Frequently Asked
Questions
Questions
1. How do I set up an appointment?
2. When and how should I pay?
3. Where and when should I have the massage?
4. What else do I need to have available?
5. What should I expect from the massage?
6. What parts of the body will be massaged?
7. What if there are some areas of my body I don’t want massaged?
8. Are there any reasons why massage is not safe for me?
9. Is talking during the session allowed?
10. What if I want to add or remove different parts of the service (i.e. aromatherapy, massage gun)?
11. What products are used during the massage?
12. Is couples massage available (two therapists massaging two clients at one time)?
Answers
1. How do I set up an appointment?
Setting up an appointment is easy.
To schedule an online appointment, click here. You may also call, email or text CedarOak to schedule a massage.
After scheduling, you will receive a confirmation call to further customize your massage.
If it is your first time getting a massage from CedarOak, you will need to fill out a Confidential Health History form and the Policy form. You can also print and fill out the forms ahead of time. In case you did not have a chance to fill them out beforehand, Christopher can bring the forms for you to fill out.
2. When and how should I pay?
Payment can be conveniently arranged during the confirmation call or in-person before or after the massage. It is advisable to remain with your preferred arranged time of payment to make sure transactions and services run smoothly.
Tipping is not required but appreciated.
Available forms of payment are credit card (using the Square service), check, and cash. Checks are made payable to: CedarOak, LLC
3. Where and when should I have the massage?
The Ideal Room
Since all of CedarOak’s massages are performed in-home, you will need to have a dedicated room that has adequate space for the massage. The room should be in a dark, quiet area, and should be large enough for Christopher to comfortably maneuver around the table, as well as enough space for him to sit at the head of the table for neck, face, and scalp massage.
Outlets
Since some of the equipment requires electricity such as the table warmer and aromatherapy diffuser, it would be helpful to make sure the room has an outlet available.
Serenity
The massage session is your time to relax and unwind, so make sure the appointment you choose would be the ideal opportunity for a massage: free of stress and free of as many distractions as possible.
4. What else do I need to have available?
Christopher will bring his adjustable massage table, stool, sheets, lotion, music, and any equipment used for additional modalities. You just need to bring yourself. As your time is valuable, the massage equipment will be quickly set up and taken down.
If you have specific sheets or equipment you want to use, please let Christopher know beforehand. Christopher has a nut allergy. If you have particular lotions you want to use, please have the ingredient list available.
5. What should I expect from the massage?
Consultation
Before the massage, you will receive a consultation. The first consultation will include a review of the Health History and Code of Conduct forms, as well as a breakdown of how the session will commence. Each session will also include a consultation that will address your particular needs, concerns, and how to customize the massage specifically for you.
Draping
Christopher will step out of the room while you disrobe to your comfort level. Most people will remove their top, bottom, and bra while leaving their underwear on. Because you cannot relax if you are uncomfortable, the level to which you undress is up to you. Some clients remove all their clothes, while some clients prefer to keep most of their clothes on. The choice is yours.
Christopher will always knock to make sure you are ready. Once you signal that you are ready for the massage to start, he will reenter the room and begin the massage. Christopher will only undrape the area he is currently working on. AT NO POINT DURING THE SESSION WILL THE BREASTS, GROIN AREA, OR GLUTEAL CLEFT BE EXPOSED. Your safety and comfort is CedarOak’s number one priority.
Note: The Royal Palm service includes the undraping of one or more body regions, such as the back and legs. Even so, the above still stands true: at no point during the session will the breasts, groin area, or gluteal cleft be exposed.
Pressure
Christopher will use a pressure he thinks is appropriate. He will check in concerning pressure from time to time. However, it is up to you to make sure you let him know if the pressure is too intense or too light. Sometimes what you feel subjectively will differ from what Christopher’s hands feel objectively. Therefore, it is imperative you communicate with Christopher to ensure the best massage possible. Do not be afraid to voice your concern when needing to adjust the pressure. You will not hurt his feelings.
Pressure can be defined as too intense if the following occurs:
1. You have to hold your breath to bear the pressure
2. You have to shy away from the pressure
3. You have to brace against the pressure
If any of these three things occur, it indicates the pressure is too much and your muscles are contracting to protect themselves. This is counterproductive and will take a longer for the muscles to release and for you to relax.
