Welcome !
Thank you for considering getting a massage at Four Hands.
As I like to say, every session at Four Hands is unique. In this section I've assembled
information to help you understand what to expect during your first session with
me. If you have questions that are not answered here, please send me an email.
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Before Your Session:
Before you make an appointment for your massage, you may want to consider the following:
- The duration of your session:
As your therapist, I personally prefer working a longer session. A 90 minutes session allows me to be more thorough and to give your body plenty of time to adapt to the work. If you are coming primarily for relaxation, the extra time allows for a truly blissful experience.
A 60 minutes session is great for relaxation or a targeted treament session.
If you desire a different duration, just let me know when booking the appointment. The shortest table session I offer is 60 minutes
- The type of session you desire:
When asked about the type of massage I do, I usually answer: "the one you need". To be more accurate, the session is carefuly crafted to meet your goals. Therefore we need to clarify what results you expect from our work together. We will discuss those goals before we begin the massage. The session will be a combination of multiple massage style and techniques.
If you are coming for a hot stone massage, please specify this when you make your appointment so I can prepare the stones.
- Payment options:
Payment is expected at the time of service. I accept cash or checks, debit cards, Visa/Mastercard and Discovery.
A 60 minutes session is $80
A 90 minutes session is $95
A Hot Stone session (75 mins) is $90
The price for other durations is to be set with you when I confirm your appointment.
I do not take insurance at this time. I can however provide you with a superbill for the session. You can submit this superbill to your insurance company as services from an out-of-network provider.
Some sliding scale pricing is available for low-income clients. Call me or send me an email to discuss your situation.
- Review and complete the following forms:
Payment Policy
Initial Intake form
Privacy Policy
Please bring the completed forms with you for your first appointment.
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Your Session:
During your appointment:
- The Timing:
Since this is our first session together, I want to first take the time to truly understand your goals for this massage. After a short conversation with you, I will review the flow of the massage with you. I do not consider this 'interview' time as part of our massage time. Please allow for some additional time after the session so we are not rushed to close.
- What to wear:
During the massage, you will be draped in sheets and blankets. I only uncover the area I am working on at the time. After our discussion, I will leave the room to let you prepare for the massage. Please, undress to your level of comfort and get between the sheets as we discussed.
When you are ready, I will knock on the door and come back in the room to start our work together.
- Can I talk or should I be quiet during the massage?
This is really a matter of personal preference. I will check in with you regularly during the session. I need you to tell me if anything feels uncomfortable as we go along. If you want to know what is happening during the massage, I would be happy to answer you. If you prefer to be quiet and enjoy the music, I will not engage in a conversation with you.
It is your session and I take my cues from you. If you are in a talkative mood, talk away. If you are silent, I will be too.
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After Your Session:
After your appointment, I will check in with you to understand your experience on the table. We will discuss what I found and some strategies and techniques for self-care.
- Can I shower on the premise?
Unfortunately, my office does not have a shower. Except for some very particular sessions (ie hot stone), I use very little oil and lotion during the massage. I also provide you with a hot towel to freshen-up should you need to. If you would like more towels, just let me know.
- Will I be sore the next day?
It is possible if we have done some particularly deep work. We will discuss self-care tips to help you recover as fast as possible. I do not work deeper than your body allows me to so there shouldn't be any bruising. Bruising means that the tissue was dammaged during the massage, which is, in my opinion, counter productive.
After deep sessions, I typically close the massage with a blend of anti-inflammatory homeopathic ointment and arnica-laced cream. I found this combination to be very efficient to prevent discomfort after the massage.
- What can I do to prolong the effects of the session?
Water! Try to increase your intake of water for at least 48 hours after the session. As a rule of thumb, try to drink half your body weight in fluid ounces per day.
Epsom Salts are your friends! A warm bath with a liberal amount of Epsom salts (at least 2 cups per tub) after the massage is a wonderful way to prolong the effects of our work together.
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