Massage FAQs

Definitions

Draping: A cover for the client, usually a sheet or towel(s) used to protect the client's modesty and keep him/her warm during the massage therapy session.

Full-Body: A full-body massage session may include treatment of the head, neck, shoulders, upper chest (excluding breasts), abdomen, arms, legs, buttocks, and back though the client may exclude any area at their discretion. A full-body massage DOES NOT include any contact with genitalia.

Incall: Massage therapy services performed in the Massage Therapist's office, clinic, or studio.

Massage Therapy: "Means the manipulation of soft tissue by hand or through a mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage and includes effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and Swedish gymnastics. (State of Texas)"

Outcall: Massage therapy services performed at the client's home, office, hotel, or other location. Also known as a housecall massage, or on-site massage.

Licensed Massage Therapist: In the State of Texas, a person having completed the education requirements and tests required to become authorized by the State of Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to perform Massage Therapy. In Texas all persons performing massage therapy must be Licensed Massage Therapists or otherwise licensed to perform massage therapy such as a Physical Therapist.

For More Terms See the Glossary of Massage & Bodywork Terms

Rates/Hours

Q. How much will a massage in San Antonio, Texas cost? What are your rates or prices?

A. My charges for incall and outcall massage therapy in San Antonio, Texas are available on the Massage Rates page. Discounts are available to various groups (just ask) and I run specials.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept for massage therapy services?

A. For your convenience, I accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express. I also accept some other forms of payment for massage therapy. Gift Certificates available online.

Q. What about tips? Are tips required?

A. Tips are not required, nor are they expected. However, if you wish to tip, it will be gladly accepted.

Q. What are your hours? When are you available?

A. My hours are Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Last massage appointment begins at 6:00 p.m.

General Questions

Q. I've never had a massage, what's it like? Will I like my first massage?

A. It's great, you'll love it and wonder why you never had one before. For more detailed information about your First Massage

Q. What do you do to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus and other pathogens?

A. That's an important, and timely, question. There's lot's of things that help prevent the spread of illness and I've detailed them on this page: For Your Safety

Q. Where are you located? Where is your office?

A. The address is 900 N.E. Loop 410, Suite E115, San Antonio, Texas 78209. I'm located in an office complex called Petroleum Center. The Petroleum Center complex is very covenient to San Antonio International Airport, Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Fort Sam Houston, and Downtown. It is also just minutes from the Medical Center, Castle Hills, Shavano Park, and USAA.

Q. How long will my massage in San Antonio, Texas last?

A. Good question. Massage therapy sessions vary from about 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. A 30 minute massage is great for working on one part of the body such as the back. The most typical amount of time for a full-body massage is 1 hour with 90 minutes being the next most common.

Outcall massages are a minimum of 1 hour but may be up to 1 1/2 hours per person.

Q. What kind of massage do you offer? What types of massage therapy and bodywork do you offer?

A. I am trained and experienced in several styles of massage therapy and bodywork and will use any combination of them to suit your needs. In no particular order: Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports massage, Medical Massage, Myofascial Release, Myopractic, Muscle Energy Technique, Reflexology, Ortho-Bionomy ®, Pregnancy (prenatal) massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myoskeletal Alignment Technique, Gua Sha, IASTM, and Massage Cupping. For more info about massage and bodywork styles I use see Massage Techniques

Q. Do I need to know what type of massage to get?

A. No. I can help you with that based on your goals for the session.

Q. Does a full body massage include 100% of the body?

A. No.

Q. Do you have specials?

A. Yes, from time to time I run Massage Specials.

Q. How often should I have massage therapy in San Antonio?

A. Another good question. How often you have massage therapy depends on your goals. For more information about frequency of massage therapy Click Here

Q. Are you licensed or certified to perform massage therapy and bodywork?

A. Absolutely Yes. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Additionally, I am a Certified Neuromuscular Therapist (CNMT), and Certified Master Myoskeletal Therapist (MMT).

Q. Will you send me your picture? What do you look like?

A. If you want massage therapy my looks aren't important except to note that I dress in an appropriate and professional manner.

Q. What will you be wearing? Will you be nude?

A. Clothes, and No.

Q. I don't like massage tables and prefer to be massaged on my bed, is that ok?

A. No. The only exception is for people that are medically bed-bound. In that case I will require a consultation with your doctor prior to massage therapy services being rendered.

Q. My hotel room is too small for a massage table, can I be massaged on the bed? The floor? In the bathtub?

A. No.

Q. Does the Massage Therapist expect me to "chat" during the massage?

A. No. The decision to "chat" is entirely yours. Being quiet can enhance your relaxation during the massage and I completely understand and welcome that enhancement. If you wish to chat during the massage, chat away. During therapeutic massage procedures I may ask you pertinent questions.

Q. Do I need to be undressed?

A. No. It's not necessary for some massage/bodywork techniques, but for the best results during a full-body massage it's recommended. You really don't need to worry, as a professional therapist I "drape" you with a sheet. Your modesty can be, and should be, preserved. I use full draping and expose only the body part actually being massaged.

Q. Even with draping I still would like to leave on my underclothes, is that OK?

A. Absolutely. Undress only to your level of comfort. If a therapist tells you that you MUST take off all clothing, find another therapist.

Q. Will the massage be painful?

A. No. Relaxation massage shouldn't be painful and therapeutic massage including Deep Tissue techniques should seldom be more than slightly uncomfortable. You should feel free to let the therapist know if the pressure being used is causing you pain. You can get great results without pain.

Q. Can massage help me with pain due to injuries or from my medical condition?

A. Yes. Massage can help to lessen or eliminate pain stemming from a wide range of medical conditions that include low back pain, whiplash, fibromyalgia, lupus, myofascial pain syndrome, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, tmj pain, migraines, and others. I also use other methods for pain management and relief such as Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue Massage, and Ortho-Bionomy ®. There are some conditions for which massage is contraindicated, make sure to tell your Massage Therapist what condition you're interested in having treated. Always check with your doctor before receiving any treatment, including massage, for your condition.

Q. I bruise easily, can I still get a massage? I take Coumadin, Plavix, or another "blood thinner" can I still be massaged?

A. Yes, you can still receive massage therapy unless your doctor has indicated otherwise. You should inform your Massage Therapist that you bruise easily and why i.e. medications (coumadin, plavix, heparin, etc), medical condition, etc. Your Massage Therapist can adjust his pressure and technique to prevent or minimize bruising. You may also request that techniques such as Ortho-Bionomy and Natural Reflex Therapy are used since they do not require "rubbing" but are very relaxing and can be used to effectively relieve pain.

Q. Can massage help me with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) from my workouts?

A. Yes, most experts agree that massage is effective in reducing pain from DOMS.

Q. Another therapist I went to said that my knots had to be relieved by "digging them out" which was quite painful, is that right?

A. To my knowledge it's not right. Knots in muscles known as Myofascial Trigger Points can usually be relieved with light or moderate pressure that causes little discomfort, even in deeper muscles.

Q. Do you offer "Sensuous Massage", "Erotic Massage", "Sexual Release", "Full Release", "Hand Release", "Prostate Massage", "Rub 'n' Tug" or "Lite Touch"?

A. NO. For more about No Click Here

Q. No offense, but I prefer a female Massage Therapist. Can you recommend a female Massage Therapist in San Antonio?

A. Sure, I highly recommend Lydia's Massage Therapy. Please note that Lydia is an independant licensed massage therapist in San Antonio, Texas and is in no way employed by Massage By Ben.