• Where should I park?

There is ample free parking on both the North and East side of the building. We recommend parking on the North side of the building, as this is the side of the building that you will be entering.

• What is the door code?

The door code, along with other important information about your appointment, will be included in the confirmation email you will receive shortly after scheduling your appointment. Please make sure that you read the confirmation email in its entirety.

• How Much Time Should I Block Off For My Session?

It's recommended to plan for your session to take an extra 15 minutes in addition to the total time of your massage treatment. This allows for a pre-treatment intake, time for you to undress before the session and dress again afterwards, as well as a brief follow-up with your therapist, as they check you out and schedule your next visit.

• What if I fall asleep or snore?

This is very common and a sign that you are deeply relaxed. There is no need to feel embarrassed. Dozing off is not only normal, but it's also a sign that the treatment was highly successful! You will still get all the great benefits of the massage treatment even if you are asleep, and possibly even more!

• What happens if I need to use the restroom during the massage?

To ensure that you get to enjoy your relaxation without interruptions, it is highly advised that you use the restroom prior to entering the treatment room. However, should the need arise during the session, simply let your therapist know! Your therapist will step out of the room so you can get dressed and make your way to the restroom.

• Should I talk during the session?

It is entirely up to you. You can chat, or you can request a "silent massage" so that you can fully relax and unwind.

• What if I fall asleep or snore?

This is very common and a sign that you are deeply relaxed. There is no need to feel embarrassed. Dozing off is not only normal, but it's also a sign that the treatment was highly successful! You will still get all the great benefits of the massage treatment even if you are asleep, and possibly even more!

•   Do I have to be completely undressed?

 Clients undress to their level of comfort. While most remove everything, some prefer to leave their undergarments on. While some massage techniques can still be performed over undergarments and sheets, having bare skin removes physical barriers, allowing for uninterrupted, continuous strokes across the lower back and glutes, preventing massage oils from staining clothing, and also ensuring maximum effectiveness of a wider range of massage techniques. You will undress in private and remain securely draped with towels or sheets at all times; only the specific area being worked on is exposed.

• What aspects of the environment can I customize for my comfort and preferences?

You can request adjustments in the temperature of the massage table, lighting in the treatment room, and music listened to during your session. This is your time to relax and reset, please don't hesitate to tell us how we can create the best environment for you as possible!

• Will it hurt?

While a light to medium pressured Swedish massage will not bring any discomfort at all, other therapeutic techniques (like deep tissue) can involve firm pressure, which can feel intense and elicit a localized "good hurt", but it should never be intolerable. Your therapist will continually check in with you, and you can request an adjustment to the pressure at any point.

• What are the Benefits of Massage?

Although the distinct benefits can vary depending on which modality you recieve, the overlapping benefits that all of our modalities here at Sweet Medicine provide are:

-  Pain and Soreness Relief
-  Relieve Tension Headaches and Decrease Frequency of Migraines
-  Improved Circulation
-  Enhanced Athletic Performance and Recovery
-  Enhanced Flexibility
-  Injury Recovery and Prevention
-  Post-Surgery Recovery
-  Immune and Healing Support
-  Improved Cardiovascular Health
-  Stress Reduction
-  Relieves Anxiety and Depression
-  Improves Sleep Quality

• What is the difference between Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Ashiatsu?

-  Swedish - A gentle approach focusing on relaxation and stress relief.
-  Deep TIssue Massage - Targets deeper layers of the muscle and connective tissue to address chronic tension and pain.
-  Ashiatsu - A barefoot massage technique where the therapist uses their feet to deliver deep, broad, and consistent pressure. It achieves the same beneficial therapeutic outcomes as traditional deep tissue, without the discomfort and with less post-treatment soreness. The benefits also last longer.

• What is "Good Hurt" vs "Bad Hurt" with Deep Tissue?

The "good hurt" of a deep tissue massage typically feels like a deep, dull ache, similar to the satisfying feeling of stretching a very tight muscle, or the post-workout soreness following a vigorous exercise session. It is uncomfortable but relieving, and you should be able to breathe comfortably through it and relax into the pressure. Infact, slow deep breathing will help you to manage and move through this productive discomfort with more ease, through various physiological mechanisms including but not limited to: calming the nervous system, inducing a relaxed meditative state, increasing oxygenation for optimal tissue repair, and reducing pain perception.

