Your Questions, Answered

Never had therapeutic massage before? Not sure what to expect? Here's everything you need to know.

I get it—trying something new (especially when it involves someone working on your body) brings up questions. I'd rather you come in feeling informed and comfortable, so let's clear things up.

Getting Started

  • Welcome! Here's the short version: massage shouldn't be mysterious or intimidating.

    When you arrive, we'll spend a few minutes talking about what's going on with your body—where it hurts, what makes it better or worse, and what you're hoping to achieve. Then you'll undress to your comfort level (more on that below), get on the table under a sheet, and I'll get to work.

    Throughout the session, I'll check in to make sure pressure and technique feel right. You're not expected to know massage terminology or explain things perfectly—just tell me what's going on in plain English, and we'll figure it out together.

    First sessions can bring up some nervousness. That's completely normal. My job is to make this feel safe, professional, and helpful—not weird.

  • Click the "Book Now" button anywhere on the site, and you'll be taken to my online scheduling system. You can see my available times and book the session length that works for you.

    First-timers: I recommend 90 minutes so we have time to assess what's going on and make real progress. But 60 minutes works too if that's what fits your schedule or budget.

  • Not much, honestly.

    • Eat something beforehand (don't come on an empty stomach)

    • Hydrate well that day

    • Wear comfortable clothes (you'll be changing anyway)

    • Arrive a few minutes early

    • Leave your to-do list at the door—this is your time

    That's it. Don't stress about shaving your legs or having perfect skin or any of that. I've seen it all, and none of it matters.

During Your Session

  • You undress to whatever level feels comfortable to you. Most people undress completely (except underwear) because it allows me to work more effectively, but you're in control.

    I use professional draping techniques, which means you're covered with a sheet at all times except for the area I'm actively working on. If I need to work near the edge of your underwear (like for lower back or glutes), I'll ask permission first.

    Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Your comfort matters more than "optimal" access.

  • Therapeutic massage—especially trigger point therapy and deep tissue—can be intense. It shouldn't be unbearable, but it might not always feel "relaxing" in the moment.

    Here's the thing: we're working on tissue that's been tight, dysfunctional, or painful for a while. Sometimes releasing that tension requires pressure that feels uncomfortable. But it's a "good hurt"—the kind that makes you say "ow, but it’s worth it."

    That said, you're always in control. If something feels wrong (not just intense, but actually bad), speak up. I'll adjust. The goal is therapeutic work that your body can handle, not torture.

  • Totally up to you.

    Some people like to zone out and be quiet. Others like to chat, ask questions, or narrate what they're feeling. Both are fine. This is your session—do whatever helps you relax and feel comfortable.

    The only time I need you to communicate is when something doesn't feel right or when I ask about pressure. Otherwise, talk or don't talk. No judgment either way.

  • Happens all the time, and it's actually a good sign—it means your nervous system is relaxing. Don't worry about snoring or drooling or any of that. I'm focused on your muscles, not your dignity.

  • Let me know where, and I'll adjust my pressure or technique. Usually, deeper pressure is less ticklish than lighter touch. We'll figure out what works.

  • I'm trained to work on the full body, but we'll focus on whatever areas need attention based on your intake and goals.

    Common areas include:

    • Neck and shoulders

    • Upper, mid, and lower back

    • Glutes (yes, butt muscles—they're often involved in back and hip pain)

    • Legs and feet

    • Arms and hands

    • Jaw and face (for TMJ and headache work)

    If there's an area you don't want worked on, just tell me. No explanation needed.

After Your Session

  • Everyone's different, but here are the common responses:

    Immediately after:

    • Relaxed, almost "floaty"

    • Thirsty

    • A little tender in areas we worked on deeply

    • Tired (totally normal—your body just did work)

    The next day or two:

    • Some soreness is normal, especially if we did deep work or trigger point therapy

    • Increased range of motion

    • Less pain in problem areas (though sometimes it gets worse before it gets better)

    • Better sleep

    Drink lots of water, move gently, and give your body time to adjust. If soreness persists beyond 48 hours or feels wrong (not just "worked-out muscles" sore), let me know.

  • Depends entirely on what's going on with your body.

    Acute issues (recent injury, severe pain): Weekly or bi-weekly initially, then spread out as things improve

    Chronic issues (long-term pain, postural problems): Weekly to start, then shift to maintenance (every 2-4 weeks)

    Maintenance/prevention: Monthly or as needed

    Athletic performance/recovery: Varies based on training schedule

    I'll give you my honest recommendation, but ultimately you decide what fits your schedule and budget. Something is better than nothing, even if it's not "optimal" frequency.

