FAQs

Below is a listing of our most frequently asked questions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions or concerns.

Scheduling, Payments, and Policies

How can I schedule an appointment?

We offer online booking where you can schedule at your convenience 24/7. You can also call or text us at 208-713-6562 or email info@wholebeingmassage.com and we can get you scheduled or answer any questions. Always feel free to reach out to us if you try to schedule online and don’t see a time that works for you.

Are walk-ins and same day appointments available?

We generally cannot accommodate walk-ins, but often can take same-day appointments, depending on practitioner availability. Appointments can be booked online up to two hours before the appointment time. If you don’t see anything available online, please feel free to give us a call.

Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?

Yes! John is available weekday evenings until 7:30pm and weekends from 9:30am-5:00pm. Our other practitioners are sometimes able to take evening appointments by request.

Do you offer couples massage?

Yes, we do. Couples massages are currently available Monday through Friday and can be booked online or over the phone. As always, if you don’t see a time that works for you or have any questions, please reach out to us.

Why do I have to give a credit card number to schedule and is it secure?

We ask for a valid credit card number when you schedule to protect our business and our practitioners from no-show appointments. Nothing will be charged to your card until after your appointment. Your card information is stored securely in our PCI-compliant scheduling software.

Will I get a full 60 minutes of massage when I book a 60-minute appointment?

Yes! At Whole Being Massage a 60-minute appointment means 60 minutes of hands-on time, provided you arrive on time for your appointment. This is why we ask that you arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time, to allow time for you to use the restroom, drink some water, check in with your practitioner, and get on the table.

Do I have to fill out any paperwork?

We have a short intake form and client waiver that you will need to fill out before your first appointment and a separate waiver for the infrared sauna. If you schedule online, you will complete these as part of the booking process. If you call and schedule with us, we will send you a link to the forms by text and/or email, so you can complete them at your convenience before you come in for your appointment. If you’re not able to fill out the forms before you come in, no worries! Just arrive at least 10 minutes before your treatment time and you can fill them out here.

What time should I arrive for my appointment?

We ask that you arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will allow time for you to use the restroom if needed, and get some water. You will then check in with your practitioner and get on the table to start your session on time.

What if I am running late to my appointment?

If you are running late, we ask that you still come to your appointment, as we have reserved that time for you. If you are going to be more than five minutes late, please give us a call or text to let us know. We reserve the right to end your treatment at the scheduled time, meaning that your treatment time would be shortened by the amount of time you are late. In practice, we allow ample time between appointments, so we are often able to still provide your full treatment time, even if you arrive a few minutes late.

What is your cancellation policy and how do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

We ask that you give as much notice as possible and at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. You can cancel or reschedule online by clicking the link in your confirmation email or you can call, text or email to let us know. You will not be able to cancel or reschedule online within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment time and will need to call us. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed appointments will be subject to a rescheduling fee of 50% of the full-service price. The rescheduling fee will be waived in the case of an emergency or illness.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and AMEX; local personal checks; and cash. We can also accept HSA and FSA cards.

Should I tip my massage therapist?

Tipping is always appreciated AND always optional. We encourage our therapists to set their rates at a point that is sustainable for them and provides reasonable compensation with no need for tips. However, we know that many of our clients like to show their appreciation through tipping and we appreciate the sentiment!

Do you take insurance? What if I have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)?

We do not currently bill health insurance. If you have coverage for massage, you can pay out of pocket and we can provide receipts and chart notes for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. We DO accept HSA and FSA cards. These generally work like any debit card and we are happy to provide any additional documentation you need to send your insurance company. We are also able to bill insurance for treatment for motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation injuries.

I was in a car accident or injured at work and given a recommendation for massage, can you help me?

Yes! We provide treatment for motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation cases. This treatment includes a thorough intake and assessment where we will develop a personalized treatment plan. We will just need a prescription from a primary care provider and your insurance company and adjuster’s information. We will verify your coverage and then submit chart notes and billing requests directly to your insurance. In the event that your insurance denies payment, you would be responsible for any outstanding fees.

About Our Practice

Are your massage therapists licensed and certified?

