FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are answers to some of the most common questions a new client might want to ask

Are you licensed? Yes, I am licensed as a Massage Therapist by the State of Missouri

Do you accept insurance? No, I do not accept insurance; however, I can provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurance company.

What type of payment do you accept? I now accept CASH ONLY - no checks, or charge cards.

Should I tip? A tip will be accepted with gratitude, if you wish to offer one...however, the support of your repeat business and your referrals to your friends is the greatest tip of all.

Are the things I say confidential? Absolutely. Confidentiality of your private information and our discussions is guaranteed. If consultation with your doctor or other health professional is needed to best serve you, you will be asked to sign a release before I can contact someone.

Where will my massage take place? Your massage for outcall services at the customer location will take place in the location of your choice, as we can discuss prior to the date of service. Typically, the customer will get the greatest satisfaction in a quiet massage setting that offers a sense of privacy and allows reduced lighting, if possible. For chair massage, very little space is required for the entire setup and even a spot just outside of the flow of foot traffic is enjoyable.

Must I be completely undressed? For chair massage, there is no need for the client to undress at all - just the normal workplace attire is fine! Sometimes if a client is properly dressed with an undergarment, such as a tank top or tee-shirt, they may decide of their own preference to remove an outer shirt for better contact on neck and shoulders areas. That is always a choice entirely up to the client's own preference.

THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ARE APPLICABLE PRIMARILY TO SWEDISH/THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE -

Will the massage therapist be present when I undress? This question is applicable to table massage options such as Swedish/Therapeutic, but for that situation, NO, the therapist will always leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table and cover yourself with the draping.

Will I be covered during the session? Yes, you will be appropriately draped for your privacy, and to keep you warm and comfortable.

Will oil or lotion be used? Yes, light oils and/or lotions will be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to your skin. The oils and lotions used in your massage will hydrate your skin and be easily absorbed. In addition, the lotions or oils that used are selected to be unscented and free of ingredients that might cause skin irritations to most people....and the oils and lotions are products that are of excellent quality. However, since each person is unique...please alert the therapist immediately if by some rare chance you were to sense a skin irritation either during - or after the session. Most adverse reactions will occur immediately.

What parts of my body will be massaged? You and the massage therapist will take the initial time to discuss the physical issues you are having as well as the best massage approach for our session to achieve the desired outcome for you. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your body in the face-up position on your head, neck, shoulders, upper chest (collar bone region), arms, hands, sides (and abdomen, if desired *), legs and feet...and in the face down position on your neck, entire back, shoulder blade region and shoulder girdle muscles, arms, (gluteals, if desired *), legs and feet. * Since some people are sensitive or shy regarding touch in these areas, I will always ask first if you would like abdominal and gluteal muscles included. If the evaluation and discussions indicate that either or both the abdominal and gluteal muscle massages would be of benefit for you, I will explain the reasons for the benefit so that you can say if you would like to try it and see the benefits for yourself.

What about my hair and make-up? Your head and face are usually part of a full body massage therefore most services will disrupt your hair and make-up. You may wish to bring personal items with you to refresh your hair and make-up after your session. If you have long hair, you will find your session much more beneficial if you can tie your hair in back to allow the therapist better access to your neck and shoulder muscles without getting lotion or oil in your hair. Let your therapist know if you have any special concerns in order to best accommodate your wishes.

What if I wear contact lenses? Contact lenses should be removed prior to your session. Please bring saline solution and a lens case to protect your lenses.

What types of massage methods will you use? There are numerous types of massage techniques. These techniques utilize different strokes including basic gliding strokes, rocking movement, stretching, application of pressure to specific points and more. Most often, the therapist will use the parts of their body that work the best for the area being massaged. In most cases, the palms and fingers are used. Often, the forearms are used to provide a broader surface with which to apply firm pressure with comfort...and in other cases, the broad backside of an elbow can be used to fine-tune applied pressure to knotted areas that are seeking deep-tissue assistance! Ask your massage therapist about the methods we use.

How long will the session last? I have found that most clients prefer either a 90 minute or 120 minute session for optimal relaxation and results when they have particularly sore areas they would like the therapist to provide extra concentration. A 60 minute session also allows time for a good full-body session, although most clients find that 60 minutes flies by very quickly, so a client may want to try a 90 minute session if they have not yet done that before just to see what they think.

What will the massage feel like? It depends on the techniques used. Generally your session will start with long, flowing strokes to help calm your nervous system and ease exterior muscle tension. As your body relaxes and unwinds, pressure will gradually be increased to relieve areas of muscular tension....and as your tension and aches fade, you will drift into deep relaxation....and maybe even a quick and deep cat nap.

What should I do during my massage? Make yourself comfortable. The massage therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session. Some people just close their eyes and completely relax, some will have a conversation throughout the session, and some will do both.

How will I feel after my massage? Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains. After an initial period of feeling relaxed, some people experience increased energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity. Since "toxins" or metabolic waste products and lactic acids that are stored in your muscles and tissues are released from your soft tissues during massage by the different techniques, it is recommended you drink extra water both before the massage (to hydrate your tissues) and particularly afterwards to flush these released toxins from your system! After a massage therapy session, the client will often find they get a good night's sleep.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable? Yes, which is why it is imperative that before you begin your session you inform the massage therapist of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, you may be asked to provide documentation from your doctor stating you are approved to receive massage.

What should I do if I feel any discomfort? Speak up if you are in any way uncomfortable. This applies across the board ~ is the music too loud? Are you too warm or too cold? Is the pressure too firm or too light? Are you comfortable with the massage therapist's touch? If not for any reason, say so. The massage therapist's intent is for the client to feel perfectly comfortable throughout the entire session. Always speak up if you feel uncomfortable for any reason so your therapist can make the appropriate adjustments.

What is your cancellation policy? I require 24 hours notice to change or cancel your appointment. "It's a Great Day" reserves the right to charge for no shows and appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

How can I schedule a massage? By texting or calling (816) 872-5605 and requesting an appointment, stating the desired day and time. Texting is much more effective, if possible, since a call from a new caller can sometimes get confused with spam.