FAQ - Soma Sanctuary Bodywork

Your questions, answered simply

Find answers to common concerns about therapeutic massage and bodywork, and what to expect from your session.

What is the difference between bodywork and massage?

The main difference here at Soma Sanctuary is the modalities included in the session, if you disrobe or not for the service, and the approach and goal of the session. Massage is more structured and involves traditional techniques like Swedish or deep tissue. You can expect to disrobe, lay on the table, and relax a bit more. Bodywork is broader, it may include stretching, mobility work, myofascial release, trigger point work, neuromuscular therapy, or cupping and is preformed clothed. My bodywork sessions will involve more changing positions, assessments, moving around, and problem-solving together. Think of massage as one tool in the toolbox, and bodywork as the whole kit. Both are therapeutic; the difference is mainly in how we approach your session.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing, structured massage, therapeutic massage is a good fit. If you want to address pain, posture, or specific issues through a mix of techniques, bodywork is the best choice.

How long of a session should I book? How do I know what service is for me?

I offer free consultation calls to help you decide where to start. You can reach out to me to set one up or schedule through my booking page. A 60-minute session is a great place to start. It gives us time to focus on a specific issue without overwhelming your body. If you have a specific pain or concern, I recommend booking a therapeutic bodywork session. If you are looking for more general relief and wellness a therapeutic massage would be best. If you are looking for improved mobility, tension relief, or athletic maintenance and recovery I would book a yoga and mobility service.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first session includes a conversation about your goals, health history, and any concerns. We’ll assess your posture and movement, then create a customized plan. I encourage you to ask questions and provide feedback to make the experience collaborative, educational, and aligned with what you need. You’ll always have input and control over your comfort and boundaries.

Do I need to tip?

My prices are set to reflect the full value of my services—so there’s no expectation to tip. If you’d like to add a gratuity, it’s always appreciated but never required.

Do I need to undress for bodywork? Why do you offer clothed sessions? What should I wear?

I offer both clothed and traditional massage because different people feel comfortable in different settings. Clothed sessions allow for more movement-based techniques, treating the body from different positions throughout the session, and mobility and stretching work. For these sessions, wear comfortable, stretchy clothes you’d normally work out or move freely in with easy access to skin(like shorts, sports bra, and a tank top). If you have areas you know you may want cupped (i.e around the hip or shoulders), wearing clothing so the area is easily accessible is helpful.

What conditions can you help with?

I don’t diagnose conditions or replace medical care. My role is to support your healing, recovery, and function in partnership with your healthcare team if needed.

I can help with:

TMJD, jaw pain
Tension headaches & cervicogenic headaches
Migraines (supportive care)
Neck Pain and Stiffness
Carpal Tunnel, wrist and hand pain (repetitive strain)
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
Shoulder pain, rotator cuff tendinopathy & impingement
Postural imbalances, upper and lower cross syndrome
Fibromyalgia & widespread chronic pain (nervous-system aware approach)
Myofascial pain & trigger-point patterns
Back pain, low back pain, SI joint pain
Loss of range of motion (neck, shoulders, hips, wrists, knees, ankles)
Symptomatic hypermobility / HSD / hEDS support
Sciatica / radicular-type symptoms (supportive, not a cure)
Hip and knee pain (including IT band / piriformis issues, patellofemoral pain)
Recovery from shoulder, hip, and knee surgeries (after MD clearance)
Plantar fasciitis & Achilles tendinopathy
Sports-related overuse injuries and recovery support

Some conditions require medical clearance (post-op care, cancer treatment, lymphedema, anticoagulant therapy).

I do supportive care for symptoms of autonomic/dysautonomia (e.g. Fibromyalgia, POTS-related aches, dysregulation), but I do not treat these diagnoses. I work alongside your medical team.

Clients with acute red flags (fever, unexplained swelling, hot/red limb, recent fracture, signs of DVT, acute neurological loss) will be referred back to their provider.

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I am a bit nervous or sensitive about being touched, can bodywork still be for me?

Absolutely. Many of my clients come in with the same concern. You’re in control of the session. We go at your pace, check in often, and use techniques that feel safe and supportive for your body. You always have the right to refuse any part of the treatment and I ask for any areas you know you don't want touched or worked on. I am happy to accommodate sensory concerns and adjust as needed to ensure your safety and comfort, whether that be in the quality of touch, the music in the room, or the warmth of the table. Sometimes that means starting with lighter touch, taking things slow and gentle, fully clothed sessions, and building trust over time as you feel comfortable. My goal is to create a space where your nervous system feels safe enough to unwind.

What sets your approach apart?

I blend clinical and anatomical knowledge with a nervous-system-aware approach. That means I’m not just chasing knots, I’m helping your body shift out of tension patterns in a way that actually lasts. I combine techniques like deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, breathwork, stretching, and cupping when appropriate, but I’m always listening to your body first. My background in movement and yoga also shapes how I see posture, pain, and recovery. I want you to leave not only feeling better, but moving better too so you can go through life and the world with more freedom and ease.

How often should I come in?

That depends on your goals. If you’re working on pain or recovery, I may recommend weekly or biweekly sessions at first. For maintenance and prevention, many clients come once a month. We’ll come up with a plan that makes sense for you.

Do you offer trauma-informed care?

While I am not a licensed trauma therapist, my work is informed by research, study, and experience in how the nervous system responds to stress and pain. My role is to support you within the scope of bodywork, always respecting your boundaries and collaborating with your medical or mental health providers if needed. I do not hold an official trauma-informed training certificate, but this area is one I understand deeply through lived experience, continued study, and a commitment to providing care that is both nervous-system and trauma aware.