Visit benefits of massage for more details on how massage affects each system of the body (i.e., circulatory, respiratory, lymph, digestion, etc.). [return to questions]

Q. Are there certain medical conditions where it is advisable to not receive massage?

A. Yes. These medical conditions are referred to as contraindications. Generally, massage is not advised for anyone with an infectious skin disease, a rash, or an unhealed wound. It's also wise to avoid it immediately after surgery, or if you're prone to blood clots. Circulatory ailments such as phlebitis or varicose veins preclude the use of massage, and it should never be performed directly over bruises, inflamed or infected injuries, areas of bleeding or heavy tissue damage, or at the sites of recent fractures or sprains.

Massage is not recommended for cancer patients immediately after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. While there is no evidence that it actually prompts cancer to metastasize to other parts of the body, the theoretical possibility exists. Avoid massage over any known tumor, and in any area with a recent surgical incision.

Forego massage in the abdominal area for at least two hours after eating--and if you have an abdominal hernia, avoid it completely. Abdominal massage should also be strictly avoided during the first three months of pregnancy; during this period, massage of the legs and feet is also inadvisable. Indeed, it's best to consult your obstetrician before any massage during pregnancy.

Finally, if you suffer from panic attacks or have a history of sexual abuse, you may find that hands-on therapies such as massage just aren't right for you.

Some of these conditions can be worked around in a massage treatment. Always consult your doctor before receiving massage treatments. It’s the best way to make sure you’re doing the right thing for your health. [return to questions]

Q. What is the average price for a massage in New Mexico?

A. Prices can vary depending on the therapists level of expertise, education and experience, as well as geographic location. However, some very good therapists charge a nominal fee and some not-so-good therapists charge a great deal. You need to try the therapist out to decide if their price is worth paying. Here are average prices for a one hour Swedish style massage treatment (not including tax or gratuity) to give you a general idea:

Albuquerque, $40-$50
Santa Fe, $60-$75
other NM cities, $30-$45

Visit my fees page to see a current price list and specials. [return to questions]

Q. Why are massages so expensive?

A. Most massage therapists are self-employed and need to cover their own health insurance, social security, retirement programs, vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, as well as business expenses (advertising, insurance, memberships, rent, supplies, mandatory continuing education, etc.). Approximately 50%-70% of a massage therapists gross income goes to business expenses and self-employment taxes.

In addition, the vocation of massage therapy is highly taxing on the therapists body and most therapists can only see 12-20 clients a week. If a therapist is specializing in Rolfing or deep tissue work, that number is even less.

There is also an ebb and flow to most massage practices. Some weeks a therapist will be booked up and turning clients away and some weeks there will be very few clients at all; the summer tends to be much slower for therapists than the winter.

Because of these factors, most massage therapists have second jobs to supplement their income. [return to questions]

Q. Do most people request that their massage therapist be of the same sex or the opposite sex?

A. It’s really about personal comfort—some people have no preference at all. For others, it touches upon body image, sexuality, social conditioning, etc. [return to questions]

Q. Is it best to get a massage naked?

A. Being nude during a massage can be very freeing if you feel safe with your therapist. Professionally trained massage therapists incorporate, and are required to do by law, draping with a sheet or towel during a massage, so only the body area being worked on at that time is being exposed. This makes for comfortable, professional boundaries between client and therapist.

Your massage therapist will leave the room to give you time to undress, lie down on the massage table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet. They will knock before entering to make sure you are ready for them to return. At the end of the treatment, the therapist will quietly leave the room and give you time to dress privately. They will either ask you to open the door to let them back in when you’re ready, or they will knock. Great care is taken at all times to preserve your privacy. [return to questions]

Q. What if I’m not comfortable being naked during a massage?

A. It’s appropriate for a client to wear underwear or any other article(s) of clothing during a massage if this allows them to feel more comfortable. In fact, most licensed massage therapists are trained to do full body massage treatments on a person who is fully dressed. However, from a therapeutic standpoint, it is best if the therapist can make direct contact with the client’s skin; this will affect the tissue and the body systems at a faster and more efficient rate than through layers of clothing. Ultimately, a massage is about relaxation and client comfort and an ethical massage therapist will leave it up to the client as to what they wear or not wear during a treatment. [return to questions]

Q What if I get sexually aroused during a treatment?

