Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
If you’ve never visited a professional Massage Therapist before, you’re bound to have lots of questions or concerns. Below, you’ll find a list of several frequently asked questions from my patients. Connect with me today for more information.
Do you have a place of business I can go to?
Massage By Josie is strictly a mobile massage service where the therapist goes to your home. There is no brick-and-mortar building that you can go to for our services.
Do you go to hotels?
While we are aware that many people travel for business or leisure and wish to experience a relaxing massage in the comfort of their hotel rooms, unfortunately, Massage by Josie does not provide services to hotels or motels. You need to have a home with ample space for the massage table set up and room for the therapist to work around in. We usually recommend an 8'x 8' space to accommodate the 6' x 2' table.
Do you do erotic massage?
No. Massage by Josie is a professional business with a certified and licensed therapist. We do not offer any form of erotic or sensual touch massage. Massage by Josie caters to those seeking professional massage services to alleviate pain and stress through therapeutic massage.
How and when do I pay for services?
All payment is collected at the end of your service. I accept cash, Zelle, and Apple Pay. Checks are not accepted by first-time clients. Credit cards are not accepted. Repeat cancelations ( 4 times in a row) will result in a 50% non-refundable deposit being requested to secure booking.
Do you provide everything? What do I need to provide?
I provide the table, table warmer (winter), music, and oils/lotions. Clients are asked to provide their own linens for their session. Two sheets and one pillowcase is required. Please note that oils have a tendency to stain and lock in the fabric over time, causing a rancid smell. This means you will not want to use or best or only set of sheets. Be prepared to buy new sheets after multiple session. While you can preserve the longevity of your sheets by washing them immediately following your massage, also adding dish soap detergent to the wash, know that this does not gaurantee smell free sheets after months of massage.
Can I prepay for my massage or pay for someone else to get a massage?
You are always welcome to prepay or pay for services for someone else as a gift via Zelle. I do recommend that when gifting my services to someone, you inform them ahead of time and provide them with my contact information to set up a day and time that is convenient for their service in their home.
Do you do couples massage?
Yes. However, because I currently work alone, all couples massages are booked in a back-to-back format. This means if you are a couple seeking a 1-hour massage for each person, your service time will be 2 hrs in total. Ideally, I like to arrive 15 minutes earlier than the appointment time to allow plenty of time to set up, go over any concerns and allow time for the switch out between people.
How do you do Prenatal massages?
I do side-lying prenatal massages. This means that the pregnant person will be laying on their side and back in an elevated position throughout their massage session. It requires the client to have either two pillows to use during this time or a pregnancy pillow, J-shaped or U-shaped is best.
If I like Deep tissue massage but I don't like intense pain, which massage should I book?
I often get asked about my deep tissue massage style. I have found over the years that most people looking for deep tissue are usually wanting just more pressure than the spa deep tissue therapist gives them. If this is the case, this is not a problem and most people will find the desired pressure they are looking for with my Therapeutic massage. If however, you are a glutton for punishment and used to a intense massage with elbows and forearms, then my deep tissue massage is for you. I would caution those looking at my deep tissue to try my therapeutic massage first and upgrade to a deep tissue later if they find the pressure still lacking. I am always happy to upgrade a service when booked, but I do not downgrade services.
What should I do to prepare for my in-home massage service?
First and foremost, please have ample open space in your home for my massage table setup. Space is essential when having in-home services. Clients should also do a quick wash before the therapist arrives to ensure a clean, sweat-free body to work on. Nothing is more gross and unhygienic than running your hands and forearms across a sweaty body and spreading that sweat around. If you work out before a massage, please have the courtesy to wash up after. Have your linens ready to go. Lock up any animals that will disturb your massage time with constant barking or need for attention. I am allergic to cats, but I don't mind them as long as I am made aware beforehand to take an allergy pill if needed. Dogs are okay, and I love them, but they can interrupt your massage by licking the massage oil on your body if they can reach you on the table. Please have clean towels or paper towels set in the bathroom or by a sink so that I can wash my hands after I set up my equipment and after your massage. If you have any allergies, inform me before your appointment so that I am prepared and have the correct oils/lotions. Wear a robe or easy-to-disrobe clothing before the massage. You can undress to your comfort level, but I recommend no bras if you want your back and shoulders massaged. You are welcome to be fully nude, as you will be under the sheet and draped according to California massage code practices. Payment is expected following your service before your therapist leaves.
Are there cancelation fees?
Is tipping required?
There is no cancelation fee. I realize with COVID, times have changed and people get sick and need to change plans. Because I am high risk, do ask that if you or a family member come down with COVID or are sick in any way, you please reschedule your appointment for a later date. I will also do the same for myself and if any members in my household or clients have tested positive for COVID, I will make you aware of it prior to your appointment and allow you to decided whether you would like to keep the appointment or reschedule. However, please be aware that repeat consecutive cancelations (more than 4 times in a row) will result in a non-refundable deposit fee of 50% being required to secure your next booking.
Tipping is something personal to each person. While tipping is not mandatory, it is typically done when receiving a specialized service at home. My rates, while fair, are the market rate excluding any gratuity. I usually leave that to my clients to decide if they felt my services were good enough to deserve a tip. Any compensation given is greatly appreciated and makes the therapist feel more remarkable for being recognized as having given exceptional service.