FAQs

Where did you train to become a massage therapist?

I received my original professional training at California College of Physical Arts (CALCOPA) in Huntington Beach, California. Although I have attended additional massage therapy schools, workshops, and continuing education courses throughout my career, CALCOPA remains the school with which I feel the strongest professional connection.

The school has changed ownership since I graduated, but I continue to have confidence in the education I received there. Throughout my career, I have also had the opportunity to work alongside many CALCOPA graduates, and I have consistently been impressed by their knowledge and practical skills.

Do most people take their underwear off for a massage?

It really depends on the individual. Some clients prefer to remain fully clothed, while others are more comfortable undressing to their level of comfort.

You will always be properly draped during your massage. Draping means that a sheet or other appropriate covering is used to maintain your privacy and modesty throughout the treatment. Only the specific area being worked on is exposed.

If you would like your glutes, thighs, or lower back addressed, I generally recommend avoiding bulky clothing such as boxers or long shorts, as they can significantly limit access to the muscles. Massage can be performed over clothing or through the draping, but the therapist's ability to work effectively is more limited.

For clients who are comfortable doing so, I generally recommend removing bras and socks as well, but nothing is ever required beyond your own comfort level.

If your session involves stretching or movement-based techniques, keeping your underwear on is perfectly appropriate and may actually be preferable.

How often should I get a massage?

If I had my way, we'd all have a massage every day! Realistically, however, professional massage is an investment of both time and money, so frequency should be based on your individual needs, goals, schedule, and budget.

For general maintenance, many people find that once every two weeks to once a month is a reasonable starting point. Someone dealing with significant muscular tension, repetitive physical demands, or a specific therapeutic goal may benefit from more frequent sessions.

What you do between massages is important, too. Gentle stretching, regular movement, adequate hydration, sufficient rest, and other healthy self-care practices can help you maintain the benefits of your sessions.

You may also find simple tools such as a foam roller, massage ball, or other self-massage device useful between appointments. A willing partner or friend can sometimes help with areas that are difficult to reach yourself.

Massage is not a substitute for medical care, but it can be a valuable component of an overall wellness and self-care routine.

What should I expect during my first massage?

If this is your first visit, I recommend arriving 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled treatment time. This allows enough time to complete any necessary intake paperwork without feeling rushed.

Before your massage begins, we will briefly discuss your general health, areas of concern, pressure preferences, and anything else that may affect your session. This is also your opportunity to ask questions or let me know about any areas you would prefer to avoid.

You will then be given privacy to undress only to the level that is comfortable for you and get onto the massage table. You will be properly draped, and I will let you know how I would like you positioned before beginning.

Throughout the session, communication is encouraged. If the pressure is too light, too deep, too warm, too cold, or simply not comfortable, please speak up. There is no prize for silently enduring a massage you aren't enjoying!

After the massage, you will have privacy to get dressed. Depending on what we addressed during your session, I may also discuss some simple self-care strategies or recommendations for your next appointment.

I will usually offer you some water afterward as well.

One important clarification: you may hear that massage "flushes toxins" or removes lactic acid buildup from the muscles. Those are common phrases in the massage industry, but they are not an accurate scientific explanation of what massage does. Your body already has systems, including the liver and kidneys, that process and eliminate metabolic waste. Massage may influence circulation, relaxation, perceived muscle tension, and other aspects of how you feel, but it should not be marketed as a detoxification treatment.

Is a 60-minute massage actually 60 minutes of massage?

This is an important question because massage establishments do not all structure their appointment times the same way.

At some establishments, a "60-minute massage" may mean a 60-minute appointment that includes consultation, changing, and post-treatment discussion. In that situation, the actual hands-on portion may be closer to 50 minutes.

For example:

• 5 minutes: consultation and preparation
• 50 minutes: hands-on massage
• 5 minutes: dressing and post-session discussion

Other establishments advertise a 50-minute massage as the actual treatment length and reserve additional time before and after the appointment for the client to change and communicate with the therapist.

Neither format is inherently wrong, but it is important to understand what you are actually purchasing when you book an appointment. If you have questions about the amount of hands-on time included in your service, ask before your appointment.

Why did I create this FAQ?

After nearly three decades in the massage therapy profession, I have seen how easily misunderstandings can occur between clients and therapists.

I have witnessed excellent massage therapists experience unnecessary problems because a client misunderstood the nature of a service, had expectations that were never communicated, or was unfamiliar with standard massage therapy practices. In some cases, those misunderstandings have resulted in poor reviews, complaints, disciplinary action, or even the loss of a therapist's job.

That is unfortunate for everyone involved.

Massage therapists are professionals who have chosen this career because they genuinely enjoy helping people feel better. At the same time, massage is an inherently personal service that requires trust, communication, professionalism, and clearly established boundaries from both sides.

My goal with this FAQ is simply to make those expectations clear before you ever get on my massage table.

When the client and therapist understand one another, everyone has a better experience.