What You Get From A $130 Massage

For most people, money is the biggest obstacle to getting regular massage. We don’t like to talk about money, it’s supposed to be a private issue. But I’m going to address it head on. Regular massage is a considerable budget item, and it’s important to acknowledge that.
If I expect you to jiggle the numbers and budget $130 for a massage every week, month, or quarter, it’s my job to tell you what you’re buying. So here it is, what you get from a 1 hour, $130 massage.

Clarity in Pricing
What I charge is clearly listed here.
Gratuity is accepted and appreciated, but not required.

A Full Hour
1 hour = 60 minutes. The clock doesn’t start until I walk in the room and lay my hands.
That’s not the case for every business. Massage Envy’s hour is 50 minutes. Elements gives you 55 minutes.
Even some spas and chiropractic centers operate on a 50-minute hour. But in my office, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minute treatments last exactly as long as indicated. (Unless you’re late, then I may have to adjust accordingly.)

Ease of Scheduling
Scheduling tends to be the second biggest obstacle to getting regular massage. We never think of scheduling massage at a time that is actually convenient to call. I take all that out of the equation to make it easier for both of us. No phone tag. No waiting for a message reply.
You can schedule with me online right here.

Attention
You get my full and undivided attention. For a whole hour, you are center of the universe - the star! You are the reason we’re in the room.
Need silence? You got it!
Want me to spend the full hour on your feet? Absolutely!
Music request? Sure!
Extra pillow? No problem!
You get your own full attention. No phone. No demands. Just you.

Experience
I’ve had 10 years of practice and hours of continuing education. They were all just prep for your massage.
I know how to work with fascia in the traps, scalenes, and occipitals to relieve tension headaches. I know how to release a hypertonic subscapularis muscle that is causing arm and shoulder pain and tingling in the fingers. I have trigger point techniques for back pain caused by tight hips muscles. I could go on, but you get the picture.


Clinical prudence
I won’t practice any techniques that are unsafe for you and your health condition.
I will not use joint movements if you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I will use safe pressure around your spine if you have degerative disc disease. I will not use deep pressure in any particularly swollen area, because I do not want to cause damage to your lymph system. And if I see any signs of deep vein thrombosis, I will avoid that area and inform you immediately and encourage you to get it checked it asap.
I’ll say it again. I won’t practice any techniques that are unsafe for you and your health condition.


Proper certification
There are plenty of massage therapists offering discounted massage, operating under the radar.
If a therapist is operating without all the proper licenses, their insurance will be voided in the event of a claim. That can be super scary.
You can check my certification anytime with California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).

Insurance
I have and keep liability insurance coverage through ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals) with Allied Professionals.
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High-quality massage oil
I only use the best products on your skin. I use first-pressed jojoba, and it’s not exactly an oil. It’s an ester that is very similar to our naturally produced sebum. It is non-comedogenic, so it will not clog your pores. And it is hypoallergenic, so no worries if you have any topical allergies.

​You get to support a small local business
It’s just me! No conglomerate. No fancy management structure or corporate set up. Just a little business owner, paying her taxes, making a living, and participating in the same communities she serves. When you pay $130 for a massage with me, you know that money is staying in the local economy.

​All that, from a $130 massage. :)