FAQ
What is the “Respect Massage” movement in which Evolve Bodywork participates?
Massage therapists that are members of Respect Massage hold themselves to the highest standards of an ethical, boundary-driven practice. Respect Massage members have a zero-tolerance policy for solicitations of any kind. Jokes, innuendo, and inappropriate requests are taken seriously and will result in the swift termination of the session, full payment collected, and a permanent ban from the practice. Local officials may also receive a report of the incident.
What will my first session with you be like?
You can count on us listening to you. As you describe your goals for the session we may ask questions that pertain to treatment you’ve tried in the past, what self-care you do, and specific questions around any injury or discomfort you are experiencing. We will outline how the session will go and confirm the design of it is on track to meet your goals. At the end of the session we will ask for your feedback and discuss any findings we observed while working on you. If appropriate, self-care suggestions will be made to make the time between appointments more comfortable. If you were satisfied we would also encourage you to rebook and begin a treatment plan as designed by you and your therapist.
What happens during the treatment?
For a truly uninterrupted experience please silence all phones and smartwatches upon entering the building. Before getting on the table you will undress to your level of comfort. Your privacy and modesty are important and therefore protected. Draping is mandatory during massage (you cannot lie unclothed on top of the sheets and genitals must always be covered). If you’re receiving only energy work you will most likely be fully dressed on the table. We will play soft music (you may also request your own playlist) and check with you periodically about your comfort.
Your therapist will guide you on how to position yourself and may offer aromatherapy to help settle the nervous system. We encourage you to speak up if there’s anything to adjust for your level of comfort, be it changing the pressure, technique, temperature of massage table, music volume, etc. If you need to participate, say, during an active movement, your therapist will cue you when and how to move, or even breathe.
Your satisfaction is paramount to Evolve Bodywork.
What will I feel like after a session?
Most people feel a sense of deep relaxation and an absence of pain, or at least a reduction in pain. You may find mental clarity that was previously clouded by racing thoughts. Sleep may come easier that evening. You may have more patience with people! It is important to keep realistic expectations and recognize that one session may not “fix” you, and ultimately a series of treatments that evolve may be the best option moving forward. If you are happy with your session, please rebook!
What techniques do you use?
There are a variety of ways to practice massage. The art is choosing the best technique for how the client is presenting. This may include, but is not limited to, Swedish massage, passive range-of-motion and stretching, active-resisted techniques, deep pressure, structural integration, and more. Some tools may be used such as heating elements (stones, towels), gua sha stones, or a massage gun. Your therapist is happy to answer any questions you have about the methods used.
Should I get “deep tissue” massage?
There is a difference between a therapist accessing deep tissue versus using deep pressure. The two are not mutually exclusive; however, deeper tissue (tissue close to the bone) can be accessed through a variety of pressures. Some tissue should only be accessed through lighter, careful pressure in order to maintain integrity of the surrounding structures (nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes, etc.). Deep pressure can be applied using firm, broad strokes or deep point-driven holds after properly warming up the area. Evolve Bodywork does not subscribe to the adage no pain, no gain and therefore a thorough consultation is had prior to treatment.
How often should I book a treatment?
Depends on your goals. For maintenance we recommend once every 4-5 weeks. For more chronic issues or recovery from injury/surgery, we suggest weekly or bi-weekly sessions once it’s been cleared by your physician. The goal would be to taper down to a maintenance schedule. It typically takes at least a few sessions with the same therapist to get to know your body, how it responds to various treatments, and how time between visits allows your body to reset.
What kind of payment do you accept?
Evolve Bodywork accepts many forms of payment including cash, Venmo, PayPal, or payment through a Square reader which accepts all major credit cards. At this time Evolve Bodywork does not bill insurance on your behalf yet we do accept HSA/FSA cards.
Should I get a massage if I feel fine?
Human touch is one of the most important senses we have, therefore even if you feel fine it’s wise to be on a wellness plan and receive regular treatment. Massage acts upon the central nervous system and may improve quality of life starting with better, deeper sleep, improved range of motion, and a sense of self-awareness.
