Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
What different kinds of massage and bodywork do you do?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?


Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. I CAN do trigger point therapy with you fully clothed. Light cotton tank top and shorts are best if you choose this option. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. If you choose to wear light clothing, I will be working through the clothes

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. I can work on any area you need. I OFTEN only work on the upper body if the person is having headaches or neck and arm pain. If you want only specific areas treated, I can spend the entire hour on that area and related muscles and the trigger points causing the pain.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. When I find trigger points, the TrP is much more sensitive. I can easily regulate the amount of pressure and work so that the TrP is treated without too much pain. YOU MUST tell me if the pressure is too much. Often, a light oil or cream is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The cream also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

What different kinds of massage and bodywork do you do?

My specialty is Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy which I usually combined with deep tissue massage. I can do full body relaxation massage alone or combine different techniques to your needs. If you are in a LOT of pain, I can do very gentle treatments until the muscles are less painful. We will discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask Mary Jo any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. Communication about painful areas in is important, ALWAYS tell me if I am using too much pressure or moving you in a way that is painful!  During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. Other people prefer to talk the entire session, asking questions or discussing ways to do self-care or whatever.  If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed and experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity.  Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. I have provided a water filter and cooler in the waiting area as you enter the building, please feel free to fill your water bottle.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
See the FAQ page for specifics on Trigger point Therapy. Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required. If you are concerned about a condition, please feel free to call me and ask before you make the appointment.

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. There are stairs to my office, if this is a problem, I have several other places that might work better, just ask.