The "bad hurt" feels sharp, shooting, burning, or causes you to tense up your whole body and hold your breath. This pain is not productive. Please let your therapist know immediately if you are experiencing this kind of discomfort.

• Why Does a Deep Tissue Massage "Hurt So Good"?

The "good hurt" is caused by adhesions in your tissues being broken up. When muscle fibers stick together or get "knotted up" due to injury, posture, stress, or overuse, they restrict blood flow. Firm pressure physically separates these stuck tissues, which can be temporarily uncomfortable and even leave some residual "post massage soreness" for 1-2 days after (similar to after an intense workout), but ultimately restores flexibility and reduces pain.

• What is a Muscle "Knot"?

A "knot" (medically referred to as a Myofascial Trigger Point), is a localized area where a small section of muscle fibers are over contracted and refusing to relax. These contracted bundles form a tight, tender lump that restricts blood flow and traps metabolic waste, causing pain and stiffness. There are two types of knots: Active and Latent. An active knot hurts constantly, even when you aren't touching it, whereas a latent knot remains hidden and pain-free, until you press on it.

• What Causes a Muscle Knot?

- Overuse: Pushing muscles too hard during exercise or physical labor.
- Poor Posture: Slouching at a desk, or holding awkward positions for long periods. Your sleep posture can also contribute to the development of knots.
- Stress: High anxiety or mental tension that causes you to subconsciously clench muscles.
- Lifestyle: Dehydration, poor nutrition, or not getting enough sleep.

• How Do I Find Relief From Muscle Knots?

- Massage Therapy: Receiving massage therapy on a regular basis is one of the most effective ways to manage myofascial pain (pain in the muscular and fascial systems, where muscle knots reside). Not only can routine massages help remedy existing knots, but also prevent future knots.
- Heat and Cold: Apply a heating pad for 15-20 minutes to boost blood flow and loosen the muscle, then apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation. You may repeat this cycle several times, but be sure to always finish with the ice pack.
- Gentle Stretching: Slowly stretch the affected area to encourage the muscle fibers to lengthen and release. Each stretch should be held for a minimum of 30-60 seconds.
- Foam Rolling and Self-Massage: Apply steady targeted pressure using your fingers, a tennis or lacrosse ball, or a foam roller.

• Do I Need to do Anything Before or After My Appointment?

- Drink plenty of water before and after your session to keep your muscles hydrated. It is recommended that you drink double your usual water intake for the rest of the day and the day after your massage, especially if you received deep tissue, Ashiatsu, or cupping.
- It's best to wait 12-24 hours after your massage before you do any intense exercise, to allow for your muscles to fully recover. So if you want to make sure you get a high intensity workout in, it's advised to do so before the massage.
- It is not recommended to drink alcohol 4 hours before your massage and for the rest of the day following your session, as doing so can diminish the benefits of your treatment and can even leave you feeling unwell.

• Is it Normal to be Sore After a Massage?

Yes, it is completely normal to feel sore the day after a massage. This is called Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and happens for the same reasons your body aches after a tough workout. The amount of DOMS you experience is largely dependent upon several factors including the depth of pressure used, as well as how closely you follow the after-care instructions given to you by your therapist. DOMS is more common after deep tissue treatments, rather than after lighter modalities such as Swedish massage. Soreness typically peaks 24-48 hours after your massage, and should last no more than 1-2 days. If the soreness is too intense or lasts longer than 48 hours, mention it to your therapist at your next appointment so they can adjust the pressure.

• What Factors Influence the Level of Soreness I Will Feel After a Massage?

- Depth and Intensity of Pressure: Techniques like deep tissue apply intense force to create physical change in the structure of your muscles and connective tissues (smoothing out stubborn knots). This physical change in the structure of your muscles is what leads to the soreness, similar to after exercise.
- Hydration Levels: Dehydrated muscles are stiffer, more brittle, and more prone to micro-trauma from pressure. Not drinking enough water before or after your session can heavily dicatet how sore you feel.
- Tissue Health and Chronic Tension: If your muscles have been chronically tight or "knotted up", releasing this tension for the first time is a shock to the system and can result in the a dull aching sensation in the areas where physical changes were made.
- Frequency of Massages: If your body is not accustomed to massage, your tissues may take several sessions to adjust. People who receive massages regularly build tissue memory and typically experience less soreness over time.
- Individual Sensitivity- Everyone's pain threshold is different. Your nervous system's interpretation of pressure-and its subsequent recovery response- can be heavily influenced by stress, emotional state, and individual biology.

