FAQ
Who is welcome to receive therapeutic massage services?
Equity is core value of Massage Tucson, LLC. We value the diversity within our community and among our clientele. Massage Tucson, LLC is minority owned & operated and is proude to be a member of the Latino and LGBTQ+ community in southern Arizona.
All are welcome to receive therapeutic massage services in this practice.
What can I expect during my initial massage appointment?
During your first appointment, we will spend time discussing your health history and the primary goals you hope to achieve by receiving therapeutic massage. I recommend completing the client intake forms prior to arriving for your visit to allow us more time to address your needs.
After discussing your goals for the visit we will begin to look into the specific areas you would like worked on. I will ask you questions regarding the types of sensations you feel, and about any challenges you face with certain movements. This portion may include assessments to evaluate your posture, alignment, flexibility, range of motion, and more.
It is important to list all health concerns and medications so I can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It's also important to list any allergies you may have so I can be sure to avoid using any products that may provide discomfort during our session.
Am I required to be completely undressed for the massage?
It is common for clients to completely disrobe for their massage session. Doing so allows the massage therapist access to soft tissue without obstruction from clothing. However, clients are encouraged to only undress to the level of their own comfort.
You are not required to completely undress for our massage session. However, completely undressing is common in the massage field, and you should not feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
Prior to beginning the hands-on massage session, I will step out of the room and allow you time to undress to the level of your comfort. At the end of the massage session, I will leave the room and allow you time to fully dress before re-entering the space.
What should I do during the massage session?
During your massage, take time to focus on your breathing and allow yourself to be present with your body. Your only responsibility during the massage session is to relax, breathe, and communicate with your massage therapist as needed. Throughout the session, I may reposition your body to allow me to treat certain areas more effectively. If a particular position is uncomfortable for you, let me know immediately so we can adjust.
Feel free to reposition yourself throughout the session as needed. Your comfort is the number one priority.
Many massage clients prefer to close their eyes and appreciate moments of quiet. Others prefer to talk with the massage therapist throughout the session. Whatever feels natural to you is acceptable.
Remember that it is encourage to ask questions and communicate to your massage therapist throughout the session. You are in control of your massage session.
Can massage substitute for other medical services?
Massage therapy is not a substitute for medical examination and/or treatment.
Massage therapists do not diagnose or prescribe medication for any diseases, illnesses, or other conditions.
Massage therapists do not perform chiropractic adjustments.
Massage therapists are not licensed counselors, psychologists, or mental health professionals.
Massage therapists are not licensed physical therapists and should not be considered a substitute for such.
If you are experiencing any medical symptoms or have a concern, indication, or belief you have a medical condition, please seek treatment from a qualified medical professional.
Massage may lead to adverse reactions in certain situations or with certain medical conditions. The massage therapist will evaluate your health history as communicated on your in-take form and ask you questions to ensure it is safe for you to receive massage.
In the event the massage therapist is uncertain that massage will be of benefit to you, they may ask you to provide a note from your physician stating that it is safe for you to receive massage services.
Please provide complete details of medical conditions and medications to your massage therapist during the intake process.
Failure to inform the massage therapist of all medical conditions and medications may place you at increased risk for adverse reactions. Massage Tucson, LLC and Bruno Loya are not responsible for any adverse reactions to receiving massage therapy services if the client fails to disclose all relevant information regarding the client's health history, medical conditions, current diagnoses, past or present injuries, prescribed medications, non-prescription medications, recreational substances, or other relevant information. By proceeding with massage therapy services with Massage Tucson, LLC, you acknowledge that you will not withhold any information from your massage therapist that is relevant to the service(s) to be provided.
Do I have to cover myself with a towel or sheet?
Standard draping utilizing a sheet will be used for all massage sessions. Once you are undressed to your level of comfort and on the massage table, only the area of the body actively being worked on will be exposed.
During the massage session, it is common for your body temperature to drop. Please let me know if you require a blanket for comfort.
Towel draping may be used at the request of the client.
Genitals will remain covered at all times throughout the massage session.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-4203(A)(6), R4-15-103.1e, draping is required for all professional massage services.
