Massage Therapy questions, answered

A quick rinse is plenty, and skip the lotions and oils — they sit on the skin and get in the way of the work. If you have used a strong topical medication recently, tell us, because it changes what we do and what we avoid.

No. Good deep tissue work is uncomfortable in the way a stretch is uncomfortable, and it should never be sharp or electrical. If it hurts in a way that makes you hold your breath, that is the pressure being wrong, and you should say so in the moment — we will adjust.

Usually within a day or two for the specific thing you came in about, and a few days for the general fatigue. If you feel worse for more than a couple of days afterwards, tell us at the next booking, because the work was too deep or the wrong thing, and both are fixable.

Yes. North Carolina requires massage therapy to be practised under a licence issued by the North Carolina Medical Board, and that board is the one to check. Ask for the licence number when you book, and be suspicious of anyone who cannot give you one.

In the summer, a week or two ahead is sensible — the season is short and the good hours go. In the off-season, a few days is usually fine. If you need a specific time, say so at the first call rather than hoping.

Comfortable clothing you can move in. You stay dressed for most of the work unless you would rather not, and towels are provided. If you prefer to start in underwear for the back work, that is a normal request and nobody will think anything of it.