What should I expect during my first massage therapy session?

When you arrive, your massage therapist (LMT) will go through a review of your health history. If you have not yet filled out the electronic forms sent to you, you will fill out preliminary forms and waivers so that your LMT can get a better understanding of your health and how the massage treatment should be personalized for your body. An honest and thorough health history will ensure a safe session for you. There are contraindications to certain issues where massage is not suitable.

Next, your LMT will discuss a treatment plan for your session and explain what you can expect during your massage. Questions regarding your preferences on depth of pressure, some areas you’d like focused on, or areas you’d like your LMT to avoid, and so on. This is a good time to ask any questions you might have and ensure you and your LMT are on the same page for what you are expecting to get from your session.

During your massage, your LMT will curate an individualized session based on what they observe from your body. As sections of your body are worked on, your LMT will temporarily undrape the area while respecting your personal space and modesty. Draping, or the use of a sheet and blanket, ensures that you are kept covered, warm, and secure throughout your session. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, please let your LMT know and they will make the appropriate adjustments to ease your discomfort.

What should I wear to / for a massage?

If possible when traveling to and from your session, it is advisable to wear loose and comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting oil on. However, this is not a requirement.

You should feel safe and relaxed during your massage. The LMT will exit the room so you can undress to your level of comfort. Many clients prefer to be fully undressed, others prefer to keep undergarments on, and some might like to keep whole articles of clothing on. While any variation of these options are okay, it will affect your massage on some level, as well as the amount of oil used.

If you are looking to receive a full body massage, it is best to be undressed so that your LMT can treat the whole body. Muscles, ligaments, and joints all connect throughout the body. If your lower back hurts, it is optimal to also have your glutes and legs worked on. During your session, your LMT would discuss this with you and only move forward with your consent to the treatment.

What do you treat?

I have experience, formal training, and continued education certifications in caring for ailments of all kinds including structural assessments. I have worked with people suffering from injuries related to auto accidents, sports, unexplained long-term pain, pregnancy and postpartum, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, migraines, trauma of all kinds, and more.

How often should I receive massage therapy?

This question can vary for everyone. If you’d like a relaxing and soothing session every now and then, schedule when your body feels that it needs massage. This can look like every three weeks or once a month.

Many people begin with weekly sessions. As their body begins to adjust and heal, it is common to taper off to wait longer in between sessions for maintenance sessions. Your LMT will discuss with you what they’ve observed and make suggestions. Remember, just one session will not solve all of your problem areas. If they are particularly hesitant to release, your LMT will suggest add-ons or stretches for the future to help ease your tension. Like any other form of therapy, it takes time to see longer-term effects, and best results come with personal lifestyle changes.

What other therapies should I apply with massage?

Other modes of therapy that integrate well with massage therapy are chiropractic care, psychotherapy (talk therapy), acupuncture, and physical therapy, for example. If you would like referrals to any of these options, please let us know.

I prefer not to talk during my massages. Can I request this?

You are welcome to request a silent session at any time during the process of your session, whether during scheduling, intake, or the massage itself. This is a wonderful option for people who have feelings of anxiety, who’s personality enjoys the quiet, or simply for the purpose of relaxation and meditation. No matter the reason, the space in the session is yours, and your LMT will honor a silent session with no questions asked.

After your silent session, your LMT will then inform you of what was observed and if there were any changes rather than during your session.

Can I ask for services you don’t advertise during my session?

I only offer the services you see on my website which can be scheduled in advance.

Massage therapy is STRICTLY a therapeutic, non-sexual treatment. Anyone who acts inappropriately, harasses, or makes advances on the LMT will promptly be asked to leave, no refunds will be given, and they will not be allowed to return. It is up to the LMT’s discretion whether or not to file a police report and/or pursue legal action. All clients are expected to honor the firm boundaries that keep the massage space a therapeutic place for treatment.

When shouldn’t I schedule a session for Massage Therapy?

There are times when massage should not be applied, either to a localized area of the body, the whole of the body, or the effects of massage would potentially make you feel worse. If you are experiencing symptoms or have a history of medical issues and you are not sure if massage is right for you at this time, please get in touch and I can help answer your questions.

Do you accept Insurance?

At the moment, we do not accept insurance, though this may change in the future. With Square, I am able to accept HSA/FSA cards and AfterPay. Check with your insurance company to see if they’ll reimburse you for massage therapy sessions with a receipt, which I can provide. Otherwise, I accept cash or card only. Presently, the cost of sessions at Curación are lower than average in Colorado Springs. Please contact us for a referral to student massages, which are considerably lower in cost.

What if I need to cancel, reschedule, or I no-show?

Life happens, and sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. However, upon confirming your appointment at Curación, you are responsible for showing up and for payment. A card is required to book a session, even if you pay cash. This protects my time and space and allows others to schedule if you are unavailable. Just as you expect your LMT to show up, the same expectation remains for you.

Here are the guidelines:

No fee:
— Cancellations/reschedules within 24 hours or more.
— You require a last minute cancellation but reschedule within the same week.

Fee:
— If you no-show, your card will be charged 100% of the cost of your scheduled service. If for some reason the charge is not possible, you will not be allowed to return to schedule an appointment at Curación.

No Appointments:
— If you cancel without rescheduling 3 times in 1 year, you will not be allowed to return.
— If your inquiry or behavior during a session is inappropriate, you will not be allowed to return.

Can I bring my own music, audiobook, or podcast to my session?

Yes! As long as you have a device, like your cellphone, that can connect to a bluetooth speaker. Please make sure you create a playlist that is longer than your session time. If you’d prefer, you may bring AirPods or headphones. We will establish a plan of how we can communicate with these on.

How can I purchase a Gift Certificate for massage?

Send me an e-mail at curacion@mailbox.org and request a gift certificate or make an appointment to come by in person. I offer both paper certificates that can be mailed or virtual gift certificates that can be e-mailed / texted to the recipient. Massage gift cards are a wonderful idea for any purpose, including holidays, birthdays, sending your sympathies, and other life events.

What are your cleaning practices like?

Massage therapy is healthcare, and as such, cleaning practices are paramount to ensuring the safety of all clients and LMT. There is plenty of time scheduled between each session for the process of cleaning and disinfection, which cannot be rushed. Just as in a hospital setting, a gold standard CaviCide is used on all touch surfaces, massage table, and products—such as body butter tins and oil pumps—that came in contact with skin. The massage table has a protective cover and additional layer beneath the sheets used. All linens on the massage table are changed in between clients. They are washed using a sanitizing setting. This wash cycle reduces 99.9% of bacteria from the laundry. Dryer sheets, which can be toxic and irritating to the body, are not used. Rest assured, our cleaning practices are taken very seriously and implemented with as much intention as the massage therapy itself.