FAQs

I never had a massage before. What should I expect?

Many new clients, especially if they’ve never had a massage before, may be nervous when arriving for their first massage appointment. At Lakeview Massage & Therapy, we make sure your experience is a relaxing and positive one.

If this is your first visit, please make sure to fill out the new client intake form, preferably before you arrive. Please always arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time, to give you time to get settled and start your massage promptly. We are usually unable to go over the scheduled end time due to other client bookings.

One of our licensed massage therapists will review your detailed health intake form with you before providing any massage services. This important detail helps the massage therapist better understand your needs and provide the best and safest possible massage services for you.

An assessment with your massage therapist, and possible muscle or postural tests will be completed. Inform your therapist of any major ailments or other issues you are having at that time, what your daily activities are, etc… The more info they know about you, the more custom your massage will be. All information given to the massage therapist is confidential under HIPPA guidelines and may be released to your doctor only with your permission.

What should I wear to my massage session, and during my massage should I leave my clothes on or get fully undressed?

At Lakeview Massage & Therapy, we strive to keep our clients to be completely comfortable at all times. Our licensed massage therapists will always practice industry guideline draping techniques. Draping is where the massage therapist folds and tucks the towel or sheet around your body, only exposing the areas that will be worked on. Many regular clients prefer to be fully undressed with draping, but if you feel more comfortable leaving your undergarments on, that is totally fine -- and you will still be draped. If you choose to wear clothing, be sure to wear loose-fitting attire, such as gym shorts, so the therapists are able to move, or stretch you as needed.

How do I prep for my massage appointment?

Showering that day is preferable, not only for the massage therapist, but when your skin is clean, it will better absorb the lotions and oils used during your massage. You do not have to have freshly shaved legs.

Always make sure you are properly hydrated. Please know that eating right before a massage appointment may make you uncomfortable. Please always try to use the restroom before arriving for your massage.

What is included in my session time?

Your session consists of massage, time for you to dress and undress and time to communicate with the therapist to make sure your massage truly customized to you.

Should I talk during my massage session?

If you’d like to chat during your massage, go right ahead! The important thing to remember is that your treatment is all about you. We do our best to create a tranquil experience for our clients. Many therapists discourage talking in the hope that you will let your mind relax and your body heal, allowing outside stresses to be forgotten, if even for a moment. In many instances, clients start off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter a quiet state of relaxation.

Most important, we want you to know that there are times when we expect you to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her/him know immediately. Let the therapist know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright or too dark, if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you, please speak up. We do our best to keep you as comfortable as possible and sometimes will not know if something is not working for you, unless you let us know.

When should I not get a massage?

You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, infection or skin rash. It also is advisable to get your physician’s approval to get a massage if you have high blood pressure, a heart condition, or untreated cancer. This does not mean you cannot get a massage. But it’s always better to be cautious.

There are a few other conditions in which your massage therapist may need to adapt their techniques (such as arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e., cuts, burns or varicose veins).

Massage therapy is also great during pregnancy, but you may want to consult your healthcare provider before doing so. Please also schedule the “prenatal massage” so our therapist will be prepared and able to treat you and your little one with the best of care. Most prenatal massage will be performed sideline. Also, be sure to fill out the appropriate consent form for your prenatal massage appointment.

Do I need to tip my therapist?

Tipping is not a requirement, and never should be. We want clients relaxed and enjoying our services, and not thinking anything about money during their treatment. If you feel like your therapist has gone above and beyond and want to give a little extra, our therapists will certainly be appreciated, but we never want you to feel pressured to do so. Each therapist accepts cash or Venmo tips. There are many ways to show appreciation other than tipping. Referring your therapist to others is an example of a huge way of saying thank you.

I was in pain before my massage but after I am still sore, is this normal?

At Lakeview Massage & Therapy we want our clients to know that it may require more than one session to achieve your pain relief goals. While massage therapy will assist with pain relief, it may take several hours after your massage for the pain relief effects to kick in.

Just like working out to get into shape, you shouldn’t expect to reach your goal with a single workout. Always make sure to properly hydrate before and after your massage treatment in order to aid your body’s recovery process.

What are your cancellation and rescheduling policies?

At the time of scheduling your first visit, we will require an active credit card to be on file. As a client of Lakeview Massage & Therapy, a 24-hour notice is required if you must cancel or reschedule your appointment. If less than 24-hours notice is given you will be charged the full price of the service. Same-day appointments made that are cancelled more than 1 hour after being made will be charged in full. No shows are charged in full. If you are late, you may receive an abbreviated treatment within the time constraints of your originally scheduled appointment.

By agreeing to this policy, you are authorizing the use of your credit card on file to be charged for the scheduled appointment. You assume full responsibility for payment of scheduled time, even if symptoms of fever or any other illness begin less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment.

This policy applies to all new and existing clients and is non-negotiable.

Please contact us with any other questions or concerns you may have and we will quickly work to answer them.