New customers often ask:

"Is this a spa-style massage or more therapeutic?"

No. Services at Self Centered Body & Wellness are therapeutic and medical in nature. Sessions are assessment-driven, structured, and focused on pain relief, mobility, muscle recovery, and nervous system regulation. This practice does not offer spa-style or relaxation-only massage.

"Do I need to know what to book?"

No. If you are unsure where to start, an Initial Consultation is available. This allows time to review your concerns and determine the most appropriate type of care. If you book a therapeutic session, treatment will still be guided professionally based on assessment.

"Will this hurt?"

While some therapeutic work can involve deep tissue, communication is key to ensure your comfort. Finally,

"Do you work with chronic pain or injuries?"

Yes, a primary focus of Self Centered Body & Wellness is to provide functional relief and sustainable improvement for chronic pain and injuries.

Therapeutic massage at Self Centered Body & Wellness is not routine or one-size-fits-all. Sessions are guided by assessment and focused on how the body is functioning, not just where it hurts.

What makes this approach different:

• Assessment before treatment
• Intentional techniques selected for a purpose
• Attention to nervous system regulation
• Clear communication and boundaries

After sessions, clients often report:

• Reduced pain and muscle tension
• Improved mobility or ease of movement
• Feeling calmer and more grounded
• Better awareness of how their body responds to stress or activity

Results vary by individual, but care is focused on functional relief and sustainable improvement, not temporary fixes.

Veterans should know that care here is structured, respectful, and predictable. Important things to know:

• VA Community Care Network (CCN) referrals are accepted with valid authorization.
• Sessions follow clear boundaries, consent, and professional standards.
• Communication is direct and calm — no surprises or rushed transitions.
• Cancellation and no-show fees are not charged to VA clients, but repeated no-call/no-shows may result in termination of care per VA guidelines.

The goal is to provide a safe, regulated environment that supports both physical recovery and nervous system regulation.

Before your session:

• Arrive a few minutes early if possible.
• Eat lightly and hydrate.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Share relevant health updates or concerns honestly.

After your session:

• Drink water.
• Notice how your body feels over the next 24–48 hours.
• Gentle movement and rest can support results.
• Follow any simple recommendations provided during your session.

Massage works best as part of an ongoing, collaborative approach to care.

Your first session includes a brief review of health history, assessment, and hands-on care based on your needs. Sessions are calm, structured, and collaborative. Professional draping and clear communication are maintained at all times.

Yes. Care is delivered using trauma-informed principles, including clear boundaries, predictable session flow, consent-based treatment, and respect for personal comfort. Clients are never required to tolerate discomfort or explain personal history to receive care.

Yes. Self Centered Body & Wellness works with veterans and understands the importance of safety, structure, and clear communication. Authorized VA Community Care Network (CCN) referrals are accepted when proper authorization is in place.

Private insurance is not billed directly. VA Community Care Network (CCN) referrals are accepted with valid authorization. Cancellation and no-show fees are not billed to insurance.

Massage therapy supports pain relief, muscle recovery, mobility, circulation, and nervous system regulation. While massage does not diagnose or treat medical conditions, it can be beneficial for chronic tension, postural strain, overuse injuries, stress-related discomfort, and recovery support.

Emotional responses can occur during bodywork. While these responses are respected, sessions are not intended for psychotherapy or ongoing emotional processing. Care remains focused on therapeutic bodywork within professional scope of practice.

A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations may be subject to a partial session fee. No-shows may be charged the full session fee. VA CCN clients are not charged fees; however, repeated no-call/no-shows may result in termination of care.

Wear comfortable clothing. 

It’s recommended to arrive clean and comfortable, but you don’t need to do anything excessive or special.

A shower beforehand can:

• help you feel more relaxed and comfortable

• make bodywork more pleasant for both client and therapist

• remove lotions, sweat, or debris that can interfere with treatment

That said, life happens. If you’re coming straight from work, the gym, or a medical appointment, just let your therapist know. Care will still be delivered professionally and respectfully.

What matters most is good hygiene and open communication.

Simple tips

• Avoid heavy perfumes or strong fragrances before your session

• Fresh, clean skin is ideal

• If you’re unsure, just ask — no judgment, ever

Yes. It’s best to avoid smoking or vaping (including tobacco or cannabis) for at least 1–2 hours before your session.

Smoking beforehand can:

• increase heart rate and blood pressure

• make it harder for your body to relax

• interfere with breathing and nervous system regulation

• affect how muscles and tissue respond to treatment

For everyone’s comfort and safety, please arrive free of strong smoke odors.

