Frequently Asked Questions

Massage

• Why do I have to pay for my session in advance?
  Due to a high number of same-day cancellations and no-shows, I need to reserve your appointment with a credit card. This has helped people from making last-minute cancellations or not showing up at all. When you schedule a massage appointment, you are reserving a customized session with me for a length of time. I make compensation off services performed. When a person decides not to show up for their appointment without notice, I am unable to receive any compensation for that time. Sessions cancelled within the allowed time will be fully refunded.
• What are the benefits of massage therapy?
  Massage therapy can help release muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage promotes better sleep, improves concentration, reduces anxiety and creates a sense of well-being.
• Must I get completely undressed for my massage session?
  No, you may undress to your comfort level. You can completely undress, leave undergarments on, or stay completely clothed. It's up to you.
• Will the therapist be present when I undress?
  Absolutely not. The therapist will leave the room before undressing or re-dressing. You should lay comfortably on the massage table, covered underneath the sheet and blanket before accepting the therapist into the room.
• Will I be covered during the massage session?
  You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. Should you prefer at any time that a certain area remain covered, please let your therapist know. The therapist can work over the covered area.
• What parts of my body will be massaged?
  During your intake, you and the therapist will discuss the areas which need to be worked on. A typical full body massage will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on your genitals or breasts. Glutes may be worked on depending on comfort level and client needs. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, please notify the therapist and they will adjust the session accordingly.
• What will the massage feel like?
  Depending on the type of massage being performed, and especially if you are new to massage therapy, you may feel your body tense under the therapist's touch. This is a normal reaction. As the session progresses, your muscles will start to relax. If you receive deep pressure during your massage, you may feel discomfort as knots are being worked on. Some people refer to this as a feeling of "it hurts so good." Your therapist will check-in periodically to ask regarding the pressure. If at any time during your session, you feel the pressure needs to be adjusted, please notify your therapist.
• Are there different kinds of massages?
  Yes. Please refer to our Services page for a detailed list of some of the massages we offer.
• What should I do during the massage session?
  Most importantly you should know that this is YOUR session. Some clients prefer to talk, while others prefer silence during their session. It is not uncommon for clients to doze off during their session, which is a compliment to a therapist. Some find it useful to focus on their breathing to help them relax. While lying face down, some clients experience a runny or stuffy nose. This is normal - notify your therapist and they can help you accordingly. During the session, the therapist may manipulate certain limbs. Try to relax and allow the therapist to do the work for you, so they can position you easily. 
• How will I feel after the massage session?
  You should feel amazing! It is always important to hydrate well before and after your session, as toxins in the body will be released from the muscles back into the blood stream which can cause soreness, dehydration and/or a headache if not addressed. Hydrating your body will minimize these side effects and is especially important if you are new to massage therapy. Sometimes, especially with deep pressure therapy, light bruising can be the result of the muscles being worked on. This is normal and is dependent on the individual.
• How long will my session last?
  At Bodyworks By Elony, we believe in giving the client their FULL hour, hour and a half or two hour session, unlike other massage establishments which incorporate the setup and cleanup within YOUR scheduled time.
• Are there any medical conditions which would make massage therapy inadvisable?
  Yes. You should be open and honest while filling out your medical forms during your client intake, as well as notifying your therapist of any changes in your medical condition. Be aware that if you are under the care of a doctor, certain massage techniques will require your doctor's approval, i.e. undergoing chemotherapy or a high-risk pregnancy.

Cupping Therapy

• What is cupping therapy?
  Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy which incorporates the use of suction through glass or silicone cups which separates the layers of skin, muscle and bone, while drawing toxins away from the muscles. Glass cups are combined with a small flame to exhaust oxygen from inside the cup, causing the suction. Great care is taken to avoid injury to therapist or client. Silicone cups are squeezed while pressed against the skin, providing an air-tight seal which generates the suction. Both kinds of cups can provide the same level of benefit to the client.
• What can it treat?
  Cupping therapy can help with asthma, sciatica, muscles soreness/tightness, rehabilitation after injury, the common cold, inflammation, and redistributing cellulite, among many other things. Cupping therapy tends to promote a general sense of relaxation.
• What are the benefits?
  Cupping promotes a stronger immune system and relaxes the muscles faster than with just massage therapy alone. It also helps to sustain the effects of a massage longer and can provide a sensation of relaxation. While massage therapy helps move stagnant blood and toxins through compression in order to help the body expel them, cupping uses negative pressure to pull the toxins directly out of the muscles. It also helps the body rebuild and heal, promoting quicker recovery in areas where one has experienced trauma.
• What are the red circles?
  What is referred to as bruising is the result of the suction drawing away toxins from your body. The more toxins, the greater the change in the skin. This is because weak capillaries (tiny blood vessels) will break as result of the cupping. These weaker blood vessels tend to be where toxins stagnate. The broken capillaries expel stagnant blood and toxins and make way for newer, stronger, healthier capillaries to form.
• Is there any way to avoid bruising?
  While certain techniques can be used to help prevent some of the bruising, as mentioned above, the bruising is a result of weak, and toxin rich capillaries breaking and releasing toxins. It is still effective, though the effect may take longer/more sessions before the same results are realized.
• Will it hurt?
  Depending on the individual tolerance, the location of the cups and the amount of suction, the level of discomfort will vary. You may feel some pressure around the area where the cup is placed and at worst a slight pinch. Often times you can get a vague idea of what it may feel like by simply using your fingers to tug gently on your skin.
• Can I mix cupping and massage?
  Supplementing your massage with cupping therapy has many great benefits not realized by either therapy on its own. While massage therapy focuses on compression of muscles to release tension and toxins which have stagnated in the body, allowing the body to expel them, cupping therapy draws the toxins away from the muscles altogether. Cupping helps the effects of the massage last longer, helping you feel more relaxed and pain-free longer than with massage therapy alone.
• Can I do a purely cupping session?
  The benefit of our cupping sessions are best realized when done in conjunction with massage therapy. Therefore while cupping can be done on its own, it's our policy to only provide cupping as a supplement to your massage therapy, per client request.

Dance/GrooveFit/Pilates/HIIT

• What should I wear to class?
  Comfortable, athletic, breathable clothing.
• What shoes should I wear?
  For dance classes this could vary on the kind of class you are taking. Contemporary and Acro: barefoot, Jazz: Jazz shoes, Ballet: Ballet slippers, Hip Hop/Groove Fit/HIIT: Sneakers, Pilates: Grip socks.
• What ages and levels do you teach?
  Dance: As long as they are potty trained, I will teach them. Beginner-Advanced.
• What age should my child begin classes?
  2.5-3 years old, but it’s never too late to start!
• What are the benefits of dance/Groove Fit/Pilates Plus/HIIT?
  The benefits of each are outlined in our services page.
• Are there different styles of dance?
  Yes, please see our services page.
• Why is ballet so important?
  Ballet is the foundation of all other dance forms. Ballet technique is written in French, the traditional language of dance. By learning the correct terminology of each dance movement it will be easier to execute and learn.
• If I have a group, do you charge per person or per hour?
  Please call for more info.
• What should I bring to class?
  A positive attitude, water and towel.
• How often should I schedule classes?
  2-3x week is recommended.
• Should I eat before or after class?
  Have a light meal 1.5  hour before class and or after.
• What's the cancellation policy?
  Please give us 24 hour notice to avoid any charges. See cancellation policy in our pricing section.
• If I am recovering from an injury should I take class?
  Yes, please get a doctor's consent and inform your instructor.
• Can I take class if I am pregnant?
  Congratulations, and yes you may. Please get a doctor’s consent and inform your instructor.