WELCOME TO BULL CITY SOLES

What's the best way to schedule an appointment?

The most convenient way to schedule an appointment in our Durham studio is via our online scheduling system or downloading the VAGARO Mobile App. You may view our availability, book and secure an appointment with a credit card. For SAME DAY availability call 919-477-9887. We have a receptionist available Monday-Friday 9am-2pm. Please leave a message if no one is available to answer, you may leave a confidential message and we will return your call as soon as we are able.

What can I expect for my 1st time appointment?

For your first appointment, we ask that you go to Vagaro.com to create an account and fill out an intake form, which will be electronically submitted. If you prefer to complete in our studio, please be sure to arrive at least ten minutes before your scheduled appointment. To help you achieve the most effective results, your therapist needs to know your complete health history, current medications/physical issues and other treatment/therapies you have completed or currently participating in.

Parking is available directly in front of the office. Please enter the office quietly and make yourself comfortable in our waiting area. We will be with you promptly. Use the time to treat yourself to water, a cup of tea or, use the restrooms. If you have an appointment after 3 pm we may not have front desk staff available. For safety, while therapists are in session with other clients the door will be locked. There will be a doorbell on the front door. Please ring and wait for the therapist to open the door if its close to your appointment time.

Once it is time to begin your session, your massage/bodywork therapist will review your intake form with you and discuss the goals of your session. It is important to share any preferences or concerns so that we can customize your massage/bodywork session to best suit you. Once we leave the room, you may disrobe and get on the table. We allow massage clients to undress to their comfort level. Draping with a sheet or towel is provided and only the current area being massaged is exposed. Click here for what to wear for Rolfing SI sessions. We primarily use unscented crème in our sessions, not oil so you can quickly return to work if necessary! All rooms are equipped with a wide, comfortable massage table, a heating pad that can be adjusted to your preference, a blanket, and music of your choice.

We will knock before entering to begin your bodywork session. Remember that this is YOUR session and feedback is essential. Whether it’s the music, room temperature or the pressure, we would like to help you receive the most benefit out of your session.

Once the session is over, we will leave the room for you to get dressed. Please move slowly and take the time to experience any changes in your body. Depending on the type of massage/bodywork you received, you may experience a bit of soreness a few days later ~~ Similar to how your muscles sometimes feel after a workout. An Epsom salt bath is an excellent follow-up to your session. Most importantly, keep your body hydrated with water.

When you are ready, your therapist will be waiting for you outside to settle your bill. We accept all forms of credit cards, Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Saving Account(FSA) cards (w/ Doctor's prescription), checks and cash. We do not accept any forms of insurance. If requested, we will provide session notes. Additional charges may apply. Read our blog 'Your first massage session at Bull City Soles' for more information.

How do I choose what type of massage or bodywork to receive?

We provide a variety of modalites within our sessions. It just depends on your situation, what results you are looking for and your contraindications. Each therapist is trained in Deep Tissue, various levels of Ashiatsu barefoot massage, & Cupping. Certain therapists are trained in Prenatal/Pregnancy massage,Julie Marciniak and Sarah are trained in Structural Bodywork. Under each therapist's name is their specialty and training. Read more about our therapists HERE. We recommend everyone start off with a session from our massage therapists on staff. With information from your INTAKE FORM they can recommend the best way to proceed. They will even recommend if they think you would benefit from Rolfing SI instead of massage. You always have the option of calling 919-477-9987 and speaking with front desk before scheduling.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all forms of credit cards, Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Saving Account(FSA) cards (w/ Doctor's prescription), checks and cash. We do not accept any forms of insurance. If requested, we will provide session notes. Additional charges may apply.

Is Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage appropriate for me?

Ashiatsu may be performed on almost anyone but there are certain conditions we have to be aware of before deciding if barefoot massage is the best massage for you. This is why we ask for an intake form to be filled out for your first appointment with us. Listed below are a few examples where we may decide to withhold treatment:

• had recent eye procedures/Lasik surgery within 72 hours

• breast implants with the last 9 months

• a history of Tuberculosis, Thrombosis, aneurysm, or ongoing kidney disorders

• current radiation therapy treatments

• any knee, hip, spine, shoulder, or major joint surgeries within 6 weeks

• Phlebitis or Cellulitis

• Osteoporosis, Spondylolithesis

• pacemaker, stint, shunt or a history of congestive heart failure

These are just a few reasons NOT to do Ashiatsu. This is why its important we know your medical history so we can provide the best experience possible. And last but not least, Ashiatsu is DEFINITELY not for someone who likes light pressure in their massage. Looking for DEEP? Then you're in the right place. ;)

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What length of session do I choose?

It depends on what you're looking for! Here's a break down of our massage session times. We have also written a blog post "How Long Should My Massage Session Last?"

• 30 minutes - We recommend a 30 minute massage for specific work on areas such as the head and neck for headache relief, upper shoulders or quick low back pain relief. Great for a quick lunch break!

Where is your massage studio located?

We are located at 3101 Guess Road, Suite B, Durham, NC right off I-85 interstate. We are minutes from Duke University, Duke Hospital, Downtown Durham, and convenient to the Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas. We have convenient free parking directly in front of the office. There's a large tower directly in front of our suite with 3101 on it. And our Bull City Soles sign clearly markes the front of our studio. We are directly across from Guess Road Baptist Church.