6. What parts of the body will be massaged?
For the Cedarwood and the Royal Palm sessions, the areas of the body that will be massaged are in the following order:
1. back and shoulders
2. gluteal muscles (glueteal muscles are massage over the sheets for all services except the Royal Palm)
3. back of the thighs and calves
4. feet
5. front of the thighs and lower legs
6. abdomen
7. arms
8. hands
9. neck
10. face
11. scalp
With the Oak, Green, and Clay sessions, only the specific areas that will be addressed will be massaged.
7. What if there are some areas of my body I don’t want massaged?
Your comfort is of primary importance. Any areas you do not want massaged WILL NOT be massaged. There is space on the health history form to list sensitive areas. Sensitive areas will also be addressed during the consultation.
8. Are there any reasons why massage is not safe for me?
Massage may not be safe for you if you have contraindications. Contraindications are medical conditions that, due to the safety of the client and the therapist, prevent the client or an area from being massaged. Contraindications can be absolute, meaning that the person cannot be massaged at all, or local, meaning that only the area of the body that has the medical condition cannot be massaged. If you think you have a medical condition that prevents you from being massaged, refer to the contraindication list here.
9. Is talking during the session allowed?
During the massage, Christopher will refrain from engaging in conversation. However, some people de-stress by talking. If you feel more relaxed talking, feel free.
10. What if I want to add or remove different parts of the service (i.e. cupping, massage gun)?
Complimentary portions of a service (such as aromatherapy) can be removed upon request. However, removing a modality will not reduce the price of a session.
Each additional non-complimentary modality adds $25 to the total price and 15 minutes, for a maximum total of two hours hands-on time.
Generally, the following can be said about the services:
The Cedarwood includes the Signature Blend aromatherapy as complimentary services
The Oak includes massage gun, kinesiotaping, IASTM, and cupping as complimentary services.
The Royal Palm includes the Paradise Blend aromatherapy as a complimentary services
The Green includes massage gun, kinesiotaping, IASTM, and cupping as complimentary services.
The Clay includes massage gun, kinesiotaping, IASTM, and cupping as complimentary services.
11. What products are used during the massage?
CedarOak is proud to have a well-researched line of products that we use with confidence. If you would like to find out more about the products, click here.
12. Is couples massage available?
Because of CedarOak’s extremely high standards and desire to maintain brand consistency, we only offer couples massage during specific times of the year.
Click here to sign up to our newsletter to keep updated on our couples massage status.
Glossary
Modality
A modality is a term denoting a method of working on a client. Aromatherapy may be considered an “aromatherapy modality” whereas an ice pack may be considered a “cryotherapy modality”.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to provide therapeutic results. Essential oils are distilled essences of plants and resins. The oils produce a very strong odor and are used to stimulate emotions.
The effects of essential oils can include relaxation, stimulation, emotional balance, and release of tension.
With aromatherapy, the essential oils are combined into the massage cream and oil. It also includes the use of a diffuser, which is a machine that projects the essential oil into the air.
Patch Test (Important!)
Some people have a sensitivity or even an allergy to certain essential oils. Therefore, when first using aromatherapy, a patch test needs to be done. A small dab of the aromatherapy lotion will be placed on your inside arm. If there is no reaction (redness, burning) after five minutes, then the lotion is safe to use.
Brands
For information about the brands CedarOak uses, click here to view the products page.
Blends
Click here to see our permanent blends and click here to see our seasonal blends
CBD Isolate
CBD is a non-psychotropic chemical derived from the cannabis plant. It is used for pain relief, to reduce anxiety and depression, and to reduce muscular tension. The crystalized version, CBD isolate, is the purest form and is combined into the cream and oil used during the massage.
For more information, click here to view the products page.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the use of cold for therapeutic effects. Techniques include ice packs, the Headache Hat, chilled marble stones, and ice massage. Cryotherapy is primarily used in acute conditions such as muscle spasms, injury, and inflammation.
For more information, click here to view the products page.
Cupping
Cupping is the use of small silicon or plastic cups to create suction of the skin and the underlying fascia. Suction is created by the silicon’s cup’s natural flexibility or by a manual pump when using plastic cups. Cupping increases circulation, reduces fascial adhesions, and decreases muscle tension.
For more information, click here to view the products page.
Deep-Tissue Work
Christopher prides himself on giving the right amount of pressure the client needs. His pressure ranges from light to deep. However, some clients require extra-deep pressure. Because of the intensity of the physical work and the risks to the joints, muscles, and tendons of the therapist, there is an additional charge to provide this upgrade.
