Copyright © 2006-2009, Bodywork for Men by Blake Hampton & Mike Clark. All Rights Reserved.

For Your Safety

Please read the following alert



Be sure to alert your therapist to all your current health conditions and daily medications that you take.


Massage might be contraindicated for your condition or certain use of medications.


Medical Conditions
That Are Contraindicated
For Massage


The following conditions require a note of approval for massage from your physician before your first session.


Please bring this note with you to your initial session and alert your therapist to your current health conditions before making your appointment.


Failure to do so could result in the cancellation of your session once you’ve arrived.


  1. 1.Uncontrolled high blood pressure

  2. 2.Combo of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a heart condition

  3. 3.Past or recent stoke

  4. 4.Past or recent heart attack

  5. 5.Past or current heart condition

  6. 6.Long-term use of steroid therapy

  7. 7.Type I or Type II Diabetes

  8. 8.Cancer

  9. 9.HIV/AIDS

  10. 10.STDs

  11. 11.Hepatitis A, B or C


The following conditions listed below can also be contraindicate for massage:


  1. Varicose Veins

  2. Pace Makers

  3. Phlebitis

  4. Lupus

  5. COPD

  6. Rheumatoid Arthritis

  7. Scleroderma

  8. Hypertension

  9. Anemia

  10. Joint Replacement

  11. Advanced Osteoporosis

  12. CNS Disorders

  13. Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

  14. Dermatomyositis

  15. Thrombocytopenia

  16. Thrombocytosis

  17. Thrombocythemia


If you have any questions about a particular condition you have, please be sure to ask your therapist before you schedule a session.


Certain medications can limit some massage strokes and deep pressure during your massage due to the adverse effects they have on your body.


Inform your therapist about all medications you are on and ask your doctor before your session if you believe your medications could cause harmful effects.


Definition of a Contraindication:

a condition or factor that increases the risks involved in using a particular drug, carrying out a medical procedure, or engaging in a particular activity.


General Contraindications:

require a physician’s evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions before any massage is indicated.


If massage is recommended by the physician, then the physician will need to work with the therapist to help develop a comprehensive treatment plan.


Regional Contraindication:

relate to a specific area of the body; massage may be provided in other areas, but should not be applied to the affected area.


The client should see their physician to obtain a diagnosis of the condition and to rule out underlying conditions.


Therapeutic massage is often very beneficial for clients who are receiving treatment for a specific medical condition.


The general effects of stress and pain reduction, increased circulation, and physical comfort complement most other medical treatment modalities.


However, when other therapies, including medication are being used, the physician must be able to evaluate accurately the effectiveness of each treatment the client is receiving.


If the physician is not aware that the client is receiving massage, the effects other therapy may be misinterpreted.

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 am through 6:00 pm

Sessions Begin Every 2 Hours
8:00 am — 10:00 am — Noon
2:00 pm — 4:00 pm

Weekends
Saturday by Appointment only;
Closed Sundays/All Major Holidays

In-Call/Out-Call
In-call Studio Sessions Only;
no service to hotels or private residences

Online Scheduling Available
Click here to BOOK NOW



Payments Accepted
Cash at time of session;
— no personal checks please —

Or

You can Pre-Pay for any service via Pay-Pal with a credit or debit card now. You do not need to be a Pay-Pal member to utilize this service.

NEW CLIENTS



We are currently accepting new clients at our new Seattle studio!


We take your health, your body and your well-being very seriously. For that reason, we require all first-time massage clients to complete a Health History and New Client Intake Form so that we may better serve your needs.


Not only is it our studio policy and a requirement for all clients, but it is also Washington State Law and a requirement for all Licensed Massage Practitioners (LMP). We follow HIPPA guidelines and your information is kept private and confidential. We only use this information to make sure it is safe to massage you and to get in contact with you when necessary. We do not mail information to your address, email you or call the numbers you’ve provided without your prior consent.


Please follow the steps below, print the forms, fill out each page and bring it with you on your first visit. We will take a few minutes to discuss your needs before the session begins to insure you get the best treatment for your body.


Step 1 :: CHOOSE A TREATMENT >

Step 2 :: SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE >

Step 3 :: DOWNLOAD AND FILL OUT YOUR NEW CLIENT PAPERWORK >

Step 4 :: READ MORE ABOUT US AND OUR STUDIO POLICIES >



More information

What to expect at your first session


  1. Try not to eat a large meal at least 2-3 hours prior to your massage, as this can cause discomfort and indigestion. If you must eat before you session, eat or drink something easily digestible that will leave you stomach within 30 to 45 minutes (yogurt, a small fruit smoothie, a medium-size piece of fruit or a few raw veggies and nuts.)


  1. Do not consume any alcohol, stimulants (such as caffeine) or any other non-prescription drugs before you session. Your safety is our main concern. Please be “present” during your session.


  1. Please do not show up more than 5 minutes prior to your session or ring the buzzer to our Studio. Often we are still in session or are just finishing. If you are early, please take a walk around the block or visit the Starbucks at the end of the street.


  1. Prior to your massage, hydrate with water to make your massage more enjoyable. Dehydrated tissue is harder to work with and more painful for the client.


  1. Once you have arrived, we will sit down and go over your forms. This gives us a chance to get to know each other and gives you a moment to ask any questions, point out areas of pain or holding, and bring up any concerns or requests you may have. It also gives us a moment to formulate the session that will best meet your needs. (On subsequent visits, these forms will not be necessary unless there are changes to your health or you need to update your information)


  1. If you haven’t already paid for your session online, we will ask for your cash payment. You may wait until the end of your session to tip (if you desire.)


