A: Yes; however, we must obtain written consent from a guardian for anyone under the age of 18. In addition, if your child is under the age of 14, we ask that you please stay in the room for the duration of the massage.
Q: What should I wear while on the table?
A: Undress to your comfort level.
Explanation: There are benefits to fully undressing for your massage. This practice enables us to effectively apply therapeutic techniques to the hips, gluteal muscles, and lower back. While we always ensure professional draping, you are welcome to keep on your undergarments if it makes you feel more comfortable. Additionally, we kindly ask that you remove bras and camisoles, as they restrict access to the shoulders.
Q: What if it hurts or I just don’t like the way something feels?
A: Let your therapist know so an adjustment can be made. Please be sure to always communicate with your therapist if you do not like the way something feels. Your comfort and safety are our #1 priority. We value your feedback and will not be offended. If you find it challenging to communicate during your session or in general, please inform your therapist before you get on the table via intake form or in person. This will allow both of you to establish a method for checking in that is comfortable and effective for you throughout the session.
Explanation: Massage should not be painful. There are therapeutic and clinical massage techniques that can be physically uncomfortable when dysfunctional muscle tissues are manipulated. Our techniques generally should not exceed a 7 on a 1-10 pain scale. 7 is described as a “hurt so good” feeling, not 100% comfortable, not painful, but potentially challenging. Adequate, skillfully applied pressure, can interrupt dysfunctional muscle tissue and assist in returning it to a relaxed state. Too much can be stressful to the body. Open communication between client and therapist is essential to finding the right balance.
Q: What if I have a lot of body hair?
A: No problem. We accept all bodies as they are. It may be necessary for us to use more lotion or switch to a massage oil with more glide. Please be sure to let us know if we are unintentionally pulling hair.
Q: Is the therapist judging my body?
A: Nope. We warmly embrace all bodies regardless of appearance and ability. Amethyst intentionally prioritizes the comfort of marginalized groups via policy, staff selection & training, choice of equipment, daily practice, and continued education. We are proudly size inclusive, anti-racist, 2tige and lgbtqia+ affirming, neurodivergent affirming, and employ up to date trauma informed practices. Your comfort and safety are our #1 priority. We celebrate gender diversity and self-acceptance, no matter where you are on that journey. True healing starts when we feel safe in our bodies and have confidence that our surroundings are safe for us.
Q: What if I need to use the restroom during my massage?
A: We’ve got you covered! Literally, there is a robe in every treatment room. Let your therapist know you would like to pause the session to use the restroom. Your therapist will either provide the robe to you or show you where it is located. Your therapist will leave the treatment room so you can put the robe on in privacy. Once robed, you are free to exit the treatment room and go to the restroom. When finished, return to the treatment room, remove the robe, and return to the massage table. Your therapist will knock before re-entering and continuing your session.
Q: If I am pregnant can I only have a prenatal/pregnancy massage?
A: Yes. If you are considered high risk, we recommend that you consult your medical care provider regarding any specific considerations for your individual needs. Some practitioners may opt not to provide massage for pregnant clients before 20 weeks. While we do offer massage during the first trimester, we encourage you to verify massage is a safe option with your care provider.
TMJD INTERVENTION INTRAORAL MASSAGE FAQs
Q: What is it?
A: A massage that employs clinical techniques to address symptoms associated with or caused by TMJD.
Explanation: Here’s what to expect
-Client will be fully clothed and lie face up on the table with their head on a supportive neck rest
-Therapist will start by massaging the external muscles involved in face posture, chewing, and talking.
-Therapist will guide the client in various jaw positions and movements to release associated muscles throughout the session
-The therapist will use a clean, gloved finger to internally (inside the mouth) access the client's jaw muscles behind the cheek.
-This clinical massage may cause discomfort for some. Your therapist will maintain constant communication to ensure your comfort and safety.
Q: How long is it?
A: 30 minutes, however the client maintains the right to end the session at any time for any reason, keeping in mind payment for the service will remain the same.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: If you are ever in pain during a massage let your therapist know so an adjustment can be made. While some discomfort is to be expected during a clinical massage it should not hurt more than a 7 on a 1-10 scale. 7 is described as a “hurt so good” feeling. If you find it challenging to communicate during your session or in general, please inform your therapist before you get on the table via intake form or in person. This will allow both of you to establish a method for checking in that is comfortable and effective for you throughout the session.
Q: Why can’t I add TMJD intervention into my existing appointment?
A:
1. Intra oral work requires a special intake form that gives the therapist permission to work inside the mouth. This form is automatically sent out and tracked for completion when the TMJD Intervention appointment is scheduled and is due by the time of the appointment. Without this specific consent form completed by the start time of your appointment, your therapist cannot perform intraoral intervention.