• What Can I Do to Help Manage the Post-Deep Tissue Soreness?

- Hydrating consistently (Aim to drink 16-24 oz of water within the first couple hours following your session, and then continuing to hydrate for the rest of the day as well as the day after.)
-  Add electrolytes to your water
- Supplement with magnesium
-  Apply a heating pad for 15-20 minutes
- Take a hot Epsom salt bath
- Gentle stretching

• Can I Get a Massage If I Have an Injury or Medical Condition?

Always inform your therapist of any recent injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions (such as high blood pressure or pregnancy). In some cases, a doctor's note may be required, or we will simply work around the affected area.

• Can I Get a Massage If I am Sick or Have a Cold?

No. If you are sick please stay home and rest. Massage stimulates circulation, which can spread a virus through your body faster and worsen symptoms. Additionally, the close physical proximity between you and your therapist puts your therapist's health at risk, as well as the health of any and all future clients that they see. If you already have an appointment scheduled and you start feeling sick, please reach out to let us know, so we can help you get rescheduled! Late cancellation and reschedule fees are waived in the event of illness. Thank you for respecting the health of our community, as well as the recovery process your body needs!

• How Often Should I Get a Massage?

For general wellness and stress relief, once a month is recommended. For chronic pain and injury recovery, weekly or bi-weekly sessions may be needed until we get you to a place of wellbeing that you would like to maintain with your monthly treatments.

While a single massage can provide numerous benefits, the more often you receive them the more profound and long lasting those benefits will be. Massage therapy creates a compounding effect that produces the most beneficial outcomes when treatments are received on a regular basis.
Regular sessions train your nervous system to relax, allow muscles to heal, and improve long term-mobility and systemic wellness.
Just as one you won't get a six-pack from one trip to the gym, one massage won't permanently fix years of poor posture and chronic tension. Consistency builds results! Each session builds upon the progress of the last, retraining muscle memory and keeping tissues pliable.

Your therapist will create a tailored treatment plan for your specific goals, which they will go over with you at the end of your session. But if you have any questions about the frequency of sessions needed for you to meet your particular goals, please bring this up with your therapist. To set yourself up for success and ensure that you get to enjoy all the cumulative benefits of the treatment plan your therapist designs for you, we strongly recommend that you schedule your next session at the end of each appointment. This not only ensures that you lock in the time slot that works best for you, but also means it's one less thing for you to think about. If you are uncertain of your schedule, it's recommended that you get something on the books that same day anyways, as our scheduling software easily allows for modification of appointments, so long as all changes are made before the 24 hour window of our cancellation policy. Many clients prefer to schedule their next 2 appointments in advance.

• Should I Eat Before or After a Massage?

It's best to eat a light meal 1-2 hours before your massage. This gives your body time to digest, preventing stomach discomfort or bloating while laying face down. It is best to avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods before your massage, as these can cause indigestion. After your massage, it is best to wait 30-60 minutes before eating, to allow your body to process the treatment.

• What is your cancellation policy?

We require at least 24 hours notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments are subject to a fee equal to the full price of the service.

• Do you accept insurance or HSA/FSA?

We do not directly bill insurance but we can provide a detailed receipt (superbill) that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement if you have a prescription for massage therapy from your doctor. We do accept FSA/HSA cards for payment, or we can provide you with an invoice for reimbursement.

• What payment methods do you accept?

We accept debit and credit cards (card processing fees apply), Venmo, Zelle, and cash. All first time clients who book online will be required to pre-pay for their first session. All subsequent sessions booked online will have the option to select "Pay at the Time of Service", however a card number is still required in order to hold the appointment spot.

• Should I tip my massage therapist?

Gratuities are never expected but always appreciated by your therapist. If you choose to tip, 18-25% of the service cost is standard.