What should I expect?

    When coming to an appointment, plan to arrive a few minutes early.  This will help to ensure a relaxed and unhurried experience.  During this time you will fill out a confidential "client intake" form as well as discuss your expectations and hopes for your session.  The intake form simply asks questions about your general health, specific injuries, and whether or not you are under the care of a doctor.  This is also the time to ask any questions that you may have so that you are fully comfortable with your experience.   
    After the consultation, you will be instructed of how to get on the table and then after I have left the room, allowed to disrobe.  Only undress to your comfort level.  You may leave on undergarments, or anything you wish; though it is preferred that you remove all jewelry.  If you wear contacts it is recommended that you remove them to prevent drying out.  If you have a preference of a particular CD or massage product please feel free to bring it.  Once you are disrobed and properly on the table I will return and begin the session.  
    Once the session has started there should be little or no talking.  Don't feel as if you need to make conversation, silence is golden while receiving a massage.   However, feel free to voice if more or less pressure is desired at any point or if anything becomes uncomfortable.  If the pressure is to your liking, just close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and enjoy your time on the table; this is time for you and only you.  
    When your session has ended I will again leave the room and allow you to get dressed.  Don't feel rushed; try to remain in a calm, positive frame of mind for the rest of the day.  The longer you remind yourself to stay at ease and not get back into the "hustle bustle" of the day, the longer the effects of your massage will last.  It is also advised to drink plenty of water for the next 24 hours to help flush out the bodys natural toxins that have been released during the session (I provide a complimentary bottle of water after each studio session).  Aside from that, your only job is to simply enjoy your day.

Will it hurt?

    No, it should not.  Some people like a gentle technique while others prefer a more vigorous one.  A massage is intended to be very soothing and tranquil; however, some parts of the body may have more built-up tension (knots) and may require extra attention which, in turn, may cause brief moments of discomfort.  This is caused by the Lactic Acid that is being released from the muscles, the soreness will equal that of the feeling you get after a hard workout.  This discomfort should never elevate to the point of pain, but for tight, overworked muscles it can get sensitive.  At any time during the session something becomes painful please say something; if you don't let me know I won't know to ease up. I want your massage to be something you enjoy from start to finish.

May I decide what is to be done?

    Of course, this massage is for you.  We will work together to create a massage that will be most beneficial to you, however you have the say as to what technique you would like, which areas to receive extra work, and which to avoid altogether.

How will I feel afterward?

    Most people feel very relaxed and calm.  Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity.  After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity that can last for days.  Other effects mentioned are a better nights sleep, freedom from depression, declined anxiety, and an entire body sensation of  "I just feel good".  I strongly advise to drink lots of water to help flush the natural toxins from your body that were released during your treatment to give you that added boost of vitality.    

Do I have to be nude?

    No, you only undress to the level at which you are comfortable.  For a full body massage, most people undress completely while some prefer to leave on undergarments.  This allows the therapist to be in direct contact with the skin to make the manipulation of muscle and tissue much easier.   You have full privacy to disrobe and once you are on the table you are covered with a sheet or towel at all times.  I use a technique called "draping" which means that only the area that is being worked is the area uncovered, once I've finish that area it is recovered before the next is worked.  Draping ensures your privacy during the entire massage and helps you to relax and feel comfortable.  If you choose to have gluteal work, it is done over the sheet keeping that area completely covered.  Also, during any professional massage, the breasts and the genitals are always covered and never included as part of a massage.      

Are there any conditions that would make massage inadvisable?

    Yes, massage is a great method of maintaining optimal health, but there are conditions that may prevent some from benefiting from massage.   This is where the client-therapist communication makes all of the difference.  It is very important that you voice ANY medical conditions (big or small), any treatments, or any injuries that you have had, or are experiencing.  The very last thing that I want to do is make an underlying medical condition worse.  If you are under the care of a doctor it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session.  
    Some of the major contraindications that could pose a possible problem are:  Heart disease, Liver/Kidney disease, Diabetes, Thrombosis, Phlebitis, open skin lesions, skin rashes or infections, any acute infectious diseases, fever, recent heart attack, some forms of cancer, or severe injury or surgery sites.  Some of these conditions, if controlled, will not cause a problem as long as you have a written statement from a doctor or physician.  If ever in doubt about a condition please speak up before the session begins.

