All Your Questions Answered in Our FAQ Hub

First Time Here? Things to Know

Before the massage session:

• Electronic Forms: Please complete all intake forms prior to arrival. An email with a HIPAA-compliant intake form link will be sent 24 hours before your appointment. If you don't receive this email, contact us and we'll provide the link and QR code.
• Arrival: Please come 5 to 10 minutes early. Late arrivals may result in a shorter session to ensure timely appointments for everyone.
• Preparation: This allows you to relax, complete intake forms, and use the restroom.
• Phone Etiquette: Set your phone to silent or vibrate mode in the waiting area.
• Meeting Your Therapist: At your appointment time, your therapist will greet you and escort you to the massage room.

During the massage session:

• Discussion: The session begins with a brief discussion about your goals and any health concerns. This ensures a tailored experience.
• Preparation: Your therapist will explain how to get ready and then step out for a moment.
• Clothing: You can dress down to your comfort level. For some clients this means removing all their clothing while some leave on their underwear. We do recommend removing the bra so the gliding stokes down the back can be performed and lotion does not get unto undergarments 
• Draping: Chicago has specific draping requirements for client comfort and modesty. Your privacy will always be respected. You will be fully draped with only the area being worked on being exposed. 
• Duration: Depending on your chosen duration, the hands-on time will be either 55, 70, or 100 minutes.
• Post-Massage: After the massage, take your time getting dressed. Your therapist may offer feedback, self-care tips, or answer any queries you might have.

After the session:

1. Post session consult: After your massage, your therapist will share session observations, recommend future treatments, and offer aftercare tips. This is your opportunity to discuss your experience and plan next steps. We value this dialogue as a key part of our holistic care commitment.

Tipping:
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. Many clients choose to tip based on their satisfaction with the service, and a common range is 15%-20% of the pre-discount rate. However, we want to emphasize that you should do whatever feels right for you.

The day after and beyond:
The day after the massage you may feel more centered, more grounded, have greater body awareness, experience greater range of motion, and muscle ability.

It's normal for some to experience Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, similar to post-exercise soreness. If this happens, keep hydrated and consider over-the-counter pain relief. Symptoms typically subside within 48 hours.

A Gentle Reminder:
Massage, like exercise, provides the most benefit when incorporated regularly into your routine. Addressing long-standing issues in a single session may be unrealistic. Honor your well-being by making massage a consistent part of your self-care.

You may undress to your comfort level. Most clients choose to undress completely or leave their underwear on. The therapist will leave the room while you undress. You will be fully draped with a sheet and blanket at all times, and only the area being worked on will be exposed. After the massage, you’ll be provided privacy while dressing. It is recommended that females remove their bra to avoid getting lotion on it and to perform massage glides down the back.

Massage therapy should never be painful, but deeper techniques such as deep tissue or sports massage may cause temporary discomfort. Always communicate with your therapist so pressure can be adjusted to your comfort level. Acupuncture needles are very thin, and most clients experience little to no pain, often describing the sensation as a mild ache or tingling. Communication with your practitioner ensures your comfort throughout the session.

Don’t hesitate to discuss any questions, apprehensions, or concerns with your massage therapist before or during your session. Your comfort and relaxation are essential to an effective massage therapy experience. Our licensed massage therapists are trained professionals dedicated to helping you feel safe, supported, and at ease throughout your treatment.

Remember to breathe normally during your massage. Deep, steady breathing helps promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and allow muscles to release more effectively. It’s common for people to hold their breath when feeling tense or when sensitive areas are being worked on, so gentle breathing can significantly enhance the benefits of your massage therapy session.

Give feedback to the therapist during the massage on the amount of pressure, speed of hand movement, etc. If anything happens that you dislike or find improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session. Some people like to talk during a massage, while others remain silent. Please tell your therapist what you prefer.

Massage therapy and acupuncture may help relieve muscle pain, chronic tension, headaches, neck and back pain, sports injuries, stress, anxiety, and mobility issues, TMJ, and carpal tunnel. Acupuncture is also commonly used to support digestive health, sleep, hormonal balance, and overall wellness.

Yes, massage can help with muscle soreness and many injuries. Our practitioners specialize in therapeutic and restorative care. Please inform your therapist or acupuncturist of any injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions so treatments can be safely customized to your needs.

Yes. A health history and intake form is required for all new clients and must be kept up to date. Completing your intake form before your appointment helps ensure safe, effective, and uninterrupted treatment time.

Yes. Massage therapy is proven to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support mental and emotional well-being by calming the nervous system.

Chicago Restorative Massage offers therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, relaxation massage, and restorative bodywork. Each session is customized to support pain relief, recovery, and overall wellness.

Yes. All services are provided by licensed, experienced professionals using evidence-informed techniques. If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, please consult your healthcare provider and inform your practitioner before treatment.

While we do not process insurance directly, we will provide you with a form that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. This approach allows us to focus on delivering the personalized care that you deserve.

Yes. Pediatric acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist trained in treating children. Many sessions use fewer needles, shallow insertion, or alternative techniques such as acupressure or Shonishin (a non-needle Japanese pediatric method), depending on the child’s comfort.