a strict code of conduct and ethical standards.
Inappropriate sexual behavior and advances will not be tolerated.
In other words, I do not provide “sensual” or “erotic” massage.
If you are seeking a “happy ending,” I will be more than willing to direct you to the nearest movie theater.
I reserve the right to end a massage session at any time if I feel unsafe or if advances are made. Refunds will not be given.
Extending Your Session
Extensions may be available if my schedule allows for extra time. Near the end of the session I will ask you if there are any areas that you feel I should spend additional focus on or if you’d like to extend the session. Extensions are made in increments of 15 minutes.
Post Session
At the end of your massage therapy session, I will step out of the room to wash my hands and allow you to get dressed.
Massage Aftercare
While I am packing up my supplies and table, I will provide you with aftercare instructions. This may include some specific stretching techniques, yoga poses, or ice/heat recommendations.
Rebooking
For clients experiencing pain or chronic medical conditions, we may discuss an ongoing treatment plan of multiple sessions.
I also offer discounts on future sessions when you become part of my membership model.
I am able to book and confirm future appointments from my mobile device.
Your First Appointment is Now Complete!
Hopefully, I have covered the questions you may have about your first massage appointment with me. If not, please reach out and I will be happy to address any additional concerns you may have.
If you managed to read through this entire page you deserve a massage!
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