More Info

What to Expect

The Space
All Bodies Custom Massage is located in a private office within 2307 Shelby Ave, with a waiting area and two single-person restrooms shared with other practices. The armless chair in the waiting area has an 18.5” seat and an alleged 600 lb weight capacity.

When you arrive, please have a seat in the waiting area or use the restroom if needed. There may be clients waiting for other practitioners, though it’s generally a quiet office. I will come get you when ready. Please refrain from phone calls or playing video/audio without headphones in our quiet waiting area.

The massage table is 72” long without the headrest. The main part of the table is 28” wide, with side armrests to create a total width of 37” at the upper body. There is also an armrest to hang your arms forward if desired. A plush table warmer can be set to your desired temperature. The table has an alleged working weight capacity of 450 lbs, so clients up to about 415 lbs can feel confident resting on the table. There is a step stool with handrail available with an alleged weight capacity of 500 lbs. I typically use full-size blankets for greater coverage.

Any clients uncomfortable being massaged on the table can receive a seated or floor massage. The chair in the office is 20.5” wide with an alleged weight capacity of 1000 lbs.

Intake & Health Questions
Prior to receiving massage, new clients must complete an online intake form that includes your contact information, your doctor’s name, and any known medical conditions that might affect the treatment. Please know that I am not judging you for your medical conditions – I have so many myself! Rather, I need to understand the details to work safely with you. Examples of what could change based on intake form responses are:
-Osteoporosis – I’ll avoid undue pressure compressing bones
-Certain heart conditions – I’ll avoid techniques that put undue work on the circulatory system
Some conditions or injuries will lead to slight modifications, like avoiding a certain area or changing a technique. Rarely, a health condition might mean I can’t safely work with someone or may need a doctor’s release. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Draping + Dress
Everyone gets draped (covered with linens) the same regardless of gender. This is a state law – clients are covered with sheets and a blanket, except when the massage therapist uncovers an area actively being massaged. “Sensitive” or private areas like nipples and genitalia are never uncovered during the session or seen by the massage therapist.

Clients are invited to dress or undress to their level of comfort. Some clients leave all clothing on, in which case I recommend comfortable fabrics. Some remove all clothing, or are comfortable with something in between. Any of these is totally fine. While remaining fully clothed may limit some of the techniques I use, you can certainly be massaged in any clothing that makes you most comfortable. I also reserve the right to work over the linens, and frequently do for at least part of the session.

When you arrive, we’ll have a check-in conversation to review our plan and answer any questions you have. I will then leave the room to let you get on the table. Please do not undress until I leave the room. I will knock before coming back in.

Pressure
I appreciate many kinds of pressure for massage, as they serve different purposes. You are invited to share your preference when you schedule, and if you’re unsure, we can do a pressure demonstration when you arrive to make sure we’re on the same page. There is a logic to “warming up” tissue with lighter or moderate pressure before applying deep pressure, so even if we’ll get into deeper work during a session, you can expect some other pressure levels to start. If sensory or other challenges make lighter pressures uncomfortable, or if you have any other concerns or questions, you are invited to share that on your intake form.

Especially with deeper work, it is possible clients will feel soreness the day of, or 1-2 days following, their massage. It can be a result of manually moving and separating tissues, or a side effect of muscles releasing tension. Soreness is most common in older adults and/or those with inflammatory or autoimmune health conditions. It is up to you how deeply we work; the deeper the work, the greater the chance of soreness after. (And, once it passes, possibly a great benefit!) If you experience soreness after a massage:
-Continue to stay well hydrated and well fed.
-Engage the area in gentle motion and stretching.
-Contact me with any concerns, or feel free to share them at your next appointment.

Products & Scent
While not specifically scent-free, All Bodies is a low-scent office in consideration of clients with allergies and fragrance-induced migraines. I use unscented cleaning and laundry products.

My most frequently used massage product is an organic blend of sunflower and coconut oil. You also have the option to choose unscented paraben-free lotion, or upgrade to a natural anti-inflammatory massage oil made with almond and jojoba oils, arnica, and vitamin E.

Communication
All bodies are unique, so communication is essential for creating a positive experience. Please tell me at any time if you want or need something to be different. I am grateful when clients authentically share things like:
-“You can go a little lighter/deeper there”
-“Can you turn the table warmer down/off?”
-“Can you get me a tissue/glass of water?”
I will check in with you before beginning, for feedback on pressure, and to let you know as pressure is increasing to invite your input. Otherwise, I will be mostly quiet to let you relax. If you have any other communication needs, please let me know.

