Your initial assessment is all about your massage therapist getting to know you, your health concerns and your wellness goals. We will consider information about your physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress levels, medications, and any areas of pain that could affect your massage therapy outcome. This information will help the massage therapist structure the session to achieve your health and wellness goals. It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes early for your first appointment to complete your new client forms.

Call or text (314) 384-5952 and we will be happy to find a time that works for you.

**A credit or debit card is required to reserve an appointment, however you are not charged for anything until after the appointment is completed.  After your appointment, you can choose another form of payment.

Sessions are by appointment only. Same day appointments are sometimes available, and we can also put you on our waitlist. However, booking in advance will allow for more options on the schedule.

Not all types of massage are appropriate for all conditions.  Many health conditions may require gentler forms of massage therapy, or more specialized techniques and treatment plans. However, you should avoid getting a massage if you have certain conditions, or if you're sick, to protect yourself and others.

Contraindications for massage include:

• Fever of 100°F or above

• Cold, flu or sinus infection

• Open wounds

• Burns or broken bones

• Blood clots

• Contagious skin infections such as impetigo or a fungal infection

• Liver failure

• Severe osteoporosis

• Intoxication through drugs or alcohol

• High-risk pregnancies

• Meningitis

When in doubt, always ask. You can and should always ask your massage therapist beforehand about any questions you may have or conditions you are facing.

It's a great idea to give yourself some additional time after your massage to continue relaxing and to allow your body to fully absorb the benefits of massage.  Most importantly, drink a lot of water, especially for the next 24 hours. Drinking water is generally a really good idea, but after massage it is a necessity. When you receive a massage naturally occurring toxins, which build up in your muscles from daily wear and tear, are released into your body. Massage loosens muscles and releases waste into your body resulting in extra work for your lymphatic system (which helps process the waste). This is where water comes to the rescue to flush and help the toxins clear your system. It is also important to remember that alcoholic, sugary and caffeinated beverages are all diuretics (they dehydrate you) and should be avoided or limited post massage. It is OK to exercise after a massage however, avoid doing any intense workouts to make sure your muscles get proper recovery.

• Mutual respect, courtesy, professionalism, confidentiality and dignity between you and the massage therapist.

• Being draped appropriately by a sheet, towel or blanket, with only the area being massaged exposed.

• The right to determine if there will be conversation, music or quiet during the massage.

• The right to consent to the massage techniques and approaches, including the level of manual pressure, used in the massage and the ability to request adjustments to pressure at any time during the massage

• The right to stop a massage and report anything you feel is inappropriate during the massage.

• Please let us know beforehand if you have any allergies so that the therapist can avoid using certain oils or lotions.