Before your session..
What type of massage does Jolene offer?
Jolene practices an intelligent and intuitive blend of deep tissue and relaxation massage. She has 3000+ hours of formal, therapeutic massage training and has a keen interest in determining the source of the discomfort, not just spot treating the immediate areas in which the pain is presenting. Jolene also believes in empowering her clients with information about their physical bodies and, if indicated, will suggest home-care activities to prolong the positive results of the massage session.
I've never had a massage before - what do I need to know?
Welcome! On the morning of your appointment, stay hydrated. Stick with light foods within an hour or two of your session. So that you have time to talk about your specific needs, injuries or concerns, please arrive a few minutes early for your first session. (Please note that Jolene practices out of a one-room studio. Thank you for understanding that very early arrivals cannot be accommodated). Together, you will assess the focus of the session. Then, Jolene will leave the room and give you a few minutes to undress to your level of comfort (more on this below) and slip in beneath the sheets of the heated table. You will be appropriately draped at all times, meaning only the part of your body that is being massage will be uncovered – everything else will be under the sheet. And from time to time during the session, Jolene will check in with you on level of pressure and to see if your session is going well.
I take my dog with me everywhere – can they come with me to my massage?
You bet, well-behaved dogs of any size are welcome in Jolene's studio, they DO NOT have to be registered support or service animals. Please let her know ahead of time.
Gah! I need to cancel. Will I be charged?
To avoid being charged for the full amount of your session, please let Jolene know 24 hours in advance if you will be unable to make your scheduled appointment. Same day cancellations may be charged 50% of the appointment fee. Missed, forgotten or otherwise canceled appointments with no notice will be charged the full price. However, in the event of serious or contagious illness, or an emergency - this fee will be waived.
Oops, I'm running late! Will I receive my full session?
Typically, if you are late to your session you will receive whatever time is left in your appointment. However, depending on her schedule, Jolene may be unable to extend your session beyond your original appointment time.
During your session..
I'm a bit shy. Getting undressed is making me really nervous...
That's totally understandable and super common. Feel free to discuss your concerns with Jolene. She will ensure that you are appropriately draped at all times during your treatment. Once you have chatted about the focus of the session, Jolene will leave you alone in the studio for a few minutes to disrobe to your level of comfort – and this is truly up to you! Some folks remove all their clothing, some leave undergarments on and some may choose to remain clothed and receive compressions and assisted stretching only.
All of these options are totally fine and it is 100% up to you and how you are feeling that day.If you have requested a certain area to be treated (ie: gluteal muscles) Jolene may suggest a level of undress to make the treatment a little easier, but you have the right to decide whether that works for you or not. Once you are undressed to your comfort level, please settle in on the massage table beneath the top sheet, on your stomach with your face in the face cradle.
What types of lotions, creams, and oils do you use?
Jolene uses an unscented jojoba oil blend. Of course, it's always a good thing to let her know if you have any allergies and she will adjust accordingly. Also, if you would prefer to provide your own unscented oil, that's fine too! There is CBD salve available as well. Learn more about the benefits of the Cannabis plant here.
Is breathing important during the session?
Absolutely. During the session, you'll be encouraged to practice breathing gently and deeply with your diaphragm to induce relaxation and lymphatic flow. You may want to visualize sending breath to the area of the body where work is being done, so as to help muscles, fascia and nervous system unwind, open and release. Please ask for more information on deep diaphragmatic breathing.
Something's not quite right. Should I say something?
Yes, please say something. Your requests and feedback are always appreciated. While Jolene may be the expert on bodywork, you are the expert on you. Just about everything from the music and volume, to the angle of your face rest is adjustable. Jolene will never be offended if you make a request to turn up the heat, pile on another blanket, adjust the table or music during your session.
No pain, no gain – right?
Mmmmmm, not necessarily. While chronically tight muscles can tend to be sensitive, a pain response should not be elicited during your massage treatment. A pain response can have detrimental effects – holding your breath, gritting your teeth or just generally tensing up to “get through” the work is very counter productive. Jolene will work into a problematic area slowly, warming up the superficial layers of tissue before moving into deeper structures. Other indirect myofascial or proprioreceptive techniques as well as hydrotherapy applications may be utilized if working on the specific area is too uncomfortable. As a client, it is your responsibility to let Jolene know if something is feeling too intense! Bringing your body back into balance is a collaborative effort and she welcomes your insight and feedback – it provides valuable information :)
What if I prefer my session without draping?
