Frequently asked questions

Q. How much do you charge for a massage?
A. Prices are listed with each service on the scheduling page. When you go to the scheduling page you can see the fee for each service. Prices for add-ons are visible after you select the service. There is an extra fee that applies to evenings and weekends (not applicable to new client calendar).

Q. Do you offer couples massage?
A. Sorry, it’s just me. You may want to check with one of the larger spas in the area.

Q. Can massage be done with clothes on?
A: Yes. Most Facials, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Craniosacral therapy, Reiki, NeuroMuscular Therapy, and Thai massage are easily done without removing your clothes, and most massage treatments can work around clothing. If you are receiving a Swedish relaxation massage, you will get the best results with undressing because working with lotion or oil provides gliding massage strokes-that wouldn’t work well over clothing. What is most important is that you are comfortable. Some people take off everything, but you should only take off what you are comfortable with. You will undress and dress in complete privacy, you will be given a sheet to cover up with, and your modesty will be respected at all times. If you are coming in for neuromuscular therapy or Thai massage, it is not necessary to undress, but you should wear clothing that can move, like a sports bra and shorts, or any stretchable material-just dress like you are going to a yoga class.

Q. Do I need to talk?
A. Some people like to talk during a session, while others remain silent. Sometimes talking can be a way of unburdening oneself or opening up. Just remember the focus is on you, and it’s perfectly polite to be quiet. Sometimes being silent can be a way of concentrating or letting go of thoughts, and most people find quiet is conducive to relaxation. Always feel free to ask questions or let me know if you experience pain or discomfort in certain areas, including amount of pressure, or speed of movement, or any distractions related to the environment like room temperature, music volume or lighting. Throughout your session, your therapist will occasionally ask for feedback that will only make your service better. My policy: I will talk if I am talked to.

Q: Why do I feel pain in some areas during my treatment?
A: Let me know. Massage and Aesthetics should not be painful and are generally safe. However, some techniques may be uncomfortable, even when properly performed. If massage is performed too aggressively on fragile people, bone fractures and other internal injuries are possible. However, licensed therapists have been trained in ways to avoid causing these problems. Sometimes, I may be working on an area that is tender but was not sore before the massage. When you are in a sustained position for a long period of time like sitting at your computer, your muscles are under a constant, low level of stress. At the time, your brain has more important things to worry about, like that computer project, so it shuts off the pain signal to your neck muscles. Later when you have finished the task, you might assume that the pain signal would return. What actually happens is a process called habituation. The pain signal does not return, and your body actually compensates for what it considers to be your new “normal”. When I touche this area, the muscle which is still under stress is reconnected with your brain at which time positive change can be made and your body can establish a new, healthier “normal”.

Q. What if I'm ticklish?
A. If you know you are ticklish, please let me know up front. Sensitive areas can be avoided or using more pressure can be helpful. If there is an important area to treat for your specific treatment goals, touching the area yourself while I work there will negate any ticklish response-you cannot tickle yourself!

Q. So what makes a "good" service "great"?
A. A "great" service starts with choosing the right therapist, someone whom you can trust who is sensitive to your needs and has the skills to meet them. A great service is also the result of good communication between you and your therapist. And of course a comfortable, relaxing, safe environment makes it all the better.

Q. What's the difference between a session at a spa and a session at your clinic?
A. Typically, though not always, spa treatments are done in a general manner, with standard movements that are done the same way on every person with strict guidelines and protocols that therapists must follow and tight schedules, many offering a 50 minute "hour" session every hour on the hour. At Veritas Aesthetics, I control my schedule and have the freedom to tailor your session to you. Your hour session is based on thorough assessment, with a treatment plan designed with your goals and desired/expected outcomes as the foundation. I also know when to schedule more time to accomodate a new client or someone with special needs to avoid being rushed. Many spas will also have extra amenities that are available to you such as a sauna, steam room, etc.

Q. How is it even possible that massage is useful for so many different medical conditions?
A. In as few words as possible... no matter what disease or symptom you are suffering from, be it pain, muscle aches, gastric problems, immune disorders, heart disease, or cancer, there is most certainly an accumulation of cellular oxygen depletion, cellular malnutrition, lymphatic congestion and often a general systemic hormonal, chemical, and even an emotional imbalance that causes suppression of the "normal" healthy dynamic state of your body. Current research shows that stress is a contributing factor in most unhealthy conditions and illnesses. Massage reduces stress, cleanses tissue at the cellular level, circulates nutrition to healthy cells, and provides relaxation. It is that simple.

Q. What if I need to go to the bathroom or I have flatulence?
A. If you need to go to the bathroom, there is a bathroom right outside of the room. There is a clean robe that you may use, if you prefer to not redress. If you have flatulence, I would rather have you be comfortable than endure your service. You may ask me to leave the room at any time for any reason.

