Questions people ask

What should I expect?

If you have pain or discomfort in your body, come to me. If you're looking for quiet music and a dark room, my place probably won't suit you. I like to work to energetic music, in a bright room. You won't be offered extras like hot towels, heated neck wraps or aroma oils.

What you get is focused work on the muscles that are causing the problem.

Is it painful?

If a muscle is tight, pressing on it will hurt. If a muscle is healthy and relaxed, pressure doesn't hurt at all.

I try to work on the fine line between comfort and discomfort for each client. Some moments can be uncomfortable, but only briefly — not for the whole session. If it's too much, tell me and I'll adjust.

Will I be sore afterward?

Maybe. The next day can feel like the morning after going back to the gym after a long break. That kind of soreness is normal and usually passes in a day or two. Some people feel no soreness at all — just lighter.

What kind of massage do you do?

I specialize in therapeutic massage. Every session is a mix of techniques aimed at releasing pain and muscle spasms. The main ones:

• Deep tissue
• Sports massage
• Trigger point therapy
• Cupping
• Gua sha

How often should I come?

It depends on you and the condition of your muscles. For general relief, some people feel a difference after one or two sessions. Older, chronic problems need a more regular schedule.

In my experience, the best start is a short series of sessions close together — usually 2 to 3 times a week. Muscles respond to consistent work. When sessions are far apart, the body goes back to where it was, and each time I start closer to the surface again.

A typical starting series is about 8–10 sessions, depending on your condition. Then take a short break of 2–4 weeks so your body can settle into the changes. After that, most clients come once or twice a month to keep the results.

That's why I recommend 10 sessions over 3–4 weeks rather than one session a month for 10 months. My Recovery Programs make a series cheaper per session.

Of course, you're always welcome to come as often as works for you. This is just my professional opinion, based on what I've seen bring the best results.

Why are my muscles tight, and why does it hurt?

Muscle problems don't come out of nowhere. Most people have had them for months or years without knowing.

Stress, a sudden awkward movement, sitting or standing in one position for hours, overtraining — any of these can push a hidden problem into a painful one.

Muscles have a huge reserve of strength. But when a muscle stays tense for a long time, sooner or later it starts to "scream SOS," and that's when you feel the pain. Blood flows poorly through a tense muscle, so it doesn't get enough oxygen and nutrients.

Tight knots called trigger points can form inside the muscle fibers and make the whole muscle spasm. That muscle gets weaker and can't fully stretch or contract. The muscles next to it take over its work, and after a while they get overloaded too.

Over time, muscle tissue can turn fibrous — more like scar tissue — and lose its elasticity. The fascia, the thin layer that wraps your muscles, can get "stuck," which causes pain too. Medication alone usually doesn't solve this. It takes hands-on mechanical work, and that's what I do.

Want to go deeper? I recommend two books: Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain by Donna Finando and Steven Finando, and Anatomy Trains by Thomas W. Myers.

When can I work out after a massage?

Light activity and stretching are fine. If you're doing a series of sessions, I recommend waiting about two weeks after the series ends before going back to your heaviest training. Your body needs time to recover and let the changes settle in the soft tissue.

After that, add stretching to your routine — at least as much time as you spend on strength training.

What should I wear?

Whatever is comfortable for you. You can bring workout clothes — shorts and a top. Or you can undress to your comfort level and stay covered with a sheet.

What should I tell you before the session?

Any injuries, recent surgeries, pregnancy, or medical conditions. It helps me plan the work and keep you safe.

Can you come to my place?

Yes — within Roseville city limits. I bring the table and everything else. Mobile sessions are 90 or 120 minutes, and the price includes a $40 travel fee. Please text me first so we can agree on a time. Prices.

Should I tip?

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Can I pay with HSA or FSA?

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