How do I find out about last minute appointment availability?

You can follow Bull City Soles on Instagram and/or Facebook. We are always posting availabilities, self-care tips and info. You can always call the office 919-477-9887 Monday through Friday 9 am to 2 pm and ask to be put on on our call list for our earliest availability.

Is your studio accessible to wheelchairs?

Yes! We are fully ADA compliant. We have handicap accessible parking directly in front of studio, easy access, fully ADA compliant bathroom, 2 treatment rooms with enough space to accomodate wheelchairs, and electric massage tables for easy transfer onto table. Read our blog "Living with a Disability and Finding Good Care Through Massage and Bodywork by Ashley Thomas".

Are all therapists trained in Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage?

Absolutely! All of Bull City Soles therapists are trained to use their feet to deliver the best massage you've ever had! The owner, Julie Marciniak personally trains and mentors all therapist on a regular basis. We encourage all clients to try different therapists to get a feel for their different personalities and styles to see which therapists is the best fit!

What is Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage?

Ashiatsu is a form of barefoot massage where the therapist uses THEIR feet to massage you. We just call it barefoot massage as it's easier to pronounce and is more accurate. Its a broad and deep pressure massage that is very therapeutic. We're so skilled you won't even know its our feet doing the massage! If you're looking for an amazing massage in Durham, NC then schedule your next appointment at Bull City Soles Massage and Bodywork Studio. Read more about Barefoot Massage HERE.

What's your Cancellation policy?

This is our standard cancellation policy, however we encourage clients to cancel their appointments ASAP if they find out they are sick, have been exposed to COVID, or have tested positive for COVID. CANCELLATIONS
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Same day cancellations will require a 100% charge for the scheduled service. No charges will be assessed if cancellations occur before this period. Please call us @ 919-477-9887 and leave a message or email info@BullCitySoles.com if you need to cancel. LATE ARRIVALS
We ask that our clients arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork, if not done online beforehand, and to ensure that you receive the full amount of time of your session. If you arrive late, it will be at the discretion of the therapist to use the full session time and IF time permits. You will still be charged for the appointment time. NO SHOWS
All clients receive a reminder the day before their scheduled appointment with the option to confirm or cancel their appointment without being charged. If you do not show for your appointment, you will be charged the full amount of the service

Do you provide Gift Certificates or Gift Cards?

We have massage/bodywork gift certificates and gift bags available to purchase for any occasion! Need gift ideas for your special loved one? Purchase one of our unique gift bags with a few of our favorite products like the neck/shoulder pillows that we use in the treatment rooms. Our clients LOVE them! You can heat them in the microwave for pain relief and tension in the neck and shoulders. They may also be chilled and applied as a cold application to inflammation areas. Great for using at work as well if you have a desk job. We also have Biofreeze pain relieving gel in a tube, roll-on or spray. Each gift bag comes with your choice of 60-minute or 30-minute massage with a small or large neck/shoulder pillow and a Biofreeze product. In-store purchase only, or you can purchase online and the recipient receives it with their service. PURCHASING GIFT CARDS Our massage gift cards are fast and convenient for you to purchase online 24 hours a day. Not sure what service or session to buy? No problem! You can buy a gift card for any amount or length of a session, and the recipient can choose when they make the appointment. Follow this LINK to purchase your gift card, select an amount and send it to the recipient via email or print it out! We also have printed massage gift cards you may pick up in the studio. Please call (919) 477-9987 to check our available hours. If no one is available to answer, please leave your name, number and we will return your call as soon as possible. We have front desk reception usually M-F 9am-2pm.

How do I redeem a Gift Certificate?

REDEEMING GIFT CARDS If you have received a Gift Card, you may call 919.477.9887 to schedule your massage & bodywork session or book online. We will require a credit card on file to book your appointment, but you may redeem with your gift certificate once your appointment is complete.

• Gift Certificates are not refundable.

What is your inclement weather policy?

If the Durham Public Schools close or delay due to inclement weather, be aware that we MAY also close or delay. Updates will be posted on our voicemail and through our social media sites.

Can I get a massage or Structural Bodywork session when I'm sick?

Please do not come to the studio when you are sick. Our services are not beneficial to those with active infections, and you put the health of your practitioner and other clients at risk, especially during this COVID pandemic. In general, we would prefer you give it at least 3 days after taking antibiotics and none of the signs of a current infection are present: heat, fever, swelling or pain. If you have been exposed to someone that has COVID, please let us know so we can assess the situation.

What are you doing to prevent the spread of COVID?

• As mandated by the state we are requiring our clients to enter the studio with a mask.
• To wash their hands, or use sanitizer as soon as they enter and sign a COVID wiaver.
• We limit the number of clients in the common areas to encourage social distance.
• We have 30 minutes between each client for our rooms to be thoroughly sanitized with Force of Nature, a nontoxic EPA registered disinfecting cleaner and Norwex cloths.
• Each treatment room has its own medical grade purifier.
• We air out the office daily by opening windows, including windows in treatment rooms to stay open, if weather permitting.
• We are also encouraging clients to cancel appointments if they have been traveling, have tested positive for COVID, or have been exposed to someone testing positive for COVID