Safety & Policies

Covid and Other Infection Prevention
As an immunocompromised person myself, I operate a clean, sanitary environment to promote well-being and reduce the risk of infection.
-All clients must complete a health history form.
-Surfaces in the treatment room are disinfected before each visit.
-I am fully vaccinated and bivalent boosted against Covid-19. I receive a flu shot each year.
-I wear a KN95 mask during all sessions.
-I run a HEPA air filter in the treatment room and leave sufficient time between appointments for air turnover.
-Clients are currently invited but not required to wear a mask during sessions. This may change depending on local recommendations and/or infection rates.
-For your safety and mine, clients are encouraged to stay up to date on vaccines, including for Covid-19 and flu.

48-Hour Cancellation Policy
A credit card is required to book an appointment. Clients may cancel appointments more than 48 hours in advance with no charge. Appointments canceled 24-48 hours in advance will be charged at 50% of the service rate. Appointments canceled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged the full service rate. Illness/concerns about Covid/flu symptoms or family emergencies will represent exceptions to this charge – please do not come if you are sick. If I am able to re-book the appointment time, the charge will also be waived.

Strictly Non-Sexual Services
I am a licensed healthcare professional. As such I provide strictly therapeutic, non-sexual services. I require respectful and safe interactions from all clients. Any sexually suggestive behavior will result in stoppage of the session without refund, dismissal from being a client, and referral to law enforcement. This includes but is not limited to:
-Sexual or romantic jokes, comments, gestures, innuendos, or insinuations communicated verbally, nonverbally, visually, electronically, in writing, or otherwise
-Inappropriate questions or comments about my personal life or body
-Touching the therapist at any time (unless initiated by the therapist during treatment, such as a client’s hand resting on my forearm during arm massage)
There will be no tolerance for violating these professional boundaries. I reserve the right to refuse services or refer clients elsewhere at any time. Thank you for contributing to a safe, professional environment for both you and the therapist.

Minors
I am happy to serve clients of any age, though my table is designed for adults. Clients age 16-17 must have parent or guardian consent to receive treatment. Clients under 16 must have a parent or guardian present for the entire session and may be asked to remain clothed in comfortable gym clothing.

Gift Cards
Gift cards hold no cash value and are non-refundable. Visit Services to purchase.

Refunds
All sales are final. At the discretion of the owner, refunds may be considered in certain exceptional cases, less a 10% administrative fee.

Pain Management

Chronic pain affects all parts of life: body, mood, mind, jobs, relationships, households, plans and dreams, and so much more. In the journey of trying strategies for my pain, these (and massage, of course) made the biggest difference for me personally. I offer these ideas to you patient-to-patient, peer-to-peer, and they’re not a substitute for medical advice.

This is not a checklist to achieve, but rather a menu of options – do any concepts resonate with you? Are there any you haven’t considered? Which would be easiest for you to explore?

Above all, show care and compassion for yourself on your healing path.

Resistance Stretching
This involves lengthening the muscle (stretch) and simultaneously using it or putting some weight on it (resistance). It effectively releases fascial adhesions. Start gently while learning how much stretch and how much resistance feels therapeutic to you. Some people with chronic pain and/or inflammatory health conditions find daily stretching to be supportive. I’m happy to show you some simple stretches at your massage appointment.

Topical Pain Relievers
Pain relievers applied to the skin soothe the immediate area, and some “distract” your nervous system with non-pain sensations like coolness, warmth, or tingling. Many are available over-the-counter; be sure to read labels and check for any reasons a particular product may not be right for you before using.
Check out:
-Article: Topical Pain Relief: What Is It and How Does It Work? from Cleveland Clinic
-Product: Biofreeze
-Product: Patches like Salonpas, Icy Hot
-Article: What is Arnica? from Verywell Health

Relieving Emotional Distress
Your body knows what’s up. The link between mood, stress and body pain is well-documented. If your life is not currently in alignment with who you are, what you need and want, and/or you’re navigating significant stressors or mood challenges, getting support or making authentic life changes can help relieve pain.
Check out:
-Book: The Body Heals Itself: How Deeper Awareness of Muscles and Their Emotional Connection Can Help You Heal
-Article: A Brief Intro to the World of Somatics from Healthline
-Website: Find a therapist, and learn about therapy, with TherapyDen
-Website: Free Pain Management meditation tracks from InsightTimer (I use this one.)

