STEP 1: Make the Appointment
Book an appointment online here.
My private studio is located on Dorchester Road between 18th & 19th Street. Because I work from home, I require a phone or FaceTime session for new clients in order to reserve their time slot.
When you book, I will ask you to fill out some paperwork: medical intake form and consent form. The intake outlines your health history and asks about specific conditions in which it would be unsafe for you to get a massage. I also have a consent form that clients sign to confirm that they understand the risks of letting someone else manipulate soft tissue.
STEP 2: Preparing for the Appointment
Please aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early. Prepare beforehand by being hydrated, well-rested and going to the bathroom. You can eat something small before the appointment. Don't to eat a large meal because it will affect how your body responds to the treatment.
STEP 3: Conversation with Your Massage Therapist
After you fill out your paper work, we will talk through your intake and the goals you have for the session. During this time, it’s important to fill me in on any injuries, past and present that you have. We'll agree on a brief outline of how the session will go in terms of what areas I’ll be prioritizing and which direction (face up or face down) I’d like you to start.
STEP 4: Getting Undressed
You always have the option to undress to your comfort level which means you can undress to the point in which you feel most comfortable. For some people it means leaving undergarments on. For others, it means taking them off. Typically for Swedish massage, clients will undress to their underwear or undress completely. If you prefer, you have the option to wear a bathing suit. I also provide the option of a fully clothed massage treatment. Just let me know. It’s important to note that throughout the entire session your private areas will always be covered with the sheets. Only the area of the body that the therapist is working on will be uncovered. (Note: This can differ from country to country, so just ask your therapist or research online what is customary if traveling outside of the US.)
STEP 5: The Massage
Throughout your massage you should feel comfortable at all times. Pressure, positioning, and temperature are all changeable according to your preferences. This doesn't mean your massage will be pain-free. Pain is a common part of massage and the healing process. As you become more aware of your body, your relationship to pain becomes more comfortable. The massage can be with music or completely silent. You’re allowed to tell your therapist how things feel – too much or too little pressure, tingling, numbness or a hot sensation, triggering PTSD response, etc. The client might be asked to play an active role in the massage by moving their head, arm or leg one way or the other. I might include stretching and active (meaning the client is active) techniques. There will be times when I ask how something feels and provide feedback based on what I’m examining through touch. You can feel free to talk or stay quiet – it’s up to you, and I'll follow your lead unless there’s an important point to make about what I'm touching.
STEP 6: The End of the Massage
Your massage will end after the specified duration. Take your time getting off of the table as it’s not unusual to be slightly lightheaded or dizzy. Be sure to drink water immediately afterwards.
STEP 7: Debrief/ My Recommendations
After each session, I will let you know what I've found during the massage and provide guidance on the next steps. This might be recommendations for stretching, foam rolling, and other forms of self-care, or referrals to other practitioners. I may follow up the following day with an email or text to check in. Please be truthful and let me know how your body responded to the massage – this can only make your next session better and more productive!
STEP 8: Paying & Tipping
I only accept cash, check, credit card, Venmo, Zelle or Paypal. There is a $5 processing fee with CC payments. Tipping is completely optional but appreciated if you can give extra.
Venmo: @KaitlinKaufman17
PayPal (Friends & Family): paypal.me/KaitlinKaufman
Book an appointment online here.
My private studio is located on Dorchester Road between 18th & 19th Street. Because I work from home, I require a phone or FaceTime session for new clients in order to reserve their time slot.
When you book, I will ask you to fill out some paperwork: medical intake form and consent form. The intake outlines your health history and asks about specific conditions in which it would be unsafe for you to get a massage. I also have a consent form that clients sign to confirm that they understand the risks of letting someone else manipulate soft tissue.
STEP 2: Preparing for the Appointment
Please aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early. Prepare beforehand by being hydrated, well-rested and going to the bathroom. You can eat something small before the appointment. Don't to eat a large meal because it will affect how your body responds to the treatment.
STEP 3: Conversation with Your Massage Therapist
After you fill out your paper work, we will talk through your intake and the goals you have for the session. During this time, it’s important to fill me in on any injuries, past and present that you have. We'll agree on a brief outline of how the session will go in terms of what areas I’ll be prioritizing and which direction (face up or face down) I’d like you to start.
STEP 4: Getting Undressed
You always have the option to undress to your comfort level which means you can undress to the point in which you feel most comfortable. For some people it means leaving undergarments on. For others, it means taking them off. Typically for Swedish massage, clients will undress to their underwear or undress completely. If you prefer, you have the option to wear a bathing suit. I also provide the option of a fully clothed massage treatment. Just let me know. It’s important to note that throughout the entire session your private areas will always be covered with the sheets. Only the area of the body that the therapist is working on will be uncovered. (Note: This can differ from country to country, so just ask your therapist or research online what is customary if traveling outside of the US.)
STEP 5: The Massage
Throughout your massage you should feel comfortable at all times. Pressure, positioning, and temperature are all changeable according to your preferences. This doesn't mean your massage will be pain-free. Pain is a common part of massage and the healing process. As you become more aware of your body, your relationship to pain becomes more comfortable. The massage can be with music or completely silent. You’re allowed to tell your therapist how things feel – too much or too little pressure, tingling, numbness or a hot sensation, triggering PTSD response, etc. The client might be asked to play an active role in the massage by moving their head, arm or leg one way or the other. I might include stretching and active (meaning the client is active) techniques. There will be times when I ask how something feels and provide feedback based on what I’m examining through touch. You can feel free to talk or stay quiet – it’s up to you, and I'll follow your lead unless there’s an important point to make about what I'm touching.
STEP 6: The End of the Massage
Your massage will end after the specified duration. Take your time getting off of the table as it’s not unusual to be slightly lightheaded or dizzy. Be sure to drink water immediately afterwards.
STEP 7: Debrief/ My Recommendations
After each session, I will let you know what I've found during the massage and provide guidance on the next steps. This might be recommendations for stretching, foam rolling, and other forms of self-care, or referrals to other practitioners. I may follow up the following day with an email or text to check in. Please be truthful and let me know how your body responded to the massage – this can only make your next session better and more productive!
STEP 8: Paying & Tipping
I only accept cash, check, credit card, Venmo, Zelle or Paypal. There is a $5 processing fee with CC payments. Tipping is completely optional but appreciated if you can give extra.
Venmo: @KaitlinKaufman17
PayPal (Friends & Family): paypal.me/KaitlinKaufman
Copyright © 2021