It is policy to drape you properly at all times during your treatment.
After your session
Whoa. I am a space case. Am I OK?
It's fairly normal to feel a bit dizzy or spacey after a massage. Your body may feel lighter. (Enjoy!) There is always a glass of water available for you, and Jolene will leave you in the studio alone for a few minutes to reflect on how your body feels and get dressed. When you're ready, pop the door open and she'll be there to chat briefly with you about post-session care specific to your needs.
Post-session care is important! After the session, drink plenty of water to keep body systems flowing, and assist your newly recharged circulatory system in flushing out any cell waste released during the massage. If at all possible, avoid strenuous activity. Relax and allow your body to integrate the work. Gentle movement is fine. You may experience some soreness in the day or two after your session, especially if you don't receive regular bodywork.
What forms of payment are acceptable?
Cash, check, Venmo or PayPal only at this time (no credit cards).
Do you offer sliding scale appointments?
Sure do! All appointments are now sliding scale. Previously sliding scale was an option that had to be specifically requested, but Jolene realized this shifted the burden of access to her clients, which did not align with her commitment to accessibility. Jolene believes every body deserves the therapeutic benefits of massage and intends to continually update her policies to reflect this statement.
I had a great treatment and want to tell everyone! Is that ok?
Yes, please! Jolene's business is 95% referral oriented, because building a practice on community support and positive experience results in a solid, loyal client base. When a new client is referred in, both the new person and the referring client will receive $10 off their massage appointment. This incentive also applies to online referrals/review sites.
My sister/best friend/neighbour could really use some therapeutic touch, but they just can't afford it right now... is there any way I can support them?
Absolutely, Jolene has gift certificates available and has also introduced her Kindness in Hand Project, which is a crowd-sourced, pay-it-forward massage donation program. Please click here to learn more or contact her with your nomination.
Is it appropriate to tip or not tip?
While Jolene accepts gratuity, it is not expected. Tipping can be a great way to support her sliding scale work, but please do not feel obligated. It is Jolene's priority and obligation as a health care provider to ensure that her clients receive the same quality of attention and appreciation regardless of their emotional, physical or financial situation.
I have a question about etiquette that isn't covered in this FAQ.
Jolene will do her best to give you the answers you need. Please contact her.
What type of massage does Jolene offer?
Jolene practices an intelligent and intuitive blend of deep tissue and relaxation massage. She has 3000+ hours of formal, therapeutic massage training and has a keen interest in determining the source of the discomfort, not just spot treating the immediate areas in which the pain is presenting. Jolene also believes in empowering her clients with information about their physical bodies and, if indicated, will suggest home-care activities to prolong the positive results of the massage session.
I've never had a massage before - what do I need to know?
Welcome! On the morning of your appointment, stay hydrated. Stick with light foods within an hour or two of your session. So that you have time to talk about your specific needs, injuries or concerns, please arrive a few minutes early for your first session. (Please note that Jolene practices out of a one-room studio. Thank you for understanding that very early arrivals cannot be accommodated). Together, you will assess the focus of the session. Then, Jolene will leave the room and give you a few minutes to undress to your level of comfort (more on this below) and slip in beneath the sheets of the heated table. You will be appropriately draped at all times, meaning only the part of your body that is being massage will be uncovered – everything else will be under the sheet. And from time to time during the session, Jolene will check in with you on level of pressure and to see if your session is going well.
I take my dog with me everywhere – can they come with me to my massage?
You bet, well-behaved dogs of any size are welcome in Jolene's studio, they DO NOT have to be registered support or service animals. Please let her know ahead of time.
Gah! I need to cancel. Will I be charged?
To avoid being charged for the full amount of your session, please let Jolene know 24 hours in advance if you will be unable to make your scheduled appointment. Same day cancellations may be charged 50% of the appointment fee. Missed, forgotten or otherwise canceled appointments with no notice will be charged the full price. However, in the event of serious or contagious illness, or an emergency - this fee will be waived.
Oops, I'm running late! Will I receive my full session?
Typically, if you are late to your session you will receive whatever time is left in your appointment. However, depending on her schedule, Jolene may be unable to extend your session beyond your original appointment time.
During your session..
I'm a bit shy. Getting undressed is making me really nervous...
That's totally understandable and super common. Feel free to discuss your concerns with Jolene. She will ensure that you are appropriately draped at all times during your treatment. Once you have chatted about the focus of the session, Jolene will leave you alone in the studio for a few minutes to disrobe to your level of comfort – and this is truly up to you! Some folks remove all their clothing, some leave undergarments on and some may choose to remain clothed and receive compressions and assisted stretching only.
