Do you take insurance?

I am unable to bill insurance for massage therapy or movement education, or fitness services.

Select health insurance, HSA, or FSA plans may offer reimbursement for massage therapy; if this applies to you, I strongly recommend checking the policies of your plan for reimbursement eligibility. For example, some plans may require pre-approval for massage or a note of medical necessity from your physician.

What are your COVID and sanitation protocols?

Root & Branch is committed to providing the safest environment possible by adhering to both federal and regional guidelines for healthcare settings.

Masks are optional at this time; however, you may request that your therapist wears one during your treatment on your intake form. We routinely space out appointment times to provide ample time to air out and sanitize the space between clients, and keep a HEPA UV air purifier on at all times. Our HVAC system is also serviced seasonally for optimal air filtration and circulation. We use non-toxic CDC- and EPA-approved disinfectants on all treatment equipment and frequently touched surfaces between sessions.

Clients who need to reschedule a session due to an illness or recent exposure will not be charged to do so, and your appointment deposit will be applied toward your rescheduled appointment.

Do you accept gratuities?

While tipping is generally a customary practice for massage therapy in the US, this is never required nor expected at Root & Branch. If you feel compelled to leave a gratuity, tips can be accepted via cash or Venmo, or can be added to a card payment. Non-monetary alternatives to tipping may include writing a Google review, referring a friend to the studio, or spreading the word on social media. I appreciate your support!

What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?

A non-refundable $50 deposit is required upon scheduling, which ensures that your practitioner will be compensated for their time in the event of a no-show or last-minute cancellation. The deposit will go toward the total cost of the treatment session.
Appointments can be rescheduled via the booking page up to 24 hours before the scheduled appointment; your confirmation and appointment reminder emails contain a link to manage your upcoming appointments.

I have a script for physical therapy. Can I see you for PT?

No, I cannot offer PT treatments within my LMT (massage) and CSCS (trainer) scope of practice at Root & Branch. While I am trained and licensed as a PTA, I cannot perform physical therapy treatments without the supervision of a PT. I am always happy to refer clients to physical therapists within my referral network (see my resources page for a list of recommended practitioners), as well as coordinate care with your PT/OT to support your therapy program with massage and/or movement.

Many individuals benefit from transitioning to a regular bodywork or personal training routine after completing a rehab program, which I can provide at Root & Branch. I recommend consulting with your PT/OT prior to discharge to make a plan.

I was discharged from PT/OT, but want to continue making progress with my exercise program. Can you help me do that?

Yes, I can! As both a trained PTA and a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, one of my specialties is helping clients transition from injury rehab to a fitness program.

Do you offer deep tissue massage?

I do selectively employ deep tissue techniques for many of my sports and orthopedic massage clients; however, my approach to deep tissue work is very slow and gradual. Each client's level of appropriate therapeutic pressure is unique, and perception of pressure is highly subjective (one client's "very deep" may be another's "moderate" pressure!). One of my primary goals in performing this work is to create lasting, positive changes in the body, and I firmly believe that keeping the body in a relaxed state is essential for a session to facilitate healing and recovery. Applying excessive pressure (or doing "too much, too soon") can put your muscles and nervous system in a guarded/defensive state, which is counterproductive to managing pain and tension. I always gauge the appropriate amount of pressure I use each session by communicating with my clients, as well as a continuous assessment of the body's response to pressure.

Do you offer prenatal massage?

Yes, I do! For the safety and comfort of my clients, I adhere to body positioning and support guidelines as recommended by the American Pregnancy Association. Prenatal clients are primarily positioned in sidelying (with body pillows and bolsters to comfortably support the hips, belly, and shoulders); clients may also be positioned lying on their back with their upper body supported and elevated if desired and comfortable. While the most current clinical guidelines affirm that prenatal massage can be received throughout the first, second, and third trimesters, I do strongly recommend consulting with your primary prenatal care provider prior to scheduling a session.

I just threw out my back! Will massage help?

For any new or acute injury, I recommend first seeking care and guidance from your primary care physician, urgent care, or the emergency room. While it can be tempting to immediately throw every available treatment at a new injury to speed up your recovery, this can actually delay the healing process (and cost you much more in the long run) if done too soon. Even if the issue feels like it's "just tight muscles", it is far better to wait a few days after the initial onset to fully assess the injury, rule out any major issues that could be masked by the inflammatory symptoms, then proceed with treatment as appropriate. Sometimes muscles tighten up as a secondary response to a different injury, or to protect a vulnerable area of the body; thus, if we go in and release those muscles too soon, they are very likely to go back into spasm immediately afterward. After the initial inflammatory phase of the injury, massage can be helpful for decreasing pain and restoring range of motion.

Is massage safe for people with EDS or HSD?

Massage can be a very helpful tool for managing pain, improving body awareness, and alleviating stress, all of which are common issues associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and symptomatic joint hypermobility. To ensure safety, I recommend that clients with diagnosed EDS consult with their specialist to determine any treatment considerations/precautions for their subtype and symptom presentation. When working with clients with hypermobility and connective tissue differences, I modify some of my treatment techniques to prioritize joint support and stability. I do not recommend deep tissue or very firm pressure for clients with EDS/HSD, and encourage these clients to accompany massage treatments with a strength and stability-focused exercise program.

Can massage be helpful for managing a chronic illness?

While massage cannot directly treat or change the course of a chronic illness, many clients find it quite helpful for symptom management. Massage can be effective for decreasing stress, promoting relaxation, and desensitizing areas of chronic pain, all of which can have a significant impact on one's function and quality of life. Some clients find that they are better able to sleep, exercise, and participate in their daily activities following treatments.