Which areas of my body will be touched?
Please be sure to communicate any areas you do not want touched during our session. It is common to address all parts of the body including the face, head, hair, neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdomen, hips, glutes, thighs, legs, and feet.
Areas that will not be addressed under any circumstance include: genitals, anus, nipples, and perineal area.
Am I able to receive massage after consuming alcohol or other recreational substances?
It is not advised to receive massage while you are under the influence of alcohol or other recreational substances.
The manual techniques used promote the circulation of blood and lymph which can actually cause a temporary increase in feelings of intoxication. In addition, receiving massage services while under the influences of certain substances may contribute to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Please inform me if you need to reschedule our session due to being under the influence of alcohol or other substances. I am happy reschedule your appointment for another time when you will be able to more fully experience the therapeutic benefits of massage without excess adverse side effects.
How often should I receive massage?
The frequency of receiving massage truly depends on your individual circumstances. While some may benefit from receiving massage once or twice per week, it may be recommendable for others to schedule massage once or twice a month.
We will be able to determine the plan that is best for you after our initial client intake discussion. We will actively monitor you progress and adjust the frequency of your massage sessions accordingly.
While there are many benefits to receiving regular massage therapy, there is a risk of over treatment. While one to two massage sessions per week may be advisable, I would not recommend additional treatments beyond that frequency without a referral from a qualified medical professional.
What type of music will be provided during our session?
You decide the type of music or audio you will listen to during your session. The music I provide for our session will generally consist of acoustic guitar, native flue, and other calming meditative music. However, you are welcome to request any genre of music you would prefer, or even provide an audio book or other medium to listen to.
(I personally have enjoyed massage to heavy metal, Disney music, and show-tunes)
How will I feel after my massage?
Many people feel deeply relaxed and in a trance like state after receiving therapeutic massage. It is common to feel tired, light-headed, or "massage drunk". Massage has a direct impact on a variety of body systems. It is important to temporarily increase your water intake after receiving massage to aide in re-hydrating your body's tissues.
It is also common to feel sore the day following your massage. This may feel similar to the soreness you experience after a good workout. Stretching, moving, and taking a warm shower or bath can certainly help to alleviate this soreness.
However, not all massages are the same. Communication with your massage therapist is a vital component of the client-therapist relationship. Some massages are designed to warm-up and energize the client. Be sure to communicate your goals to the massage therapist prior to beginning your session.
I am a minor (under 18 years of age). Am I eligible to receive massage services?
With the permission of a legal guardian, minors are eligible to receive therapeutic massage services. The parent or legal guardian of the minor must provide explicit consent for services to be provided for their child. Any client under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the time of service.
After an initial consultation with the parent or guardian, a minor aged 16 years or older may be treated without a parent or guardian present with explicit legal permission of such documented prior to the appointment.
Is it common to get an erection during a massage?
Yes.
When receiving massage, it is normal for the body to enter a parasympathetic state. In this state, partial of full erection of the penis may occur. Please note that this is a normal physiological response that will not impact our client-therapist relationship.
If you become erect during the massage session, please do not feel embarrassed. While this will not impact my comfortability, I am happy to provide you with an additional blanket, pillow, or drape if that will provide you with additional comfort. We can also pause or stop the session until you feel ready to continue receiving your therapeutic treatment.
Please do not allow the fear of experiencing this natural physiological response hinder your ability to relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of massage. It is a normal response to deep relaxation and increased blood flow circulation around the pelvis and groin.
Is massage therapy a sexual, erotic, or sensual service?
NO.
Clients and massage therapists must refrain from any behavior sexual in nature.
Sexual behavior from the client toward the therapist is inappropriate and will lead to immediate termination of the session, refusal of further service, and a formal complaint against the client to the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy.
Remember, erotic and sensual massage is illegal in the state of Arizona. If you choose to receive massage services from another company, remember to protect yourself by not soliciting your massage practitioner for sexual favors, "happy endings", or other types of sensual or erotic touch.
Massage Tucson, LLC is not a body rub service.