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.
**POST COVID** We are no longer requiring clients or therapists to wear masks but we are still observing certain protocols. We have open windows throughout the office and in each room during sessions, we thoroughly sanitize and clean rooms with Force of Nature between each client and practice other safety measures such as True Hepa purifier throughout the office to filter the air.
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 gives us the opportunity to review your information and get an idea of how to best serve your needs. It's also a better option for individuals that take a lot of medications, have had a few surgeries or procedures, and need to reference your 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 to your therapist right before your session but it's easier for us to know before the session so we can best prepare.
We ask clients upon entering our studio to utilize the restroom and then take you to the treatment room review your health information and discuss what your session may look like and the specific outcomes you are looking for. 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. During these sessions, the client usually wears their underwear or other appropriate clothing. 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 doesn't restrict movement and 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 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, etc, we'll do the work or ask for your assistance! This takes practice.
It’s really important for you to tell us if any massage techniques we use causes 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, if you are not comfortable on the table, need another pillow, or if you just hate the music! We have tons of music genres for you to choose from.
After the session
You may feel mellow and relaxed after your massage or bodywork session or you may feel energized! If we addressed pain issues, you may immediately feel a reduction in pain, 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 that you drink lots of water, take a hot shower or an Epsom salt bath. These are always beneficial after every session anyway!
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-2 pm when we have front desk staff available. If you miss us, please leave a message and we'll get back with 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.
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