All of these options are totally fine and it is 100% up to you and how you are feeling that day.If you have requested a certain area to be treated (ie: gluteal muscles) Jolene may suggest a level of undress to make the treatment a little easier, but you have the right to decide whether that works for you or not. Once you are undressed to your comfort level, please settle in on the massage table beneath the top sheet, on your stomach with your face in the face cradle.
What types of lotions, creams, and oils do you use?
Jolene uses an unscented jojoba oil blend. Of course, it's always a good thing to let her know if you have any allergies and she will adjust accordingly. Also, if you would prefer to provide your own unscented oil, that's fine too! There is CBD salve available as well. Learn more about the benefits of the Cannabis plant here.
Is breathing important during the session?
Absolutely. During the session, you'll be encouraged to practice breathing gently and deeply with your diaphragm to induce relaxation and lymphatic flow. You may want to visualize sending breath to the area of the body where work is being done, so as to help muscles, fascia and nervous system unwind, open and release. Please ask for more information on deep diaphragmatic breathing.
Something's not quite right. Should I say something?
Yes, please say something. Your requests and feedback are always appreciated. While Jolene may be the expert on bodywork, you are the expert on you. Just about everything from the music and volume, to the angle of your face rest is adjustable. Jolene will never be offended if you make a request to turn up the heat, pile on another blanket, adjust the table or music during your session.
No pain, no gain – right?
Mmmmmm, not necessarily. While chronically tight muscles can tend to be sensitive, a pain response should not be elicited during your massage treatment. A pain response can have detrimental effects – holding your breath, gritting your teeth or just generally tensing up to “get through” the work is very counter productive. Jolene will work into a problematic area slowly, warming up the superficial layers of tissue before moving into deeper structures. Other indirect myofascial or proprioreceptive techniques as well as hydrotherapy applications may be utilized if working on the specific area is too uncomfortable. As a client, it is your responsibility to let Jolene know if something is feeling too intense! Bringing your body back into balance is a collaborative effort and she welcomes your insight and feedback – it provides valuable information :)
What if I prefer my session without draping?
It is policy to drape you properly at all times during your treatment.
After your session
Whoa. I am a space case. Am I OK?
It's fairly normal to feel a bit dizzy or spacey after a massage. Your body may feel lighter. (Enjoy!) There is always a glass of water available for you, and Jolene will leave you in the studio alone for a few minutes to reflect on how your body feels and get dressed. When you're ready, pop the door open and she'll be there to chat briefly with you about post-session care specific to your needs.
Post-session care is important! After the session, drink plenty of water to keep body systems flowing, and assist your newly recharged circulatory system in flushing out any cell waste released during the massage. If at all possible, avoid strenuous activity. Relax and allow your body to integrate the work. Gentle movement is fine. You may experience some soreness in the day or two after your session, especially if you don't receive regular bodywork.
What forms of payment are acceptable?
Cash, check, Venmo or PayPal only at this time (no credit cards).
Do you offer sliding scale appointments?
Sure do! All appointments are now sliding scale. Previously sliding scale was an option that had to be specifically requested, but Jolene realized this shifted the burden of access to her clients, which did not align with her commitment to accessibility. Jolene believes every body deserves the therapeutic benefits of massage and intends to continually update her policies to reflect this statement.
I had a great treatment and want to tell everyone! Is that ok?
Yes, please! Jolene's business is 95% referral oriented, because building a practice on community support and positive experience results in a solid, loyal client base. When a new client is referred in, both the new person and the referring client will receive $10 off their massage appointment. This incentive also applies to online referrals/review sites.
My sister/best friend/neighbour could really use some therapeutic touch, but they just can't afford it right now... is there any way I can support them?
Absolutely, Jolene has gift certificates available and has also introduced her Kindness in Hand Project, which is a crowd-sourced, pay-it-forward massage donation program. Please click here to learn more or contact her with your nomination.
Is it appropriate to tip or not tip?
While Jolene accepts gratuity, it is not expected. Tipping can be a great way to support her sliding scale work, but please do not feel obligated. It is Jolene's priority and obligation as a health care provider to ensure that her clients receive the same quality of attention and appreciation regardless of their emotional, physical or financial situation.
I have a question about etiquette that isn't covered in this FAQ.
Jolene will do her best to give you the answers you need. Please contact her.