If you are a new client to Bull City Soles, knowing what's expected of you, whether it's your first massage or just your first session with us, is very beneficial to achieving the goals of your session. Are you looking for relaxation? Pain relief? Stretching? Don't know? Maybe you're just redeeming a massage gift certificate! Either way, the more you know, the better prepared you are, the more it helps us and increases the likelihood of you getting the best session possible.
What To Expect
When you set up an appointment with us, we'll send you an online Intake form for you to complete. Filling it out beforehand allows us to review your information and understand how to best serve your needs. It's also a better option for individuals who take a lot of medications, have had a few surgeries or procedures, and need to reference their home records. Informing us of these is very important. The more info we have, the better we can safely address your issues. If you forget things on your intake form, you can always communicate with your therapist right before your session, but it's easier for us to know before the session so we can best prepare.
Upon entering our studio, we ask clients to utilize the restroom and then take them to the treatment room, review their health information, and discuss what your session may look like and the specific outcomes you are looking for. Are you looking for deep tissue, trigger point, Ashiatsu barefoot massage, stretch therapy, and/or cupping? If you're not sure, that's ok! We will help you figure it out. Once we leave the room, you may undress, get on the massage table, and get comfortable under the draping sheet or towel.
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, what you wear is entirely up to you.
Simply put, undergarments can be left on or taken off. You will be properly draped throughout the bodywork session. The only exception to this is Rolfing SI sessions. The client usually wears their underwear or other appropriate clothing during these sessions. For women: a 2 piece bathing suit, but NO racerback sports bras or T-back bras, as they cover the mid-thoracic region, so a regular bra is preferred. For men: briefs, NOT boxers, or comfortable clothing that don't restrict movement yet allows work on upper legs, hips, and mid-back.
Depending on the issues we’re planning to address, we may start the session with your body face up, face down, or even in a side-lying position. We may use unscented massage cream to allow your muscles to be worked without causing excessive friction to the skin. While we have a few essential oils, we will never use them without your permission.
During The Massage Session
It’s great if you can let your body relax and sink into the table. If we need to move your arms or legs, we'll do the work or ask for your assistance! This takes practice.
It’s really important for you to tell us if our massage techniques cause pain. Pain is not okay. There may be a certain level of discomfort and ‘good ache’ if we’re working on a problem area. It’s important that you tell us about that, too, so we can tailor the massage to be most effective without causing injury. Read more about pain in our 'No Pain, No Gain Bodywork' blog.
We’ll check in with you as we go, but please speak up if you become too warm or too cool, are uncomfortable on the table, need another pillow, or just hate the music! We have tons of music genres for you to choose from.
After The Massage Session
You may feel mellow, relaxed, or energized after your massage or bodywork session! If we address pain issues, you may immediately feel a reduction, or it may take a day or two before you feel that relief. If you are ever REALLY sore following a session (it can happen), we recommend drinking lots of water, taking a hot shower, or an Epsom salt bath. These are always beneficial after every session, anyway!
It’s really important for you to tell us if our massage techniques cause pain. Pain is not okay. There may be discomfort and ‘good ache’ if we work on a problem area. It’s important that you tell us about that, too, so we can tailor the massage to be most effective without causing injury. Read more about pain in our 'No Pain, No Gain Bodywork' blog.
We’ll check in with you as we go, but please speak up if you become too warm or too cool, are uncomfortable on the table, need another pillow, or just hate the music! We have tons of music genres for you to choose from.
We want you to enjoy your bodywork, and knowing what to expect beforehand helps to increase your benefits!
There are several options to schedule your appointment: you may schedule online anytime(most convenient), email info@bullcitysoles.com, or call 919-477-9887 Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm when we have front desk staff available. If you miss us, please leave a message, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible! You can also follow us on Instagram or Facebook for last-minute availabilities, self-care tips, or upcoming events or specials.