MASSAGE & BODYWORK SERVICES in NYC

What to Expect

Everything you need to know before your first session.

✋🏽 Before scheduling

• If you’re dealing with an injury or medical condition, make sure you’ve received appropriate medical clearance. If you’re not sure, let's discuss it first. 

• Please allow a little buffer time before and after your appointment, so you don’t feel rushed.

• Try not to come in on an empty stomach or right after a heavy meal (a combination of physiological effects can upset some people's stomachs).

• No alcohol before your session. Caffeine isn’t ideal right beforehand either.

• Inform me if you have taken any pain medications or muscles relaxers as these can significantly impact the session.

🤒 If you’re sick, please reschedule

Reschedule ASAP if you suspect you’re coming down with something, have been exposed to a contagious illness (cold, flu, COVID, etc.), or if you’re currently experiencing symptoms like:

• fever/chills

• cough, sore throat, congestion

• shortness of breath

• nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

• new loss of taste or smell

• widespread rash, infection, or skin irritation that may be contagious

If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll decide what makes sense so everyone stays in good health, including the immunocompromised patients I work with.

😷 Masking, tools & hygiene

MASKING
I'm happy to wear a mask upon request and do so when working with clients who are immunocompromised. Please let me know about any masking needs or preferences before we get started.

TOOLS
I use unscented apricot kernel oil and/or jojoba oil, both of which have a light non-greasy feel. I can also work without lubricant. For any intraoral TMJ work, I use medical-grade, non-latex nitrile gloves. Please let me know if you have allergies or other sensitivities beforehand. 

PRACTICES
I carefully follow universal sanitation practices and handwashing procedures, and also change into clean clothes before sessions, rather than working in street clothes. Home-visit clients provide their own clean sheets or towels.

✅ Your rights as a client and patient

You have the right to:

• a professional, sanitary environment

• clear information about what we’re doing and why

• privacy and confidentiality

• pause, change, or refuse any part of the session at any time

📝 Health intake + assessment

Before your first appointment, you’ll complete a confidential intake and consent form. We’ll review it together briefly before we begin. This requirement helps me work safely and tailor the session to your goals within the time we have.

You tell me:

• what you want addressed, or what you want avoided

• pressure preferences (gentle, deep, somewhere in between)

• anything you’re unclear or concerned about

• new or pre-existing pain, movement restrictions, or medical conditions

You're encouraged to ask me any questions and may ask for changes to the treatment or techniques at any time.

💆🏻 During the session

You can stay in loose, comfortable clothing, or undress to your comfort level and use draping. We’ll make sure you’re fully comfortable before we begin.

Please tell me if you:

• feel cold or want more/less pressure

• want to avoid an area

• need a break or sip of water

• want quiet or different music

Communicating is the key to your comfort and is always welcome so I can make adjustments as needed.

🙏🏽 Draping + privacy

Your privacy and comfort are always respected. If you choose to undress, you’ll remain securely covered with a sheet, and only the area being treated will be uncovered when needed. You may also remain fully clothed if you prefer. Clothed sessions can easily and effectively be performed through loose, soft clothing that allows for easy movement.

🤲🏼 After the session

When the session is complete, I’ll step out so you can get ready in private. Take your time getting up slowly.

How you feel afterward can vary depending on the techniques used, session length, and what you do later that day. Many people feel relaxed and clear right away. Others feel the results the next day.

Some feel energized. Occasionally, there may be mild soreness (though that is more rare with the work I do). It shouldn’t feel sharp, alarming, or linger beyond about 24 hours. If it does, tell me so we can adjust next time.

🏠 Home visits (if applicable)

For home visits, a massage table is required. If you don't have a table yet, I'm happy to help you choose one before our appointment.

• Your appointment time is my arrival time. Please plan for a few minutes of setup and breakdown. 

• Please have a clean space ready for the table with enough room for me to work around it for you. I can set up and put away the table, no problem.

• You’ll provide clean sheets for the table. 

• A restroom with soap and water needs to be available nearby.