Hydration
All the actions our bodies perform, all day long, involve chemical reactions that happen in water. This includes muscle contraction and relaxation. Well-hydrated tissue allows for better circulation of the minerals that signal your muscles to relax.
Check out:
-Article: Water: How much should you drink every day? from Mayo Clinic
-Article: Does Alcohol Dehydrate You? from Healthline
-Article: Understanding Dehydration as a Headache Trigger from Verywell Health
-Case report: Caffeine and Muscle Cramps: A Stimulating Connection

Gentle Movement
Motion is lotion! Movement is medicine! While you don’t want to overdo it during a muscle spasm, this is effective for a similar reason to hydration – it helps move the signaling chemicals that invite change. And for a similar reason to topicals; it distracts your nervous system with stimuli other than pain. Think YouTube videos of physical therapy exercises, gentle yoga, a walk. I have laid on couches for days, muscles locked – I know the despair – but it just gets stuck worse. Keep it moving. (Note: this is in reference to muscle spasms and chronic pain, not for sprains or similar injuries in the last 48 hours for which rest is indicated.)

Postural Balance
Over time, our bodies try to accommodate the positions we demand of them, including how we sit, sleep, drive, and work. Those positions might be based on the furniture or car we happen to have, bracing to compensate for existing pain, how we’re feeling emotionally, even cultural expectations – not necessarily what’s easiest on the muscles. When posture is more neutral, there’s less stress and strain on muscles and our bodies feel more comfortable. A free postural assessment can be added to your massage, and when distortions are related to soft tissue (as opposed to bone structure), massage can effectively promote balanced posture.
Check out:
-Article: Anatomical Position from BiologyDictionary; Standard Anatomical Position was developed for anatomists, doctors and the like to have a shared reference point from which to describe a body at rest (i.e., without undue muscle strain); notice how the palms face forward when standing, which affects the positions and activity of your shoulder, back and neck muscles.
-Article: What Is a Neutral Spine, Anyway? from Healthline
-Website: Alexander Technique and applications for Posture

Nutrition
Your body is powered by nutrients. When you’ve struggled with eating challenges, however, contemplating food choices can be distressing or risky. At the same time, you deserve access to the benefits of feeding yourself with what will make you feel as well as you want. For some, unidentified food sensitivities or gut health issues can contribute to pain via inflammation. Protect your overall well-being first and avoid nutrition information or content that is shaming, moralizing, sizeist or otherwise a hazard to your body and spirit. And, if you’re in a safe headspace for it, gently and lovingly noticing how different foods make your muscles feel may provide clues to pain reduction. Note: anyone with a history of disordered eating would do well to consider a consultation with an ED-knowledgeable therapist or nutritionist to discuss your ideas before making adjustments. (Recovery comes first!)
Check out:
-Article: What is Intuitive Eating? A Nutritionist Explains from Cedars-Sinai
-The Fat Nutritionist: Website and Twitter

Rest and Pacing
Pain is feedback, a signal to take care. This is at odds with ideals of “grind” culture, and the idea that our output or productivity defines our worth. Pushing through pain to do taxing activities can worsen pain and delay healing. With mental OR physical activities, going slowly and pacing yourself can help you recover and prevent worsening pain.
Check out:
-Campaign/video/pacing guides: Stop. Rest. Pace. from #MEAction. Note: while developed for those with ME/CFS, concepts may be supportive for those with other conditions too.
-Instagram account: The Nap Ministry and book: Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

Proper Medical Care
Proper diagnosis with health conditions that caused me pain led to much-needed treatment, self-understanding and compassion, and clues to more disease-specific answers. Those of us who have faced medical gaslighting, discrimination, or trauma while getting care can have really understandable hesitation to engage. And if we can find safe, smart, compassionate care, the results can be life-changing.
Note: Be sure to understand your insurance coverage and costs. Speak with a financial counselor at the health system if you’re unsure if you can afford care. Work with a healthcare navigator during open enrollment if you need health insurance.
Check Out (for Patients):
-Clinic: Michigan Medicine Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Core Practice Areas)
-Physical Therapy; I visited Care2Cure Physical Therapy in Dexter for dry needling
-Clinic: Michigan Medicine Headache and Neuropathic Pain Clinic (Note: I haven’t been there personally, but know people they’ve helped.)
-Website and app: The Mighty

If you are a healthcare provider, ensure that you’re addressing bias in your practice. Bias (including weight, gender, age, race, and others) delays diagnosis and worsens health outcomes. Patients’ experiences of discrimination and trauma when accessing medical care often correspond to reduced treatment engagement, and subsequent greater health disparities. Insist that health equity measures are a routine part of your quality assurance/improvement activities.
Check out (For Providers):
-Article and Video: The Weight of Stigma: Heavier Patients Confront the Burden of Bias from Scientific American
-Resource: National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
-Local Consultant: Parrish Affirming Care, Diana Parrish, LMSW