2. TMJD Intraoral Intervention requires specific setup and sanitation protocols. The studio needs to know how many TMJD treatment to expect to ensure supplies stay fully stocked.
3. Because this treatment requires certification, unique inventory, and is higher risk to the therapist, it is priced separately from all other services. Maintaining TMJD Intervention as a standalone service ensures everyone is prepared, informed, safe, and billing/payment details are clear.
4. It is essential the client remains clothed for this procedure. Adding TMJD Intervention to the end of a body work session it is not recommended because:
-client will be required to redress and exit the treatment room so it can be refitted to accommodate intraoral intervention
-Intraoral intervention can be uncomfortable, and reintroduced stress to the body. Possibly undoing progress made during body work session
-we ask that you arrive at your appointment with brushed teeth. Hygiene items can be provided upon request
It is possible to schedule a body work session after your TMJD treatment to relax the body. Maintaining a relaxed state following a clinical massage can enhance the longevity of the positive effects experienced. We ask if you would like body work after your TMJD treatment that you schedule both appointments at the same time. Ex: TMJD intervention(30min) + 30 min customizable massage, TMJD intervention(30min) + 60min customizable massage, so on and so forth.
• Policies •
- Cancellation Policy -
To best accommodate everyone’s schedules and to respect our therapists' time, we kindly ask that you provide notice of any cancellations or rescheduling at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
A same-day cancellation is defined as failing to provide notice of cancellation or rescheduling at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, 50% of the service cost will be charged, and this fee must be paid before you can book a new appointment.
15-Minute Late Policy, our therapists work on a precise schedule. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, we may need to reschedule, and the same-day cancellation fee may apply. However, we strive to be flexible and understanding. If possible, we will do our best to accommodate your session within the available time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
- Scents -
We ask that you please refrain from wearing perfume, body spray, cologne, strongly-scented lotions, etc., as this can potentially disrupt other clients and therapists.
- Draping -
We use draping techniques (specific ways to fold the sheet) in keeping with TN state law in order to keep you covered, as well as ensure a comfortable environment for both of us during your appointment. Please do not adjust the sheets. If at any point you are uncomfortable with the sheets, please let us know. We are happy to use more modest draping, if you’d prefer.
- Inclusive Business -
Amethyst Massage is an LGBTQ-affirming and anti-racist business. Hate speech will not be tolerated in the studio.
- COVID Policy -
Your therapist is happy to wear a mask, if requested.
We are continuing to clean between every session and will always let you know if we have had any symptoms of COVID-19.
Please contact us before your appointment if you are sick or have had a known COVID exposure.
• Descriptions of Modalities •
Each massage at Amethyst:
Is tailored to your individual needs. Your therapist will conduct an in-depth intake before your scheduled session. Please fill out your intake form ahead of time, so we can have some specific thoughts and questions prepared. You will not be charged extra for
“deep tissue,” as every massage integrates a myriad of techniques and modalities.
Please don’t agonize over which one to select. We will help you figure out which one would be
most beneficial for your personal needs and goals during your intake.
Couples Massage:
A couples massage is not just for romantic couples. You can bring in your partner, best friend, mom, or anyone else you feel comfortable with! You will each have your own massage therapist customizing your session to your individual needs, but you will both get to be in the same room while receiving your treatment if you so choose.
Ashiatsu Therapy:
In this unique modality, your massage therapist uses his/her/their well-trained, well-pedicured feet as the massage tool, either while seated on a stool or standing on the massage table and using stable bars hanging from the ceiling for support and stability. This allows the practitioner to apply firm pressure with a broad surface, which provides a deeply relaxing therapeutic massage.
Cranial Sacral Session:
In this technique, gentle pressure is applied to key areas of the body with the goal of balancing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to the associated nerve receptors. Our therapists are well-versed in the ‘biodynamic’ craniosacral technique, which is akin to energy work. These sessions are very relaxing, with some clients reporting incredible results. Clients generally remain fully clothed for these sessions.
Sports Massage:
We use therapeutic massage techniques, range of motion, and stretching in order to enhance athletic performance and manage pain. We consider the specific ways you are using your body for your sport, activity, etc. to help us create an individualized treatment plan for you.
Trigger Point Therapy:
A trigger point (sometimes referred to as a “knot”) is a tight band of muscle tissue or fascia that is often tender and refers pain to another area of the body. In trigger point therapy, we apply skilled pressure to those “knots” in order to relieve the trapped metabolic waste and calcium, as well as help alleviate the pain.