Fascia
Fascia is the connective tissue of the body. It covers, wraps, and envelopes muscles, bones, and organs. It also forms tendons, ligaments, and joints. Fascia found in muscle is called myofascia.
Through injury, imbalances, and overuse, fascia can develop adhesions, which are stuck areas of connective tissue and restrictions, which are overly thickened areas of fascia. Adhesions and restrictions can have far-reaching detrimental effects to the body including pain, tension, and muscular imbalances.
Fascial Coupling
Fascial Coupling is an advanced form of myofascial release created by Christopher Wood. It creates a fascial and muscular release far greater than other massage methods.
Hot Oil
For next-level comfort and relaxation, jojoba oil is heated in an authentic Aruvedic oil warmer and drizzled on the body area prior to the massage.
Iliopsoas
The Iliopsoas (sometimes referred to as its upper portion, the psoas) is one of the most important core muscles. It is used for dynamic stabilization of the lower back, pelvis and hips. Proper iliopsoas work can have dramatic and far-reaching beneficial effects on the entire body. Christopher specializes in iliopsoas work, and his technique is considered one of the most advanced in the field of massage and bodywork.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
IASTM involves the use of edged tools to gently scrape an area of the body for the purpose of breaking down adhesions in fascia. Originating as Gua Sha in Traditional Chinese Medicine and later in chiropractic as the Graston Technique, IASTM is now used among physical therapists, osteopaths, massage therapists, and personal trainers.
It is gaining popularity and is widely considered to be one of the most effective methods of working with myofascia and scar tissue. CedarOak uses Hawksgrips stainless steel tools to perform IASTM.
For more information, click here to view the products page.
Kinesiotaping
Kinesiotaping is the use of flexible tape to stimulate nerves in the skin directly above a specific muscle. The resulting feedback creates better tone quality, better reaction time, and a decrease in pain.
For more information, click here to view the products page.
Lomi Lomi
Lomi Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that primarily involves rhythmic, sedating strokes with the forearms.
During a Lomi Lomi session, multiple areas of the body are undraped, such as the back and leg. This allows for long, flowing, full-body massage techniques that elicit a sense of deep relaxation and interconnectedness.
Note: : Even though multiple body area will be undraped, at no point during the session will the breasts, groin area, or gluteal cleft be exposed.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) works specifically on the lymphatic system of the body to help decrease inflammation, edema, and swelling. As most of the lymphatic vessels reside in the skin, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is very light, with only skin-depth pressure. However, the results of MLD can be very rapid and very dramatic.
For maximum effectiveness, MLD is often paired with myofascial release, kinesiotaping, and cupping.
Massage Gun
Otherwise knows as a percussion massager, a massage gun is an industrial-grade therapeutic device that uses intense mechanical vibration to dramatically reduce muscle tension.
For more information, click here to view the products page.
Migraine Ease
Migraine Ease uses aromatherapy and cryotherapy to help ease painful headaches and migraines.
First, the Headache Hat is used to cool the scalp and temples and to keep gentle pressure on the head.
Afterward, CedarOak’s Relief Blend is applied directly to specific pain points on the head.
For more information, click here to view the products page.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is an advanced form of massage that releases adhesions and restrictions in fascia, resulting in deep shifts of muscle tone and the correction of faulty reflex patterns. Myofascial Release typically uses minimal lotion and involves holding broad pressure for extended periods of time.
Sports Massage
Sports Massage prepares an athlete for upcoming activities or helps an athlete recover from events or injuries.
Sports Massage is typically performed with the client fully clothed and includes quicker and larger massage techniques, assisted stretching, joint play, passive range of motion, and myofascial release.
For clients under a trainer or coach, it is highly advisable to have the trainer or coach work with the massage therapist to ensure the best results.
Note: Sports Massage just before an event only consists of quick massage to increase circulation and joint motion. The most effective use of massage will be post-event and recovery.
Swedish Relaxation Massage
Swedish massage techniques are used in the “classic” relaxation massage. The strokes that are used (effleurage, petrissage, frictioning, rocking, compression, tapotment) form the basis of nearly all of massage and bodywork. Swedish techniques are easy to learn, but take a lifetime to master.
Thermophore
A thermophore is a large moist-heating pad. It draws moisture from the air and is much more effective than a normal heating pad. Thermophores are used to “warm up an area” by increasing circulation and reduce muscle tension.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Point Therapy is a massage technique that involves direct point-pressure to relieve knots in muscles. Knots are referred to as trigger points because they “trigger” a predictable pain pattern.