decor-at-natural-spa.jpg

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

 
 

WHAT KIND OF MASSAGE DO YOU OFFER?
Visit the MASSAGE SERVICES section to see a complete list of the modalities I offer


WHERE DO YOU OFFER MASSAGE?
I work out of Lateral Fitness in River North,
314 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654

Mon 11-7pm
Tues 11-7pm
Wed 9-4pm
Thur 10-6pm
Fri 10-6pm
Sat 9-1pm

Visit the LOCATION page for more details

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
call: 773-517-5485
email: sarah@chicagohealingmassage.com
By appointment only

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$125 / 60 minutes
$170 / 90 minutes

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Venmo, Zelle, Cash, and all major credit cards are accepted

AM I CHARGED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING?
Clients new to Chicago Healing Massage are required to pay before their first massage during the online booking process.
After that, you are welcome to prepay online when booking or in person at the time of your session.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Your session is reserved especially for you! If you wish to cancel or reschedule your session, kindly give as much notice as possible. Cancellations within 24 hours of your appointment time will be charged the full value of the service. True emergencies are exceptions.

Late Arrivals: If you arrive late for your appointment, your session may be shortened to avoid impacting the next client’s appointment. If you are more than twenty minutes late, I will determine if there is enough time to start the session. The fee of your original scheduled appointment applies.

Thank you for your courtesy.

SHOULD I TIP?
Tipping in any service industry is customary in our society, and they tend to reflect the level of service you received. That being said, tips are appreciated but never expected. Also, referrals are always appreciated and another way to show gratitude! I truly enjoy my work and love sharing the world of massage with current clients as well as new people.

WHICH TREATMENT IS BEST FOR ME?
Every time you come in for a session, we will check in with each other to determine which techniques and modalities would fit you best. Once I learn where you’re at the day of your session, we will go over the modalities that will most enhance your current experience. That said, if you really want to have a particular modality, of course we will do that!

WHAT DO I WEAR?
You can wear whatever you like to your session. During a therapeutic massage treatment you will disrobe to your comfort level. Throughout the session you will be resting underneath a full sheet and blanket.

THIS IS MY FIRST MASSAGE, WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
When you come in for a massage, I will listen and discuss with you the reasons for your visit: symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and desired outcome of the session. You can expect an intuitive blend of bodywork skills and techniques to meet your individual needs. Your session is tailored to you to help facilitate your health and wellness.

Next I will leave the room, and at that time you will undress to your comfort level and lay underneath the table linens. When I re-enter the massage room, I’ll ask about your comfort level, and if you have any concerns with temperature, positioning, or anything else.

You’ll be encouraged to take deep breaths throughout the massage and assert any concerns if they arise. After your massage, we will discuss what to expect in the few days following your session. I will follow up with you in an email one to two days later to check on your wellbeing post massage. If at any time you feel discomfort, I encourage you to express your thoughts, feelings, or experiences, even if it is after you leave the studio.

Read through the AFTERCARE section for beneficial self care suggestions.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE FOR MY MASSAGE?
Make sure you’re well hydrated if possible, otherwise, just show up and be prepared to be pampered!

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RECEIVE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?
The best way to see the benefits of a therapeutic massage is to receive one on a regular basis, if possible. That could be once a week or once a month, whatever fits into your life both financially and timely. Since our nervous system and muscles have memory, they need to be reminded regularly that relaxation is the preferred state. Your therapist can recommend a frequency for you based on your wellness goals.

WHAT IF I FALL ASLEEP, SNORE, OR DROOL?
This is probably one of the few places that sleeping is taken as a compliment. I encourage complete relaxation, so if that includes a little drool or nodding off here and there, by all means, be my guest!

CAN I TALK DURING MY MASSAGE?
I honestly don’t mind if you talk or if you don’t talk. Many times you are coming straight from traffic or work and it seems natural to continue in that mode. Maybe you’re nervous or just a talker – whatever the case may be, I don’t mind.

However, I encourage shifting out of that mindset and into a space of receiving relaxation. A very therapeutic aspect of massage is to be in between the state of asleep and awake, and you probably won’t get there if you’re talking. The one time I do encourage talking is if you experience anything uncomfortable, let me know.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF AFTER A MASSAGE?
Awesome question that will be answered in further detail after your session, because, hey, everybody is different, and each person will have different needs following their session to enhance your unique experience.

That said, there are some general things you can do for self-care. Drink plenty of water! It’s important to rehydrate your tissues, especially the ones that were dehydrated, tensing or cramping before coming into your session.

Also, it’s best to rest your body and take it easy 24-36 hours after your session. If you go back to your physical activities too soon and you run the risk of injury. Give your body the time it needs to fully rest, heal, and acclimate to the changes that took place during your session. Visit the AFTERCARE page for additional soothing self-care options.

WHAT IS ASHIATSU?
Parallel bars are used above the massage table for balance, support, and client and therapist safety. The therapist then applies their body weight and foot pressure to perform a heavy to deep massage. The therapist does not “walk” on you. They have one foot placed on the table while they use the other foot to compress and glide over the tissue.

The broad flowing strokes loosen, lengthen and smooth chronically tight fascia, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Ashiatsu is the perfect combination of pressure and relaxation. This Western take on ancient barefoot massage is known to be an incredibly effective treatment for areas like the glutes, hips, and hamstrings. The foot offers a more appropriate tool than hands and elbows to deliver broad heavy pressure to usually very muscularly dense areas.

Visit the SERVICES page for more details.

HOW DOES MASSAGE HELP DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY?
Prenatal and Postnatal Massage relieves many of the common discomforts of being pregnant including backaches, neck pain, leg cramps, sore feet, headaches, and edema (swelling). Massage encourages blood and lymph circulation as well as alleviating sore, tense muscles, and improving sleep and energy, ultimately promoting overall wellness.

Clients must be 13 weeks or later to book a session.

DO YOU DO HOME MASSAGES OR TRAVEL FOR MASSAGE?
At this time, I am not taking on home clients.