Our practitioners who have the designation, “LMT,” after their name are Licensed Massage Therapists in the state of Idaho. This means they have completed at least 500 hours of approved training, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, and clinical hours, have passed a national certification or licensing exam, and have to complete continuing education hours every year to maintain their license. Practitioners who are not LMTs have completed certification programs and continuing education hours in modalities that fall outside the scope of massage licensure in the state of Idaho, such as Acupressure, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, and CranioSacral Therapy.

What cleaning and sanitizing protocols do you follow?

Each of our treatment rooms, as well as the sauna room, has a high-efficiency HEPA air filter and we run diffusers with air-purifying and antimicrobial essential oils. Our treatment tables, pillows, and bolsters all have waterproof, sanitizable covers, and all surfaces that have been touched by clients or practitioners are sanitized between sessions. Our linens are professionally laundered and kept in closed storage containers. All practitioners thoroughly wash their hands and arms up to the elbows before and after each session.

What, When and How Often

Which treatment is right for me?

We have so many different options that we recommend giving us a call if you have specific questions or aren’t sure which treatment to choose. In general, a Therapeutic Massage is recommended for relaxation, stress relief, and general wellness, and is a good option for people newer to massage. Release and Restore is our Deep Tissue and is recommended for athletes or anyone dealing with a specific injury or long-standing pain or musculoskeletal dysfunction. Sarga Bodywork is also a great option for those who prefer deep tissue or deep pressure and also for people who have received a lot of bodywork and love to try new styles. Lymph Drainage Therapy is good for overall wellness, for recovery after surgery, for anyone who has edema or other signs of a challenged lymphatic system, and also for those who prefer light touch. For any type of imbalance in the body and for people drawn to Traditional Chinese Medicine, we recommend Amma Therapy or Integrative Asian Bodywork. All of our practitioners will take the time to find out what you are looking for and will customize any session to meet your needs, so you really can’t go wrong. We can also create a custom session if you are interested in trying multiple modalities.

What session length should I schedule?

A 60-minute session is good if you need focused work on a specific area or two or would like a basic relaxation massage, although many of our practitioners feel a 75-minute session is more ideal for a complete treatment. For a full-body session along with some focused work, we recommend 90 minutes or more. A truly full-body Lymph or Sarga session or a custom session combining multiple modalities requires at least two hours.

How often should I get a massage?

We recommend monthly maintenance massages for just about everyone. This is the minimum frequency where we see people really feeling the ongoing benefits of massage in their lives. However, we also tell people scheduling a massage should never be something that adds stress to your life, so we encourage you to come in on a schedule that works for your time, budget, and lifestyle. If you are dealing with an injury or acute issue or looking to achieve certain goals, it can be beneficial to schedule more frequently for a time and then go to a maintenance schedule. In an ideal world, we would love everyone to be able to get a massage once a week, and clients who are able to do this definitely feel the difference. We have even had clients who were on a regular twice-a-week schedule. Your practitioner will be happy to discuss their personalized recommendations for you and help come up with a treatment plan that works for you.

I woke up with a cold today. Should I come in?

Nope. If you have any symptoms of a cold or flu, we ask that you please reschedule your appointment. This is both to avoid exposing our practitioners and other clients to illness and to allow your body to go through its natural healing process. Sometimes, getting a massage in the early stages of a cold can actually make you feel worse. A good time to get a massage is when you are recovering from being sick and no longer contagious. We will waive the rescheduling fee in the case of illness, although we ask that you please give us as much notice as possible out of courtesy (for example, if you are feeling sick the night before, please let us know then, rather than waiting until the morning of your appointment).

When is it not okay to get a massage?

You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold or flu, systemic infection, or a contagious skin condition. With the majority of other conditions, your therapist will be able to adapt their approach or avoid certain areas or techniques, as needed. With some conditions, such as cancer, certain heart conditions, or recent surgery, we recommend getting approval from your physician before receiving a massage. Please feel free to ask us if you have any questions or concerns or are uncertain if the massage is right for you.

I don’t like deep tissue massage/Will my massage hurt?

