Frequently Asked Questions about Massage?

We have done our best to answer some of your most commonly asked questions about massage therapy here, but let us know if we missed anything!  Feel free to browse our site for even more information, including Your First Massage as well as detailed descriptions of Our Services and Staff Bios.

Scheduling, Payments, & Policies

  • You can book online up to one hour before the appointment start time. ​You can also call us at (910) 378-3208 and we will be happy to find a time that works for you! ​

    **A credit or debit card is required to reserve an appointment, as well as a 50% deposit.

    You can also stop by our front desk to pay a 50% cash deposit if you would like to reserve an appointment without a credit/debit card.

  • Same day appointments are sometimes available, and we can also put you on our waitlist. However, our massage therapists tend to be fully booked so we recommend booking in advance.

  • If you need to reschedule your appointment, you can log into your account and make changes anytime. For late notice cancellations, please call us directly at (910) 378-3208 as soon as possible.

    Cancellations without 24 hour notice may result in a charge for your session, as that time has been set aside specifically for you. Review Our Clinic Policies for more information.

  • Tipping is neither required nor expected, but of course we appreciate the gesture! Our massage therapists do not depend on tips, but if you would like to leave a tip, simply add the gratuity at checkout.

    The best appreciation you can show is by referring your friends and family to us and letting them know about the amazing benefits of massage therapy!

  • Although we do not accept insurance, many plans do cover massage therapy with a doctors prescription and copies of receipts. We can also print out all of your visits at the end of the year, and you can log-in to view all of your visits and account details.

  • Please arrive on time for your appointment. Time for your appointment has been specially arranged for you. If you arrive late your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. We will do our best to provide you with the services you have booked, but we cannot guarantee the full time if you arrive late. Full payment for your scheduled services will be expected.

Before, During, and After Your Massage

  • For more information about what to expect during your appointment, please read about Your First Visit. ​

  • This depends on your comfort level and the type of massage you are going to receive.

    Many people prefer to be completely nude when they receive a massage, while others prefer to keep their undergarments on. It's completely up to you, and you are encouraged to undress to your level of comfort.

    Tight-fitting or bulky undergarments can sometimes get in the way of the massage, especially if your problem areas are the low-back, buttocks, or hips. Women usually remove their bras so no straps are in the way of back and shoulder massage.

    Licensed massage therapists must ensure that clients are always properly covered by a sheet or towel, genitals will never be exposed, and only the specific areas being massaged will be uncovered.

  • You are encouraged to openly communicate with the massage therapist about your preferences and comfort. If anything needs to be adjusted, or if we are almost (but not quite) getting the right spot, just speak up and let us know right away!

    However, it is a myth that massage therapy needs to hurt in order to be effective. Some of the most effective techniques involve very light, gentle touch. Often, too much pressure can cause muscles to tighten further, and detract from the effectiveness of your treatment.

  • Yes! You may choose to talk to your therapist, being mindful of the sessions happening in adjacent rooms. You may also choose not to talk. This is your session and we will meet you where you are today!

    Definitely communicate with your therapist if you feel any pain or discomfort, if you have any concerns during your massage, or if there is anything your massage therapist can do to make you more comfortable. Some types of massage that work on deep layers of muscle and tissue, such as deep tissue or sports massage, will require more feedback to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.

  • A massage will likely just make you feel worse. If you are sick, you may get your therapist sick and pass it on to other clients that day. Even if you are giving less than a 24 hour notice, we prefer you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell, so let us know as soon as possible.

  • ​It is important for you to fully complete your Health History and keep your therapist up to date on your condition. Not all types of massage are appropriate for all conditions.

  • It's a great idea to give yourself some additional time after your massage to continue relaxing and to allow your body to fully absorb the benefits of massage. We leave plenty of time in between appointments so that you never feel hurried and can take your time before you head out the door.

“Touchy” Subjects

  • This very often happens during a massage and is nothing to be embarrassed about. Just take it as a sign you are enjoying the relaxation!

  • Of course! We don’t want you lying there uncomfortable and preoccupied, so feel free to take care of it.

  • No problem!

  • Yes, please let your massage therapist know right away.

  • If you are uncomfortable laying face down, or in any other position, let your massage therapist know. Bolsters and towels can be used to make you as comfortable as possible.

  • We ask that you please refrain from using tobacco, recreational drugs, or alcohol at least 4 hours before your appointment. Even some prescription or over the counter medications can contraindicate massage.

  • Yes, absolutely let your massage therapist know if you do not want to be touched in a specific area or in a certain way. You don’t have to give us any details, and you have the right to ask to take a break or end your massage all together at any time, for any reason.

  • Our professional ethical code of conduct that requires us to make sure boundaries are clear, and massage therapist-client relationships must be kept professional, or be terminated if things become personal. Additionally, we have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.

  • No, not even as a joke. This is disrespectful to your massage therapist and our profession. Additionally, we have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.

  • Arousal is a natural parasympathetic response, so don’t feel guilty. However, understand that it was not your massage therapist’s intention to arouse you. Our professional ethical code of conduct that requires us to make sure boundaries are clear. If there is a distracting technique or motion (i.e. rocking the prone torso) that aroused you, it is okay to tell your therapist to stop that motion. Just to be clear, we do have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.