Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my son or daughter get a massage?
A: Massage can be great for anyone, from the infant to the elderly. We accept clients as young as 8, with parental supervision, and have worked with people in their 80’s. We are certified to work with expecting moms as well.

Q: What are the benefits of massage therapy?
A: Almost too many to mention, but here’s a brief listing:

Regular massage therapy can help reduce pain, stress, soreness, tightness, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, headaches, ADD/ADHD, heart rate, and blood pressure. It can help promote or boost immune function, digestion, muscle tone and flexibility, mobility and range of motion, and mental and physical well-being.

Q: How often should I schedule visits?
A: Massage therapy is most effective when it is received consistently. The frequency depends on the reason the client is seeking treatment. For some dealing with injury, once a week or more might be appropriate, in conjunction with physical therapy and other treatment modalities. Others who use massage as part of an overall wellness program might come in once a month or every other month. Most people fall somewhere in between. Depending on the level of stress in a person’s life, whether they carry a lot of tension in their body, what they do for work and any number of other factors, they might find that a weekly or bi-weekly program is best suited to their needs.

Q: What can I expect from my visit?
A: Much of this information can be found here . If your questions are not answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Q: Do you have music?
A: We have an extensive library of massage music to choose from. We feature a wide variety of genres, including new age, Native American, world music, smooth jazz, lounge/chillout, electronic ambient, some classical, nature sounds, and more. We will accommodate a preference for a particular artist, CD, or genre, to the best of our ability.

Q: Do you provide massage at peoples’ homes?
A: Home visits are available, based on location. Please see the “Mobile Massage” page here. Many questions are addressed there. Please call for service area or, if you send email, please include your town and nearest major intersection.

Q: Which forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. For mobile massage, a credit card is required to hold a reservation. At the appointment, payment of cash or credit card is accepted.

Q: I’m a little short on funds. Can you help?
A: We have several options that have been especially helpful to those with limited funds.
• A popular one is the “reschedule credit”. Sign up for your next appointment at completion of the current session and receive 10% off the next appointment.
• The Referral Rewards program is our way of saying thank you for sending your friends, family and co-workers to us. Three referrals earn a 20% coupon to be used within the next 6 months.
• Student discounts of 20% are available with student ID
• Or, take advantage of our popular Seasonal & Ongoing Promotions!

Q: My friend said her massage hurt and she left bruised. Is this supposed to happen?
A: Certain therapeutic techniques function on the principal that strong sensation is the only way to affect lasting change. But even Deep Tissue does NOT equal pain. There is often a discomfort when a therapist first reaches the deeper layers, and trigger points (tiny areas of "stuck", irritated tissue) can be very sensitive. When working in these techniques, one can expect a “hurts so good” feeling, which is not the same as outright pain. If pain or even discomfort is experienced during the session, it is important to let the therapist know. Every body is unique, with different levels of tolerance for discomfort, and different responses to the work. A good therapist will interact with, and respond to the needs and comfort of the client, but may need to be informed when an adjustment is necessary.

It is important to know that you MAY feel a bit sore in the 1-2 days following your massage, particularly if there is a lot of tension built up in the tissue. This is normal, and should dissipate, leaving the body feeling better. The sensation may feel like that following a heavy workout or some fairly strenuous physical activity that the body is not used to. Visible signs of bruising are often an indication that the work was too deep.

Q: What if I suddenly feel sad and want to cry or feel giddy and want to laugh?
A: This is what is referred to as “Emotional Release”. Without realizing it, we often store unexpressed emotions in our bodies. Every time we grit our teeth instead of expressing ourselves, our muscles physically engage to hold back that expression and keep it inside. Sometimes, when those muscles receive massage and release physically, they may also release the emotion they were holding in. The emotion usually comes out in the form of tears or laughter. While this can feel awkward the first time it happens, it is beneficial and even therapeutic not to suppress it. It can create a feeling of lightness and relief afterward. Often, any pain or soreness in the released area will dissipate completely.

Q: What sets you apart from the many other therapists out there?
A: Each therapist is unique. All have their strengths and methods. Greg views bodywork therapies as more than just an occupation. It is part of a total health-immersion lifestyle. His strength lies in providing productive therapy with results, in a safe and peaceful atmosphere. He offers a range of different techniques tailored to the needs of each specific client. His methods are designed to achieve meaningful results with minimal soreness or pain, both during and after the session.

Q: Am I supposed to tip?
A: Gratuities are not required or expected, but are always appreciated. However, the best gratuity we can ever receive is the kind referral of a friend, co-worker, or loved one.

Q: The name of your company is unusual. How did you come by it?
A: It started with several visits to a Native American Pueblo near my home of Santa Fe when I was younger, to watch the Turtle Dance, a dance of renewal for the new year. At the time I was primarily drawn to the turtle shells worn around the knees that acted as noise makers to keep the rhythm during the dance.

Later, the variety (there are some 250 types of turtles, with roughly 48 types living in the US), the ambhibious nature of the animal, its longevity, and its supreme ability to survive and protect itself drew my attention.

With a little research, I found that there is extensive mythology and symbolism surrounding this prehistoric creature. In Native American cultures, it is associated with the lunar cycles, the thirteen sections on its back representing the thirteen full moons that occur each year. Other cultures see it as the gate-keeper between heaven and earth, with magical powers that can unite both.

Its slow moving nature and groundedness act as a reminder for me that life is here to be savoured to the best of my ability.

There is plenty of information to be found on the internet, with little effort. One link I found particularly interesting is here for those who wish to read further.