Are house calls available?

    Yes.  House calls are always an option simply due to demand.  Some advantages clients have expressed are that they don't have to deal with traveling to and from the appointment, they are sometimes able to go right to bed after their session, and simply because it is more comfortable for them to receive a massage in their own surroundings.  The area that I mainly cover is about a 5-10 mile radius around Charleston for a small travel fee (depending on location).   In the words of my clients "It is a small price to pay for the comfort of massage at home".

How often should I get a massage? 

    Basically, its up to you.  Factors such as your pain levels, time commitment, and finances will all affect your decision.  For relaxation purposes, most like to come once or twice a month, yet someone with frequent muscle pain or stress may choose to come weekly.  Many people find that scheduling a massage before, during, or after times they know they will be particularly stressful, such as holidays, final exams, or tax season helps to minimize the impact of that unavoidable stress.  You can continue going for massages as long as you need or want to.  Some will stop once a pain or condition is resolved, and some will continue to go for  "maintenance massage".  The cumulative effects of regular massage sessions can certainly enhance your overall health and well-being.

Should I go for 30, 60, or 90 Minutes?

    For your first appointment, I recommend a full hour.  This gives me time to go through any assessment and see which massage is right for you and which areas need the most work.  This also gives you the chance to see which areas of the body you prefer to have worked.  Most clients come for the 60 minute full body session, however if you only like work done to a specific area such as the neck and shoulders, or back, then a 30 minute session is sufficient.  For the full relaxation experience, 90 minutes is your ticket.  During that time I can slowly go all over the body taking my time at troubled spots and giving you the stress relief that you deserve.  Again, it is completely up to you.

Should I eat before a massage?

    Your massage experience will be even more beneficial if you refrain from eating a large meal right before your session.  After eating, your body is focused on digestion, plus if you eat any sugars or caffeine, your body will take longer to fully relax.  A small snack or something light is advised.  Consumption of drugs or alcohol should be avoided completely, before and after a massage.

Is the information I give you confidential?

    Yes!  Like any medical facility, your privacy is kept between you and I.  Anything we discuss before, during, or after the massage be it medical, spiritual, or just regular conversation will not be shared with anyone.  Confidentially for my clients is something I hold very important.

How do I pay for a session?

    I currently accept cash and personal check only.  Payment is due at the time of the session.  Please make checks payable to "Michael Burris".  There is a $25 fee for any returned checks.

Does therapist gender make any difference?

    The short answer is no.  There is a perception that male therapists can give a deeper massage, and in many cases this is true.  However, in general, nothing about a therapists gender will give any hint about the style or quality of massage given.  It is your massage and whatever gender you are comfortable with should be the one you choose.

What training is required of a Massage Therapist?

    Proper massage therapists are well educated and professionally trained.  We complete an extensive number of hours of class time at well established institutions and upon completion earn the right to carry the title of a "Licensed Massage Therapist".  Training for licensing is very thorough; studies covered include the study of the anatomy and physiology, physical bodywork, introduction to a vast array of massage techniques, morals and ethics, and certification in first-aid and CPR.  After licensing, there are many required hours of continuing education that each massage therapist must complete.  In a matter of speaking massage therapists are always in training.  This profession is an ever-growing field and a good massage therapist is always studying new techniques and methods of performing.

Where did I receive my training?

    I attended the National Institute of Technology located in Cross Lanes where I graduated in April 2005 with a 4.0 grade point average.  I received my license to perform Massage Therapy and Bodywork services by completing 720 credit hours.  Additional training I have had is certification and "attunement" in Reiki 1 by traditional Reiki Master, Jennifer Taylor.  I am also certified in First Aid and CPR and an active member of the International Massage Association.

What sets me apart?             

    The combination of my relaxed confidence, clear focus, and my emphasis on safety, comfort, open communication, and education make working with me a unique experience.  I see myself as a partner with you in your total health maintenance program, which includes massage, exercise, diet, and rest.  I am committed to providing you with precisely the bodywork experience you are looking for.  I promise to do my very best to make sure that you get off of my table a satisfied (and relaxed) client.