One of the biggest obstacles for people receiving massage is money. I get it, I am tight with my finances and I try to get regular massages. If I do not plan to trade with another therapist, I have to pay for one, and I have to budget to pay for it. If I expect some of you to have to budget for your massages every week, month, or quarter, I feel you should know what you get for your money.
EXPERIENCE
I have been studying the human body for over 30 years, including earning my bachelor’s degree in exercise science, becoming certified as a personal trainer, certified in Functional Movement Screening (FMS), earning my state-certified license as a Massage Therapist (LMT), and maintaining that license through 100’s of hours of continuing education.
TIME
When you book a 60, 90, or 120 minute session at Mountain Massage, that is the amount of actual hands-on massage you get. I deliberately space clients far enough apart to give enough time for a thorough check-in before and after their sessions. In other words, client’s check-in and check-out times do not take away their massage time (Unless they are late, then I may have to adjust accordingly).
That’s not the case for every business: Massage Envy’s hour is 50 minutes, Elements gives you 55 minutes. Even some full service spas operate on a 50-minute hour, and those times also include the check-in and check-out (if you even really get one).
MY FULL ATTENTION
When you come to my studio, you are my focus, you are the reason I am there. One of the most meaningful (and common) compliments I receive from clients, is their appreciation for the mindful attention they receive. They tell me they know I am there with them, giving my full attention, and that I am intently “listening” to what their bodies are telling me. Their results tell them that I heard their concerns before their sessions, and that I listened to their feedback after their previous session. I also take thorough notes to help build a comprehensive list of treatments, results, and concerns.
THE RIGHT PRESSURE
“It is not how much discomfort your mind can take, it is how much your body can take”.
- Me
My clients know that I am a stickler for avoiding painful techniques, and that I help them maintain a relaxed body throughout the session. Pressure preferences vary from client to client, so I always check in to confirm that the pressure is “just right”. I make it clear to my clients that they can tell me (at any point) if the pressure needs to change.
CLIENTS ARE IN CONTROL
I always make it clear to my clients that they are in control of their sessions. They know that I respect their boundaries; that they are in control with how I touch, where I touch, the draping of the sheets, and yes, even how much talking we do (I like to leave the talking to before and after their session).
KEEP CALM (and massage on).
No matter the end goal for any session, calming the nervous system and keeping it calm are of utmost importance for getting results. Calming the nervous system starts with the rustic, cozy, cabin-like setting of my studio (unlike many other massage spaces which can feel more clinical). Clients also have their choice of nature sounds (or music), to play over surround sound, adding to the illusion of being in nature. My clients can unwind to the sounds of peaceful thunder and rain, drift off to a beach, relax to the natural sounds of a lake, or even zone out by a tranquil stream.
As mentioned above, respecting boundaries and keeping open communications between myself and my clients is also important in calming the nervous system.
VETERAN and LOCALLY OWNED
It’s just me! No conglomerate. No fancy management structure or corporate set up. Just a Navy veteran little business owner, paying his taxes, making a living, and participating in the same communities he serves. There are fewer and fewer businesses that can stay afloat in an era of big box stores and amazon.