Frequently Asked Questions

  • Fill out the online intake form prior to your appointment. Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your scheduled time. If the door is closed, please have a seat on the stool in the hallway and I will be out to greet you as soon as I am ready.

    We’ll first go over your intake form to discuss your current concerns and goals. I may also perform an assessment to look at range of motion and strength, and we’ll discuss your preferences as far as pressure and positioning. Then you’ll be given privacy to disrobe and lie on the table between the sheets. Most massage techniques are performed directly on the skin, but you are encouraged to undress to your comfort level. The room is kept warm and cozy, and you will always be appropriately draped during the massage.

    I typically don’t use any tools on the first visit, so I can assess the soft tissues with my hands. After, I will leave the room again and allow you to slowly get off the table and get dressed. My number one goal is your comfort, so please ask any questions or state any preferences!

  • Innate Balance is located on the second floor, and unfortunately, the building does not have an elevator. If accessibility is an issue, I am happy to send a referral for a therapist on the ground floor!

  • I do not bill insurance. However, I accept FSA/HDSA cards and am happy to provide you with a superbill, but cannot guarantee reimbursement.

  • I do not currently offer any discounts.

  • I no longer offer prenatal massage but am happy to make recommendations to other therapists in the area!

  • Yes! I find many clients receive deeper and longer lasting benefits of the massage when their minds and voices are quiet. However, if the session is for pain relief, I will check in throughout and may ask you to participate in the session at times. It is also totally okay to chat during the session, if that is what you need! It is your time.

  • Definitely not! “No pain, no gain” is a common myth. My clients see amazing results with a gentle, intentional, and often specific approach. Allowing the body to fully relax is crucial to decrease hypertonicity (muscle stiffness) and return to a state of homeostasis. And more than that, unnecessarily deep pressure can activate the sympathetic nervous system – telling your body it’s under attack and needs protection – which leads to tense muscles and a flood of stress chemicals. I believe in working intentionally, while respecting the tissues and the nervous system.

Policies

  • I understand and respect the busy schedules of clients. When given sufficient notice, appointments may be moved, or accommodations may be made. Please understand that operating hours are limited, and I am often booked in advance.

    There is no charge for cancellations received at least 24 hours in advance. If a client must cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, they may be charged 50% of the amount of the scheduled appointment.

    Should you need to cancel your appointment due to feeling unwell or inclement weather, the normal cancellation policy will be waived. Contact me immediately if you feel unwell.

  • If 15 minutes has passed since your appointment time, it will be considered a no-show, and you will be charged 100% of the price of the session. An invoice will be sent to the email on file and/or the card on file will be charged.

    Future appointments can only be booked once the balance is paid.

  • I ask that clients please call or text as soon as possible if they are feeling ill or have a fever. It is in both of our best interests to reschedule appointments in this case. I see many clients who are immunocompromised and want to keep everyone as healthy as possible!

    I reserve the right to refuse treatment if you arrive at your appointment with symptoms of illness.

    Likewise, please understand if I ask to reschedule because I'm feeling ill.

  • It is the client's responsibility to disclose medical history on an intake form by the first appointment to ensure there are no contraindications (a condition or circumstance indicating that massage is unsafe). Clients are asked to include past surgeries, injuries, trauma, and anything they feel is necessary to note.

    Massage/bodywork may not be advised for some medical conditions. If a massage could be potentially harmful to a client, I reserve the right to decline to perform the massage.

    Clients are asked to share any changes in their health, diagnoses, treatments, illnesses, or conditions as sessions progress.