A. It is most often a totally unconscoius physiological response to touch. Simply relax if you become aware of it happening during your treatment. Focus on your breathing and let go of thinking about it. It will fade away. The purpose of a therapeutic massage is not to create sexual excitement. It's purpose is to relax, sedate, nourish, and heal the body, mind, and spirit. If you have a history of sexual abuse, massage therapy may not be for you.

Sexual massage is another thing entirely. I personally do not advocate it as a massage therapy modality. However, it does exist. It is important to be aware of the difference between licensed massage therapists and body rub/sensual masseurs. Licensed massage therapists do not engage in sexual contact with their clients, as required by law. return to questions]

Q. What is the best way to prepare for a massage?

A. The most important thing to do before a massage is not to rush to your massage appointment or schedule it at an awkward time. You also shouldn't eat too much before your massage—at least an hour before the session. A long, hot shower or bath before the massage will relax and soften sore and tight muscles, and you will be clean for the therapist working on you. Make sure you’re there a few minutes before your appointment time. This will give you some time to begin to relax before you start your treatment. [return to questions]

Q. Is there one particular area where most people hold their tension?

A. Shoulders, neck, and lower back are the most common, but it varies. Occupational issues such as repetitive motion injuries and high stress often contribute to these areas becoming hot spots. [return to questions]

Q. What type of massage is best for beginners?

A. A Swedish style massage is probably the best. Long, soothing strokes with moderate pressure, give rise to improved circulation, a release of endorphins, muscle nourishment, and many other benefits. A more aggressive Swedish massage with perhaps some Shiatsu or Deep Tissue strokes included, is something to work up to as you get used to the power of touch. [return to questions]

Q. What is the best time of day for a massage?

A. Whatever fits into your schedule, but try not squeezing a massage into a tight time frame. Honor this time you are giving yourself. Many find it most beneficial at the end of their day. [return to questions]

Q. What is the best way to stay relaxed after the massage?

A. Let its effects linger with you for as long as possible. Don't rush back into traffic, back to work, clean the house, etc. Try a hot shower or bath afterwards, meditate, light candles, play soothing music, eat a healthy dinner, drink lots of water, perhaps even declare it a bathrobe day! [return to questions]

Q. What kind of training do you need to be a massage therapist?

A. It varies from state to state. Many states have instituted state licensing which usually include strict guidelines, educational requirements, and a state board examination. Educational requirements are comprehensive and include: anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, swedish massage, deep tissue, sports massage, polarity, shiatsu, reflexology, pre-natal massage, hydrotherapy, first aid, cpr, ethics, etc. New Mexico requires completion of a 700-hour, state accredited program, successful completion of the National Certification of Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB, in Washington, D.C.) exam and a state jurisprudence exam. New Mexico used to be the toughest state for massage licensing requirements. New York changed its laws in January 2000 and now requires a 1000-hour, state accredited program (an additional 300 hours were added to cover eastern medicines) to qualify for their state board exam. However, they do not require NCTMB certification. California and Nevada, as well as approximately 10 other states, do not have massage licensing requirements.

Visit my bio to read about my specific education, experience and other qualitifications. [return to questions]

Q. What percentage of your clients are repeat clients?

A. In my private practice, repeats run at about 90 percent. Many of my regular clients who have incorporated massage into their lifestyle, realize that regular sessions keep them feeling their best, emotionally as well as physically. So for many, it is weekly, biweekly, or monthly sessions. Your time and budget are important considerations, but your body (and mind) looks forward to that next massage, even if it is once every six months.

In spa and gym settings, repeat business is also very high, but new clients are always on your schedule. This is great for the therapist that likes a variety of "energies" and people. I personally prefer the private practice setting. [return to questions]