How do I schedule an appointment?
You can see all my available openings and schedule an appointment anytime online at sonasbodyworks.com/book. If you are having trouble booking your appointment this way, feel free to text me at 479-763-2865 or email me at [email protected].
What is your cancellation policy?
Unfortunately, due to frequent no call/no shows, I require clients to cancel or reschedule appointments online 24 hours in advance of an appointment.
If an appointment is not canceled or rescheduled with at least 24-hours notice, you will be charged the standard rate for your appointment or a fee of $50, whichever amount is smaller. Or if you were using a package code or gift certificate to pay for the massage, it will be voided.
If you have an emergency or are too sick to get a massage, exceptions to this policy will be made on a case by case basis if you contact me before the scheduled massage time. In the case of severe weather, including winter weather advisories and tornado watches/warnings, an exception to this policy applies if you contact me before your appointment time.
What are your payment policies?
A credit or debit card is needed to reserve an appointment online. You may pre-pay when you make the appointment or I can charge your credit card after your appointment.
What do I wear?
This is one issue that causes a lot of apprehension about massage therapy. Swedish massage is typically done with a client undressed so that lotions/oils can be used with long, flowing strokes. Clients often undress completely or leave their underwear on.
However, I’m trained to do massage with or without clothes, and you can keep everything on or undress to your comfort level. If you undress, you will always be covered by a sheet. When I work on a body part, I will undrape the sheet over that area and then re-drape it before moving onto the next body part. Breasts and genitals are never undraped.
If you want an effective massage, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and are able to relax. Wear whatever allows you to do that.
Where will my massage take place?
The massage session will take place in a private, quiet, dimly lit room on a professional massage table.
Where will I undress?
You will undress in the massage room. After the consultation, I will leave and give you time to undress and get on the massage table. Before I re-enter, I will knock to make sure you are fully covered under the sheet.
What is the consultation?
The consultation is a short interview with me before the massage. I will ask you to clarify anything in your health history that I am not clear about as well as your goals for the massage. I might also ask you to complete a form that allows you to circle the areas on the body where you are experiencing pain and discomfort. I will give you an overview of the session I have in mind. You can also ask any questions or let me know any other concerns you have.
What kind of oils or lotion do you use?
I typically use jojoba oil. I also have organic coconut oil on hand for clients who prefer it.
What body parts will be massaged?
This will really depend on your needs and preferences. For clients who just want a typical Swedish full body massage, I usually massage the back, hips, legs, feet, arms, hands, upper chest (above the breasts), neck, face, and head. I can also massage the abdomen. The breast and genitals will never be massaged. You can request that I do not massage specific areas such as the glutes, feet, face, etc.
Can I receive a massage while pregnant?
Yes. I am certified in prenatal and postpartum massage and can provide massage that is comfortable and safe for all trimesters of pregnancy. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, ask your medical provider for clearance before scheduling a massage.
When should I not get a massage?
If you are experiencing fever, diarrhea, vomiting, lice, scabies, or any other contagious illness, I ask that you postpone massage until the illness has resolved. If you have had a surgery in the last 4-6 weeks, please ask your healthcare provider if massage is okay before scheduling.
Will I feel sore after my massage?
It is possible to feel achy or sore for up to 36 to 48 hours after a massage if myofascial release or trigger point therapy is used. If you are concerned about soreness, let me know during the consultation and I will adjust my work to reduce the chance of soreness.
Should I tip?
This is completely up to you. A tip is NEVER expected, but are appreciated.
If you have to choose between tipping and receiving massage, always choose massage. If you feel I did an excellent job but you can’t tip, you can consider giving me an online review, sharing my business on social media, or sending me a referral when you talk to someone who needs a massage.
Can I bring my child to my appointment?
I LOVE kids, even the loud and cranky ones, when they get to go home with you ;). However, if at all possible, I recommend that you come to your appointment alone so you can relax more and experience more benefits, but I understand that is not always an option.
If you need to bring your child or children, I will do my best to accommodate. Since there are often other people getting massage in the same building, keeping noise to a minimum is important. I recommend bringing some items to keep them quietly occupied like books, games, legos, an iPad, etc. Children must stay in the treatment room with you and cannot be left unattended in the building.
How often should I receive a massage?
In a perfect world, everyone would get a massage at least once a week. You should come as often as your schedule and your wallet allows.
If you haven’t had a massage in a while, I highly recommend starting with three weekly sessions to kick-start healing and to get muscle tension and anxiety symptoms under control. This also gives you a chance to really notice how massage impacts the way your body feels, how you move, your sleep, mood, confidence, and stress levels.
Although weekly sessions are more ideal, monthly sessions are usually adequate to see significant and lasting benefits in most people.
What does a massage therapist’s license mean?
A license is acquired by meeting certain requirements and paying a fee to legally practice in a state, city, or county. Each state has different laws regarding massage therapy. In Arkansas, massage therapy is regulated by the Department of Health.
A licensed massage therapist in Arkansas must graduate from an approved massage school with at least 500 hours, pass a background check, obtain a passing score on a national massage therapy/anatomy exam as well as an Arkansas law test, and complete several other requirements including continuing education and following specific laws to keep consumers safe.
What does Sonas mean?
Sonas (pronounced SUN-us) is an Irish (Irish Gaelic/Gaeilge) word for happiness and bliss. It is also sometimes used for prosperity or well-being. Massage and bodywork can increase both happiness and well-being, by the way. 😉