FAQs - Treat Yourself Right! - Massage and Bodywork - Tyr Massage - JeAnne Frey

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about massage in general and Treat Yourself Right operations. A few somewhat obscure questions are addressed on my Opinion page. If you have a question that is not addressed, please email me at jeanne@tyrmassage.com.

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Where is Treat Yourself Right located?

The office is at Graduate Center, 1982 Arlington Blvd. next to Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville, in Suite 1, at the far end of the office spaces. The suite is shared with Enhance Your Life Chiropractic. Here is a map of the general area.

What are your office hours and rates?

My office hours vary, depending on the time of year and other periodic obligations I have. My general hours are listed on the Location & Hours page, which I update as my office hours change. Feel free to call or text me at 434-989-8364 to schedule your appointment if you prefer not to schedule online through Schedulicity. It's always a disappointment to me to need to turn away someone who has arrived hoping for a walk-in session I cannot accommodate. My rates are listed on the Techniques & Rates page.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Cash, checks, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and American Express are all accepted forms of payment.

What if I don't see the apointment time I want online?

Sometimes I do have other appointment times available. Because I offer sessions ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, I can often adjust appointment times in ways I've not yet figured out how to offer with Schedulicity, so please do feel free to call or text 434-989-8364 or email me at jeanne@tyrmassage.com.

How do you pronounce your name?

"GEE-ann." Like Joann, except there's an "e" in place of the "o." If you mispronouce it, I won't be offended.

What massage oil do you use?

I use food grade coconut oil. Unprocessed coconut oil is incredibly good for your skin, has no additives that could be harmful to those with chemical sensitivities (except, of course, alergies to tree nuts including coconut,) does not go rancid, and many people associate the smell with relaxation. For those who for any reason prefer I not use coconut oil, I also have available a professional grade massage creme, listed on my Links page.

What can massage do for me?

Clinical research has proven that Swedish massage reduces blood pressure and lowers cortisol, a measurable stress hormone. Massage has also been shown reduce pain and increase flexibility. Links to massage research can be found on my Links page. Besides, common sense indicates any time spent horizontal with someone else catering to you when you'd otherwise be working in one capacity or another will help you relax.

How often should I get a massage?

I love this question! Obviously, I can't be fully objective about this, but get a massage whenever you feel like it! If I could, I'd receive massage therapy every day. For massage practitioners, it is suggested we receive one session for every 10 we give. I've heard (from someone who is NOT a massage therapist) that everyone over 40 years of age should receive massage once a week. Unfortunately, this is not an option for most of us time wise or financially. Many people choose monthly as a good balance between the body and the wallet.

The effects of massage are cumulative, so shortly after an injury (with a doctor's release) you may want to come in more often. A colleague of mine refers to massage as an oil change for your car, i.e., regular maintenance to avoid expensive repairs later. Considering the many potential benefits of massage therapy, a little bit of Treating Yourself Right goes a long way!

Why should I tell my massage therapist if I'm on any medications, or even aspirin?

Some medications affect systems in your body that massage also affects. If you take a painkiller, you might not be able to feel if the massage therapist works too deeply. With muscle relaxants, the tissue may be able to temporarily receive deeper work but be sore afterwards because the muscle was unable to contract against pressure. Some medications affect blood pressure, which may require a modification of techniques.

Taking medication doesn't mean you can't receive massage therapy, but it may limit the use of certain techniques. When in doubt, ask your doctor when you receive your prescription. Let your massage therapist know about any medications (including herbal supplements) during your intake. That way, the massage therapist can tailor the session to meet your massage needs.