faq

Q: Which massage treatment should I choose?
If you are unsure about which particular style of massage will best address your needs or problems, I can help guide your decision through my intake process. Begin by filling out my client intake form. Be as detailed as you are able, as more information will better inform the decision. This information will be kept confidential. If you fill it out before you arrive, we will have more time to discuss the specifics of your goals during this process. You can also learn more by reading about the modalities I offer and by following the external links on the links page.
Q: Will my massage hurt?
There are numerous massage modalities that range from pressure-intense, such as deep tissue, to pressure-less, such as craniosacral. There is a lot of information available today about the physiological effects of massage on various conditions. I will carefully consider a client's general health, their endurance, any specific conditions and medications, and their goals before determining what kind of intensity is appropriate. Most importantly, I will look to the client for feedback to determine the success of the choices we have made together, and adjust accordingly.
Q: Is it okay to offer feedback to my massage therapist during a massage?
I encourage client feedback. You are the master on your path to health and well-being. You know what your body needs, and what is too much or too little, what needs work, and what needs rest. Trust yourself, and your intuition. Please feel comfortable communicating these thoughts freely to me during, before, or after a session. I welcome your emails or phone calls about anything that comes up for you relating to the work we do together.
Q: Is it really that important to make sure that my massage therapist is certified?
National Certification for massage therapists is voluntary. If your therapist is qualified, appropriately educated, and willing to follow the ethical code of the established institutions which provide national standards and oversight,
why wouldn't she/he seek certification?
NCBTMB: I am credentialed by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. These credentials benefit everyone. As a therapist it distinguishes a professional, ethical, and competent practitioner who has completed a particular curriculum and passed a nationally mandated exam. As a consumer, it lets you know you are in good hands. Please feel free to visit the NCBTMB website, and explore the credentialing process.
AMTA: I have been a member in good standing of the American Massage Therapy Association since 2006, when I was certified nationally. Please feel welcome to visit the AMTA website to learn who we are as professionals and find other services and therapists who provide other modalities and approaches. This is the association which provides my professional liability insurance, and is available for local oversight at each state chapter. Here in Pennsylvania we are currently without licensure for massage therapists. Licensure is mandatory once legislated and is pursued by each state independently, while certification is voluntary and national. AMTA-PA is working hard to see that we have a bill for our licensure passed in the legislature as soon as possible. Watch our progress on the website, and talk to your representative if you would like to help the process along.
COMTA: The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation is an independent accrediting commission recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation is a voluntary process that identifies and acknowledges educational programs and institutions for achieving and maintaining a level of quality, performance, and integrity that meets meaningful standards. Cortiva Institute-Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy, where I was educated and performed my mandatory clinic hours, is COMTA accredited.

Please look under About and Therapies for more about Cortiva Institute-PSMT, and my continuing education pursuits and certifications.