We don’t subscribe to the “no pain, no gain” philosophy. It is definitely possible to do effective therapeutic work without it having to hurt. Some people prefer deeper pressure or that “hurts so good” sensation, which we’re happy to provide and there certainly may be areas that are more sensitive or where you’ll have to breathe through some discomfort or intensity – if you choose to receive that type of deep, specific work – but we will never tell you that massage needs to hurt or ask you to override your own preference or comfort level. We work with plenty of clients who are sensitive to touch or prefer very light pressure. Whether you prefer more gentle or deeper work, our main goal is for you to be able to relax and get what you need out of your session.

What if I’ve experienced a trauma (or abuse) that is still triggered by touch?

Some of our therapists are experienced in working with trauma survivors. If you feel called to include bodywork as part of your healing process, we would be honored to work with you. Patient, nurturing, and accepting touch that moves at your own pace can help facilitate your body releasing, processing, and healing from trauma (physical or emotional) and allow your nervous system to settle and perhaps find new and more resilient connections. We will make any accommodations or adjustments needed and will hold a safe space for you. Sometimes, this work may start with the lightest touch or the practitioner not even placing their hands on your body and simply holding space. Please reach out to us with any questions.

Before, During, and After Your Session

I’ve never had a professional massage before, what should I expect?

We love giving people a great first experience with professional massage. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If no one is available to greet you when you walk in, feel free to use the restroom and have a seat in the waiting area. Your practitioner will greet you as soon as they can and offer you some water, then show you to the treatment room. They will then ask you a few questions to get to know you and what you are looking to get out of your session. They will talk you through what to expect during your massage and encourage you to speak up if anything is not comfortable or needs to be adjusted. Your practitioner will then show you how to get on the table and step out of the room and give you a few minutes to undress and get on the table. Don’t forget to put your phone on silent or do not disturb, so you can fully relax. Your practitioner will give a knock before entering and then check with you to make sure everything is comfortable. The heat level, face rest, and bolster can all be adjusted, if needed. During the session, all you need to do is lie there and relax. Your practitioner may move your arms and legs; just do your best to let go and let the therapist do the work. If they need you to move or do anything, they will let you know. Your practitioner will check in with you to make sure the pressure is comfortable. Please feel free to ask any questions or speak up if anything needs to be adjusted. Other than that, we invite you to just relax and breathe. Your therapist will likely have you turn over part way through the session. They will hold the sheet up in such a way that you are still covered, but have a bit of space to turn. At the end of the session, your therapist will thank you and then step out of the room so you can get off the table and get dressed. Take your time getting up and head back out to the waiting area when you’re ready. Your practitioner will be there to offer you more water and see how you’re feeling.

What should I wear to my massage?

Wear whatever you like! You will disrobe for your treatment, so it really doesn’t matter what you wear and we don’t judge. We have people come straight from the office or business meetings, dressed up in evening wear on their way out to a date, in workout clothes after the gym and have even had clients come in a robe and slippers.

Should I shower before my massage?

This is up to you. Some people like to shower before their massage, while some prefer to shower after. We do, of course, ask for reasonable standards of hygiene, and ask that you shower before coming if, say, you’ve been backpacking for a week straight or just fought in an MMA tournament. Other than that, this is really a matter of your personal preference. If you have clean hair or makeup on, we will do our best not to get cream or oil on your hair or face.

What if I didn’t have time to shave my legs, wash my hair, get a pedicure, etc.?

Again, we don’t judge. Working in this field, we’ve seen just about everything and are not at all put off by a little stubble, some greasy hair, or calloused feet. We are looking at your body through a professional lens and are focused on things like your posture, muscle tone, energy balance, and how you’re feeling today.

What if I feel like I’m too overweight, too underweight, too big, too old, too young, too out of shape, or not healthy enough to get a massage?

Massage is really for almost everybody and nearly everyone can experience the benefits of massage and feel better in their body, no matter where you’re starting from. We have worked with people of all ages (from two to 92, really), all fitness levels (from sedentary to professional athletes), and all sizes and body types. We work with people in excellent health, as well as those dealing with chronic or acute health challenges. We’re always happy to make accommodations to ensure your comfort and we hold a safe and non-judgemental space for all our clients.

Do I have to undress for my massage and/or how much should I undress?

