Frequently Asked Questions

What is expected of me during my treatment?

Your comfort and safety is of utmost importance. During your session, it is important to tell the therapist if you are uncomfortable with temperature, positioning or pressure. Unlike a relaxing massage where you are encouraged to remain quiet, during a deep tissue treatment there is usually discussion about technique, pressure, and location of aches and pains. Please participate so you can receive the most effective treatment possible. Successful pain management depends on a partnership between you and the therapist.

What should I wear?

You should undress to your level of comfort. Dressing down to your comfort level means undress to whatever level YOU are comfortable with. Many clients choose to undress completely, while others leave underwear on for comfort or modesty. Some clients disrobe only the area to be worked. Still others choose to wear loose, comfortable clothing or workout clothes and refrain from disrobing at all. Your therapist will adjust her techniques as needed.

What kind of oil do you use?

stress FX uses cream instead oil. Oil does not easily allow for controlled, concentrated pressure in one spot. Cream provides some glide, but allows for friction and grip. The cream does contain some oil, but you will not leave feeling slick or needing a shower.

At times a topical analgesic might be applied in specific areas to help cool down the tissues and decrease soreness. If you have specific needs or preferences, please talk with your therapist.

What if I pass gas, get sick, have to go to the restroom, etc. during the massage?

Most bodily urges you have are completely natural and nothing to be embarrassed about. If you need to leave the massage room or pause the treatment for any reason, it's completely acceptable. The massage can be resumed at the discretion of the client.

Is massage supposed to hurt?

A relaxing, nurturing massage should not hurt. Bodywork focused on addressing injuries often includes techniques that can be uncomfortable. During the treatment you might feel discomfort when your therapist is working fascia that is restricted, or soft tissue that has adhesions, or muscles that are too tight or that contain Trigger Points. If a technique hurts speak up to your therapist so that the treatment can be adjusted. Communication is a very important factor in any therapeutic relationship.

Occasionally you might feel sore or bruised a day or two after treatment. This is not unusual. Please call if you are concerned in any way. Also note that certain medical conditions, medications, and supplements can contribute to post-treatment soreness and bruising.

What time should I arrive?

Whether you are new or a returning client, please arrive a few minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time. Many places consider the intake and consultation as part of the treatment time. At stress FX, a 60 minute session means 60 minutes of hands-on therapy. A half hour means 30 minutes of hands-on time. The hands-on portion of the session will start after a thorough intake and the completion of any paperwork.

Why do I have to fill out a medical questionnaire?

This information is essential to your health and safety. Some medical issues and medications are adversely affected by massage. Past medical conditions can also influence current problems. Because your health and safety are our primary concern, skipping the interview or paperwork to get right to the session is discouraged.

If your health or medications change significantly, please notify the therapist so that it can be noted in your chart. Examples of a significant change include but are not limited to: a new medication, a change in medication, a surgery, a new diagnosis. The therapist needs to know your current condition prior to starting your treatment. For this reason, arriving a few minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time keeps everyone on track.

What if I’m late?

Appointments are booked by the clock, not by time. In order to stay on time for every client, we wrap up each treatment at the scheduled time. If we must start late to accommodate a client, the length of the session is reduced accordingly to end at its scheduled time. Late clients are charged the full price of their scheduled treatment.

What about missed appointments or rescheduling?

Your appointment time has been set aside especially for you, so please call as soon as possible if you are unable to keep the appointment. With advanced notice, we can easily accommodate your needs and schedule. Advanced notice also provides others who are waiting the opportunity to reserve that time.

We request 24 hours notice of a cancellation when possible. We understand emergencies such as illness and car problems can prevent such notice. For more information about cancellations, please checkout our policies page.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Check and cash are acceptable forms of payment. stress FX does not accept credit cards at this time.