  1. You will then get on the table (or the mat if you’ve requested a Thai Yoga Massage). Soft music will be playing throughout your session. If this is the first time you’ve had a massage, you will be instructed on how to lie on the massage table. Generally, we always start with you lying face down in order to work on the back of the body.


  1. If you desire, your therapist will leave the room while you undress. You may cover yourself with the sheet and blanket provided or you can lay on top of the sheets (completely nude). We are not concerned with draping — but we are concerned about your comfort.


  1. Remember to remove any jewelry, watches, arm/ankle bands and/or glasses which can interfere with the session. You may leave your contacts or (invisible) hearing aids in. You may also leave on small rings (such as wedding bands.)


  1. You are in charge of your boundaries and your therapist will never do anything which violates your privacy, modesty or intimacy without prior consent. Do not lay there in pain or discomfort. Indicate if something is causing stress, pain or is violating any boundary you may have. Your therapist will adjust your session to meet you desires.


  1. Your session includes a soothing, padded and heated table. If you get too hot during your session please let us know at any time so we can adjust the temperature.


  1. Conversation is usually limited, unless initiated by you. We want you to experience bliss and total relaxation, so we keep our volume low. If you have hearing problems or if you wear hearing aids, you may keep them in (if they don’t bother you.) Please let us know if we need to talk louder than usual.


  1. We do not use bolsters or pillows during your massage. A face cradle is used when you are face down so that we can work deeply into your neck, shoulder and back muscles. Sometimes you may experience congestion in your sinuses due to this face-down position, but this is usually only temporary. We have tissues if you need to blow your nose — don’t be afraid to ask for one during your session.


  1. Remember to breathe slowly and deeply throughout your session. Breathing will help to reduce tension and it will assist in the flow of blood and oxygen to restricted muscle tissue.


  1. We use organic hot oils and natural warm lotions during your session. Please be sure to tell your therapist if you have ANY skin allergies.


  1. During a full-body massage, every square-inch of your body will be massaged, unless a particular injury or muscle group needs extensive work. Always tell the therapist if you are experiencing pain, desire more pressure or are feeling any discomfort. If you are uncomfortable being touched anywhere (or are ticklish) please indicate that on your intake form (or inform you therapist prior to the massage).


  1. You are welcome to ask any questions that come to your mind during the massage. We are happy to explain any techniques and will try to answer any massage-related questions.


  1. We realize that people relax in many different ways. Feel free to talk, be silent, sleep or meditate. Your therapist will not initiate unnecessary chatting for those who wish to be silent or remain undisturbed.


  1. Emotions can come to the surface during a massage. You may feel like laughing or crying, you may feel like your angry or feel a sense of relief, or other emotional holding may arise. This is normal and we are trained how to handle this. Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed if this happens. Often, it’s uncontrollable and it just comes out. If we need to stop for a moment so you can catch your breathe of calm down, we can. Just ask!


  1. After your session, you may ask your therapist for a warm, moist towel to wipe off any remaining oil or lotion. Often there is not enough time between sessions for a shower. But if you feel you need to take a quick rinse, please ask.


  1. If you need to, take time to absorb the session or just mellow out for a few minutes before you leave. You may be lite-headed or need to come back to reality... so take your time before you get up off the table to relax and feel at peace. When it’s time to get dressed, your therapist will offer you some water or hot tea.


  1. Once you are dressed, your therapist will talk briefly with you about your session and future sessions if desired. He may suggest stretching or other self-care instructions. Please try to follow them once you are home — they are important to your continuing care.


  1. Remember to remain well-hydrated, as your body will be trying to remove toxins. Hydrated muscles remain more supple and stay less spasmodic.


  1. Please tell your therapist how you feel after the massage in comparison to when you came in. This helps us gain information about the effectiveness of certain techniques for your specific needs.


  1. You may experience a feeling of dizziness immediately after your massage. This is due to the increase in circulation and oxygen being carried to your brain — and this feeling should pass quickly. Avoid driving until this feeling passes; usually taking a walk around the block helps you come back to your body quickly.


  1. Your muscles will continue to release and relax in the hours following the massage. You may experience soreness and stiffness for the next day or so if you did not drink enough water. Stretching, heat, ice or anti-inflammatory medications can help with any discomfort. An Epsom Salt bath (one 5 lb. box diluted in a warm bath) is also very helpful.


  1. In rare cases, you may experience a flare-up of your recent or past symptoms. Tell your therapist when this happens and they can adjust your next massage accordingly. Or see your doctor if the problem persists.


  1. Receiving a massage is a continuing and evolving process. Many physical symptoms cannot be resolved with just one session. Be patient and consistent. Remember, massage is not an indulgence; it is an important part of your health and well-being and is considered preventive medicine.


  1. Refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours after a massage. Proper stretching is helpful in maintaining the increased flexibility that you will experience after your massage.


  1. You should sleep deeply the night of your massage. If possible, try to stay relaxed and take time for yourself after your massage. This is a great time to meditate, take a power nap, read or take a walk outside to reflect. You’ll find that your massage will stay with you much longer if you take the time to enjoy the feelings in your body after your session.


Contact Us


New Clients often have lots of questions. We’ve tried to answer as many questions as possible in text above. We have also provided a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions on a separate web page. But we understand that we may not have answered them all.


Many of the questions you have can be answered in person quickly once you’ve arrived. We prefer this method because it cuts down on emails and phone calls before you session.


However, if you have a burning question or a particular concern that is preventing you from scheduling your first appointment, please feel free to Contact Us.


We are always happy to answer your questions and will try to answer them as quickly as possible. Please keep in mind that it might take up to 48 hours to respond. So, we appreciate your patience.