All of our practitioners typically work with the client undressed and draped under a sheet on the massage table. Your practitioner will generally ask you to undress to your level of comfort and then step out of the room while you undress and get on the table. For most people, this means either fully undressed or down to their underwear. Fully unclothed is therapeutically ideal, as it allows us to work on important muscles in the hips, low back, hamstrings, quads, and glutes. You will be under the sheet during the entire session and the practitioner will undrape whatever area(s) they are working on. Sensitive areas will always remain covered and you can also let your practitioner know if there are any other areas you prefer not to be undraped. We completely understand that for religious, cultural, modesty, or other reasons, you may not be comfortable undressing to this level and are happy to accommodate and work over whatever level of clothing you are most comfortable wearing.

The pressure isn't deep enough or is too deep for me, what should I do?

Please let your therapist know if anything needs to be adjusted during your massage, including the pressure. This is your session and we want you to be completely comfortable and get the most out of your time. We always appreciate and are responsive to any feedback or requests during the session, as it helps us give you a better experience.

Is it okay to talk to the practitioner during my massage?

Absolutely! Other than checking in with you about things like temperature and pressure, asking relevant questions, and possibly asking you to take a deep breath, we leave it up to you whether you’d like to relax in silence or chat. We encourage you to ask any questions if you’re curious or speak up if anything needs to be adjusted. You may find limiting conversation to be more conducive to relaxing deeply and focusing on the massage, but some people feel more relaxed when they talk, and that’s fine, too.

What if I fall asleep, snore, or drool during my massage?

Don’t worry about it! These are all signs of relaxation and we consider that to be a good thing. Massage therapists generally take clients falling asleep during the massage as a compliment and so many of Gwen’s clients drool on the floor that she’s become adept at avoiding stepping in drool puddles (don’t worry, we sanitize everything between sessions!).

Can I blow my nose, itch, fart, drink water, or get up and go to the bathroom during a session?

Yes, of course. These are all natural bodily functions and we want you to be comfortable. If you need to blow your nose, your therapist can hand you a tissue. Likewise, if you need a sip of water, your therapist can hand you a glass. If you need to use the restroom mid-session, just let your therapist know and they can give you a robe and then step out of the room.

What if I have big breasts that get in the way or make it uncomfortable to lie face down?

We have a support bolster with breast cut-outs made just for this purpose, so if you are not comfortable lying face down, please let your therapist know. Many people don’t even realize how uncomfortable they have always been lying face down until they try this bolster.

Is it okay to smoke tobacco, drink alcohol, or take drugs before my massage?

We’d prefer that you not smoke tobacco directly before your session as the smell can linger and get into the sheets or remain in the room for the next client. Drinking alcohol before getting a massage is not recommended. Massage increases circulation and can therefore amplify the effects of alcohol, making you feel more intoxicated than you anticipated. Alcohol can also dull your senses, making you less aware of things like heat or pressure that are important to be tuned into during a massage. The same applies to any drug use. It’s important to be fully present and in your body when receiving bodywork. You will also receive the most benefits from your session if your system is not under the influence of any substances.

How will I feel after my session?

Most people feel relaxed, less stressed, and feel an overall sense of well-being. Many people experience significant relief or improvement in either long-term or acute pain or mobility restrictions. It’s normal to feel a little spacey or out of it – this is often referred to as “massage brain.” You may feel like you need to rest or slow down for a few minutes up to a few hours after your massage, but then notice you have more energy and focus. If you received a deep tissue massage, you may be slightly sore the next day, much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness. We encourage you to eat well and drink plenty of water after your session, as well as rest if you feel the need, and give your body a chance to integrate the work you received.

Is it okay to exercise right after a massage?

We encourage light exercise and movement, like walking, stretching, and yoga, but recommend not doing anything too strenuous in the 24 hours immediately following your massage, especially if you had deep tissue work. Deep tissue massage stretches and works the muscles and increases blood flow in a way similar to working out, so it’s best to give your body time to recover the same as you would after a heavy workout. We especially advise against doing anything where you are relying on your muscle strength for your own safety, such as heavy weight lifting or rock climbing because your muscles can actually be weaker for about 24 hours after a deep tissue massage.

Self care to help you recover and enhance your health.

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