FAQs

FAQs

Integrated Massage Services

Massage Etiquette

Tell your therapist if anything about your health has changed since your last session, AND/OR if you have open lesions, skin irritation or rashes that should be avoided. Our hands are our careers, allow your therapist to protect themselves while still giving you a quality session.

Please be on time for your service. If you wish you receive your entire length of massage you must be ready to start at the appointed time, not walking in the door at or after the start time. 

If you need to cancel your appointment please give as much notice as possible, the closer to the time of service the more likely you are to incur cancellation or rebooking charges. You can call, email or text your cancellation.

Please be prepared to pay for all treatments at the time of service, I accept Cash, all Digital payments options or Credit, If you prefer to use cash or a digital payment (Zelle, PayPal, Venmo or Cashapp) select pay in office, but everyone must enter a credit card to book or pay in advance.

If you are a new client be prepared to fill out an intake form, this is a document required by the state, not just an inconvenience or a way to get your personal details. Allow time to fill out this form or ask that it be emailed to you, and you can bring it with you.

Texas state law indicates that any massage may be terminated if either party, therapist or client, is uncomfortable with the session.

I feel it is appropriate to address the elephant in the massage room. What we offer here is 100% professional legal massage services, to attempt to aid in healing, if you are looking for anything other than that you are in the wrong place and I suggest you continue your search. Do not call to inquire about ANY illicit services as they are not on offer here; if, in my office, any inappropriate advances are made, the session will stop immediately and I will likely report you to HPD, as attempting to solicit prostitution is a felony.

  • Do I have to take everything off?

    Depending on the massage style, we may suggest taking everything off. Generally, during table massage sessions, we request that you disrobe entirely, even though you remain draped throughout the session and expose only the specific body area being massaged. However, if you prefer to maintain some clothing, undergarments can be kept on, but you should remove most clothing. Please note that proper draping is mandatory in our facility.

  • What is John Barnes's Myofascial Release?

    For John Barnes's Myofascial Release, we recommended wearing minimal clothing, such as a sports bra and shorts or a two-piece swimsuit for women and boxer briefs, shorts, or a swimsuit for men. This technique requires gentle skin-to-skin contact to be effective; otherwise, we'll only be moving your clothes around without providing the intended benefits.

  • What is Thai yoga bodywork?

    During Thai yoga bodywork sessions, you will remain clothed at all times without exception. This is to prevent potential chilling while lying on the floor and to avoid the challenge of keeping blankets in place during the treatment. It's advisable to wear attire similar to what you'd wear for a yoga class or workout, such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and long pants that allow for easy movement. It's crucial that the clothing moves with you to facilitate proper stretching without restriction. For undergarments, comfort is key; women should avoid bras with metal or clasps that may dig into the skin or overly restrictive sports bras. The goal is for body tissues to move naturally.


    Please note that all mobility sessions will be conducted fully clothed, so it's recommended to wear clothing like exercise attire that facilitates easy movement.

  • The last time I got a massage, the therapist hurt me. Will this massage hurt?

    Occasionally, massage therapy might cause discomfort, which is sometimes unavoidable. While we aim for you to have a pleasant experience, our massage therapists can't read minds. Wiggling, squirming, or even expressing "ouch" won't necessarily communicate that the pressure is too much. If you're uncomfortable, it's essential to communicate with your therapist so they can adjust accordingly. Don't endure discomfort in silence, hoping it will improve, as it likely won't.


    If you voice your concerns and no adjustments are made, you have every right to end the session.


    At Integrated Massage Services, when we inquire about pressure, responses like "fine" or "okay" aren't helpful. We genuinely want to know how we can adjust to make the pressure perfect for you. Without your feedback, we can't improve your experience, and it's frustrating for us if you leave feeling it was just "all right."

  • What is the difference between Swedish and deep tissue massages? Do I need deep tissue?

    Swedish massage comprises four fundamental types of strokes: effleurage (long, gliding movements), petrissage (kneading or squeezing), friction, and tapotement (rhythmic tapping or percussion). These techniques can be applied with varying pressure, ranging from light to firm. Unfortunately, Swedish massage sometimes receives a negative reputation due to subpar therapists or individuals seeking to inflate prices by claiming to offer heavy pressure.


    Deep tissue massage, as the name suggests, involves a slower pace, allowing muscle fibers to release gradually without resistance. This method enables therapists to access deeper tissues closer to the bone. The pressure in deep tissue massage may feel heavier because therapists typically use more targeted pressure with elbows or fingertips rather than the broader pressure of the forearm and hand, resulting in a more intense sensation.


    While deep tissue massage is beneficial for some, it's not suitable for everyone. It's essential not to feel pressured into trying it based on others' recommendations, especially if it's your first massage. This is why our therapists conduct an intake session to understand your preferences. At Integrated Massage Services, we don't charge extra for deep tissue massage. Instead, we focus on addressing specific areas needing deep work, tailoring the treatment to your individual needs.

  • Can I get a massage if I am pregnant?

    Absolutely! We specialize in providing face-down massages throughout your pregnancy, right up until your due date. While there are specific points on the body that should be avoided during pregnancy, you can still enjoy a massage that closely resembles your usual experience without any compromise.

  • How do I pay, and should I tip?

    We accept various forms of payment, including cash, digital payments such as Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp, as well as credit cards. If you opt for cash or digital payment, you can settle your payment in-office. However, please note that a credit card is required for booking appointments or for advance payment.


    While tipping is greatly appreciated, it's entirely optional.

  • Can I file on my medical insurance?

    Massage therapy is occasionally covered by medical insurance. However, at Integrated Massage Services, we don't handle insurance billing or coding. Nonetheless, we can provide you with an invoice for therapeutic massage services, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.


    You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) card for all our services, including monthly subscriptions, as we are an approved provider. It's worth noting that while some insurance plans may not allow coverage for massage packages, individual sessions may still be eligible for reimbursement.

  • My massage session or package is over a year old. Can I still use it?

    Certainly! All gift certificates remain valid for one year from the date of purchase at their full value. However, after one year, a monthly service fee of $5 will be applied until the balance reaches zero.


    Regarding discount packages, after one year, they will convert to their cash value, and you will be responsible for any remaining balance.

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