Where will my massage session take place? What will the environment be like?
Your massage session will take place in a properly warmed, comfortable, quiet room. I usually play ambient or soft music to help create a relaxing atmosphere. Some people prefer silence, and that’s fine too. I often burn sage before a session, to help clear the energy of the room, but if you are sensitive to aromas, then I won’t. All of these kinds of options are up to you, just let me know.
What will the massage feel like?
It depends on the techniques used. I begin working each section of your body softly (efflourage), then start to work deeper. I concentrate on each part of your body and move gradually to the next. I work very hard and the massage is usually very deep – if anything people usually tell me to go “softer”. If you have been disappointed by massages in the past that have been too soft – then I am definitely what you are looking for. I have a certain “flow” to the way I work, and nothing about the massage will be abrupt or unexpected.
Efflourage is broad, flowing strokes which will help to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that I can take another approach. I encourage communication between the client and me during the session.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
I will discuss with you beforehand what you prefer and this will determine the outcome of your session. You can tell me what you like, and I’ll work according to your specifications. Normally, a typical full body session will begin with you lying on your stomach: I’ll start with your back and neck, then move to your glutes and hamstrings. Then you’ll turn over and we’ll work on your quads, arms, and feet. You can call the shots if you have any preferences about the order or any parts of your body you want concentrated on. I have some regular clients who just have me massage their feet for an hour!
Will oil or lotion be used?
A small amount of oil combined with vitamin E lotion will be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction or hair pulling to the skin. The lubricants used will hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed. When the session is over your skin should be moisturized, without feeling oily or sticky.
Must I be completely undressed?
Nope. It’s all up to you. I massage people who are fully clothed sometimes. You will be appropriately draped regardless.
Will you be present when I undress?
No. I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and slip between the sheets. I will let you call me into the room when you are comfortable and ready. When the session is over I will leave the room, shut the door, and allow you to get up and get dressed at your own pace.
Is the massage sexual? Do you perform “release” on your clients?
No. This is a professional massage. My goal is to provide a healthy, relaxing massage (mentally and physically) in a friendly and warm atmosphere. I am a very friendly person and I am very professional when it comes to my massage and my clients. If you are looking for sex or sexual behavior DO NOT book a session with me. Any lewd or sexual conduct or requests by you will result in immediate termination of the session.
When the session is over and I’m all relaxed, will I have to rush out?
No. I allow a length of buffer time between each session (if I have them booked side by side) to allow the client to enjoy the relaxed state.
What if I fall asleep during the massage?
I will start watching television and then wake you up after an hour and get my money. Hahaha…just kidding. If you fall asleep during the massage this is actually good. It means your body is reacting in a positive way to the relaxing stimulus. I will wake you when it is time to turn over or whatever. Some people prefer to sleep.
Can I talk during the session? Will you?
Do whatever you like. Many people prefer to drift into their own world when receiving massage. I generally don’t “chat” during the sessions, but I will check in from time to time to find out what’s working best, and what isn’t.
What’s most important is an open line of communication between me and you, with no pressure to speak or not speak. If I’m doing something you don’t like (or maybe something you particularly love), definitely let me know! Please don’t be afraid of hurting my feelings by asking me to change whatever I’m doing – you’ll actually be helping me become a better therapist with your feedback.
What are your hours?
I usually take my first client at 11:00 AM and my last beginning at 6:00 PM, but I’m pretty flexible. Just ask.
Do you do gift certificates?
Absolutely. Just email me and we can work everything out.
How far in advance do I need to book a session?
I usually tend to book up about a day in advance. But feel free to contact me if you would like a session on that same day – you never know when I might have an opening.
I hope this will give you a clear understanding of what I provide. If not, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. When you email me to book a session, let me know when you are thinking of booking it, and send me contact info for you (just email is fine if you like), I will send you contact information for myself and we will take it from there…
Click here to email Sam Stern to book a session, or ask a question