  • Just the basics:

    • Drink plenty of water (yes, everyone says this—because it actually helps)

    • Move gently—stretch, walk, stay active, but don't immediately hit the gym hard

    • Pay attention to how your body feels over the next few days

    • Ice or heat if needed (I'll tell you which if applicable)

    That's it. No complicated protocols.

Pricing & Logistics

  • Pricing depends on the type of service chosen.

    Click here for a full list of our pricing.

    Payment is due at the time of service. I accept cash, credit/debit, Apple Pay, Venmo, and PayPal.

  • Life happens, I get it. But my time is valuable, and last-minute cancellations mean I can't fill that slot with someone who needs it.

    Policy:

    • Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance—no charge

    • Cancel with less than 24 hours notice—you'll be charged 50% of the session fee

    • No-shows—you'll be charged the full session fee

    Emergencies are different. If something genuinely unexpected happens, please contact us.

  • Anam Massage Therapy is located in Buffalo, NY.

    350 Alberta Drive
    Suite 204 (located upstairs)
    Buffalo, NY 14226

    Parking is available on both sides of the building.

About the Work

  • Great question.

    Spa massage is about relaxation. It feels nice, helps you de-stress, and you leave feeling pampered. That's great—if that's what you need.

    Therapeutic massage is about addressing specific issues. It's still done in a relaxing environment, but the goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and create lasting change in how your body moves and feels.

    I do therapeutic massage. You'll probably relax during your session (many people do), but that's a side effect, not the main goal. The main goal is to make you feel better long-term.

  • Trigger points are those stubborn knots in your muscles—the ones that hurt when you press on them and often refer pain to other areas.

    For example, that spot in your shoulder blade that makes your arm hurt, or the tension in your neck that gives you headaches. Those are trigger points.

    Trigger point therapy uses focused pressure to release these tight bands of muscle tissue, which restores proper muscle function and eliminates referred pain.

    It can be intense (see "Will it hurt?" above), but it's one of the most effective ways to address chronic pain and dysfunction. If regular massage hasn't solved your problem, trigger points are probably why.

  • Massage therapy can be incredibly effective for many conditions, including:

    • Chronic neck and back pain

    • Tension headaches and migraines

    • Sports injuries and recovery

    • Poor posture and "tech neck"

    • Repetitive strain injuries

    • Stress and anxiety

    • Limited range of motion

    • Fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions

    • TMJ dysfunction

    • Sciatica

    That said, I'm not a doctor. If you have a medical condition, check with your healthcare provider to make sure massage is appropriate. I'm happy to work with your doctor or physical therapist as part of a broader treatment plan.

    There are also some conditions where massage isn't recommended (like active infections, blood clots, certain cancers, or severe osteoporosis). We'll go over your health history to make sure it's safe.

  • Honestly? Sometimes both.

    Physical therapists are great for rehab exercises, mobility work, and structured recovery protocols.

    Massage therapists are great for releasing muscle tension, improving tissue quality, and addressing compensatory patterns.

    We do different things, and they're often complementary. If you're recovering from a significant injury, PT might be your first stop. But massage can be a great addition to that work—or something you do after PT to maintain what you've gained.

    When in doubt, ask your doctor.

Health & Safety

  • Great question! For safety reasons, we avoid massage during the first trimester (first 13 weeks). While we don't offer prenatal massage at this time, several great places in the area specialize in it.

  • Probably, but it depends on the condition.

    When you book, you'll fill out a health history form. If anything raises a red flag, I'll let you know and may ask you to get clearance from your doctor before we proceed.

    Conditions that require caution or medical clearance include:

    • Blood clots or clotting disorders

    • Cancer (current or recent)

    • Severe osteoporosis

    • Uncontrolled high blood pressure

    • Recent surgery

    • Contagious skin conditions

    • Active infections or fever

    This isn't about judging your health—it's about keeping you safe. If massage isn't appropriate right now, I'd rather tell you than risk making things worse.

  • All linens (sheets, blankets, and face cradle covers) are washed in hot water and changed between every client. The table, bolsters, and any tools are cleaned and sanitized between sessions.

    I wash my hands before and after every session and follow all state health and safety guidelines.

    Your health and safety matter.

Didn't See Your Question Here?

No problem. Send me a message and I'll answer whatever's on your mind. There's no such thing as a silly question—if you're wondering about it, it's worth asking.

ASK A QUESTION