Q. What if I fall asleep?
A. Some people do fall asleep. If you do, your therapist will wake you at the end of your session. If you do not want to sleep, I can gently wake you up if I notice you fall asleep-just let me know.

Q. Do I need to leave immediately when my service is done?
A. It is important to get up slowly after a massage. However, I will need the massage room for the next scheduled appointment. If you need more than 2-3 minutes to compose yourself after your massage, you will need to let me know in advance.

Q. Can I eat before my service?
A. Because the digestive system needs blood to digest food, and massage draws more blood to your extremities, for optimum digestion, it is best to wait until after your massage to eat.

Q. Should I workout before my service?
A. Yes, but please allow 30 minutes for your body to relax and get back to normal blood pressure and pulse. Showering may be appropriate.

Q. Should I workout after my service?
A. Yes and no, depending on the type of service you receive and the length. If you had a long, relaxing session, your body will feel like relaxing. If you want to feel invigorated after your treatment, your therapist can provide faster strokes or "tapotement" (think of the karate chopping massage you may have seen in movies) to provide that effect. Some services, like chemical peels should avoid sweating for up to 48 hours afterward.

Q. Should I keep my appointment if I start feeling sick?
A. If you start feeling sick, please call or text (262) 268-0900 to cancel/reschedule your appointment, but please do not wait until just before your appointment time to call as often we have a cancellation list and someone else may be able to take your appointment. Massage will increase your symptoms and you will feel worse after your session. The cancellation policy requires 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule without a fee (but I am not unreasonable about using common sense when to apply the fee). If you feel you are getting ill, please contact me and cancel your appointment. If you get ill during the night, please message me as soon as possible, and I will try to fill your appointment with someone on my waiting list. Do NOT come if you have a fever!!!

Q. How often should I receive a massage or facial?
A. Most people who are in reasonable good health receive a service once every 1-6 weeks. However the frequency should be determined by your goals and needs. Massage for a specific condition or injury is often preformed in shorter sessions, and more frequently for a shorter span of time. For relaxation, we have clients that come weekly, and others we see once a year. Keep in mind that the cumulative effect is greater than the benefit of any one session. We can discuss your long term goals to establish a clear direction and protocol. Massage therapy and Aesthetics should not be perceived as a luxury but as a fundamental element to maintaining pain-free unrestricted movement, beautiful, healthy, glowing skin and achieving balance between mind and body.

Q. What improvements can I expect to see after my massage?
A. Remember that I am working with you to meet your goals. If you come in for a relaxation massage, we may not fix your shoulder pain. And if you come in to fix your shoulder pain, you may not leave in the same state of euphoric bliss that can accompany a full body Swedish massage. With chronic muscle spasm, soft tissue inflammation, or any other soft tissue injury, improvement is dependent upon using the right technique on the right muscles. I will be doing regular assessments, and your feedback is valuable and necessary as it validates that we are on the right path. If your condition has not improved after 3-4 sessions, massage may not be the answer, or I need to reassess your treatment plan. Often clients don’t completely recover from a condition or the condition returns in two months simply because they did not return after the pain went away. Just because there are not noticeable symptoms does not mean the condition is resolved. In the long term, it is better for your body and your finances to resolve a condition by continuing on a more frequent basis for a shorter period of time, than to come once a month indefinitely. If yI do not think I can help your condition, I will give you a qualified referral for someone who can better address your concerns.

Q. Why should I drink water after a service?
A. You should always drink plenty of water. Massage will increase the circulation of blood and lymph while hastening the removal of cellular debris. Water will give your body the hydration it needs to sustain this cleansing process. Moreover, H2O is the vital super-substance from which all life is sustained, so drink your water. Consuming ½ your body weight in ounces of water per day is ideal. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you would want to consume 80 ounces (or 10, 8 ounce glasses) of water daily.

Q. What qualifications does a therapist have?
A. When choosing a therapist, look for one who has attained state licensure and regularly attends continuing education courses. You may want to look for someone with specific training or experience with a specific clientele (like athletes, pregnant women or the elderly). You may also want to choose a therapist with a well-rounded perspective who can provide relaxation massage, therapeutic bodywork and has additional qualifications to provide exercise and/or stretches to continue progress at home. Some trial and error may be necessary to find the best therapist for you. Having trust and confidence in your therapist is essential to achieving the most benefit from treatment.

Q. Will my insurance pay for my session?
A. I do not offer insurance billing. Some health insurance and most auto insurance and workers compensation insurance does cover massage therapy. You will need to submit your own claim to your insurance company. Upon request, I will provide you with a receipt that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Q. Can I tip my therapist after the service?
A. Gratuity is always appreciated and never expected.

If you have another question or want more clarification, please contact me.
Almost everyone has questions before getting their first massage or aesthetic treatment or before trying a new therapist.