If you use cannabis or nicotine for medical reasons, you’re welcome to let your therapist know. Care will still be delivered professionally and respectfully, with attention to safety and comfort.

Before your session:
No. Please avoid alcohol before your massage. Alcohol can interfere with circulation, nervous system regulation, and body awareness, and it increases the risk of dizziness or dehydration. For safety and quality of care, sessions are not provided if a client appears intoxicated.

After your session:
It’s best to wait several hours before drinking alcohol, or avoid it for the rest of the day if possible. Massage increases circulation and fluid movement, and alcohol afterward can:

• increase dehydration

• intensify soreness or fatigue

• reduce the benefits of your session

Best practice

• Arrive clear-headed and hydrated

• Drink water after your session

• If you choose to drink later, do so moderately and listen to your body

This guidance helps ensure your massage is safe, effective, and as beneficial as possible.

If you’re feeling sick — including having a fever, infection, flu-like symptoms, stomach illness, or a new or worsening medical issue — please let your therapist know before your session. It’s always okay to reschedule.

Massage affects circulation, lymphatic flow, and the nervous system. When someone is ill, massage can make symptoms worse or spread infection.

What can happen if I don’t tell my therapist?

If illness or symptoms aren’t disclosed:

• your symptoms may intensify (fever, nausea, dizziness, fatigue)

• your body may not tolerate treatment safely

• recovery can be delayed

• there is risk of spreading illness to others

• treatment may need to be stopped mid-session for safety

Your therapist relies on accurate information to provide safe, appropriate care.

What to do instead

• Contact the office if you’re unsure whether it’s safe to come in

• Reschedule if you’re actively sick or contagious

• Share changes in health honestly — even if they seem minor

There is no penalty or judgment for prioritizing health and safety.

Bottom line

Massage works best when your body is ready to receive it.
Honest communication helps protect you, your therapist, and other clients — and ensures care is delivered responsibly.

It depends on the type and stage of the injury.

Immediately after an injury (first 24–72 hours):
Massage is usually not recommended during the acute phase, especially if there is:

• significant swelling

• bruising

• sharp or increasing pain

• suspected fracture, tear, or concussion

During this stage, rest and medical evaluation are often more appropriate.

After the acute phase (generally 3–7 days later):
Gentle, targeted massage may be appropriate, depending on the injury and symptoms. At this stage, massage can sometimes help with circulation, muscle guarding, and stiffness — but only when done carefully and within scope.

For ongoing or healing injuries:
Massage can be helpful for:

• muscle tightness or compensation patterns

• reduced range of motion

• recovery after strains or overuse injuries

• supporting healing once inflammation has stabilized

Your therapist may modify techniques or focus on surrounding areas rather than the injured site itself.

Why timing matters

Getting massage too soon after an injury can:

• increase inflammation or swelling

• worsen pain

• delay healing

• make symptoms harder to assess

Waiting until your body is ready helps ensure massage supports recovery instead of working against it.

Best guidance

• If you’ve had a recent injury, let your therapist know before booking

• Follow guidance from your healthcare provider if you’re under medical care

• When in doubt, an Initial Consultation can help determine safe timing and approach

Bottom line

Massage can be a valuable part of recovery — when timed appropriately. Honest communication and proper assessment help ensure care is safe, effective, and supportive of healing.

In most cases, it’s best to wait at least 24–48 hours after an injection or vaccination before receiving massage therapy.

This allows your body time to respond to the injection and helps reduce the risk of increased soreness, inflammation, or adverse reactions.

Why waiting matters

After an injection or vaccine, your body may be:

• mounting an immune response

• experiencing localized soreness, swelling, or tenderness

• more sensitive to changes in circulation

Massage too soon can:

• increase soreness at the injection site

• intensify fatigue, dizziness, or flu-like symptoms

• make it harder to tell what symptoms are normal vs. treatment-related

Injection-site guidelines

• The injection site is not massaged until soreness, swelling, and redness have fully resolved.

• Even after the waiting period, treatment may be modified to avoid the area.

When massage may be appropriate

Massage may be appropriate once:

• you feel generally well

• soreness is mild or improving

• there is no fever or systemic reaction

Your therapist can adjust pressure and focus on areas away from the injection site as needed.

Best practice

• Let your therapist know if you’ve recently had an injection or vaccine

• Reschedule if you feel unwell, feverish, or unusually fatigued

• When in doubt, waiting a few extra days is always the safer choice

Bottom line

Massage can be safely resumed after your body has had time to stabilize, usually 24–48 hours post-injection or vaccine. Clear communication helps ensure care is delivered safely and comfortably.