Frequently asked questions.

What are the benefits of massage?

At Stellar Wellness, we specialize in deep tissue, therapeutic massage to help provide relief from muscle tension and pain, while helping you unwind and relax from the stresses of life.

Massage therapy offers powerful benefits for both body and mind: it reduces muscle tension and chronic pain, speeds recovery from injuries, improves circulation and joint mobility, and lowers stress by decreasing cortisol and boosting feel‑good hormones. Regular sessions can enhance sleep, increase flexibility and athletic performance, and provide a restorative break that supports mental clarity and emotional balance. Whether you seek relief from a specific issue or simply want to feel more relaxed and resilient, massage is a practical, evidence‑based way to improve overall well‑being.

How long of a massage treatment should I book?

For most people, a 60-minute massage is a good baseline: it allows enough time to focus on two or three problem areas and include a general warm-up and cool-down. If you have targeted issues like chronic neck or lower-back pain, or if you prefer a deeper, more thorough treatment of multiple muscle groups, consider a 75–90 minute session. These longer sessions give the therapist time to assess, work through deeper tension, and address compensatory patterns without rushing, which often leads to better and longer-lasting results.

Shorter 30-minute sessions are useful when you need a quick tune-up, want to maintain progress between longer treatments, or have time constraints; they typically focus on one specific area. For athletes recovering from intense training or people with complex injuries, regular 90-minute sessions may be most effective, especially early in a treatment plan. Ultimately, choose a length based on your goals, the severity of your symptoms, and how your body responds; your registered massage therapist can recommend a session length tailored to your needs.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

Your RMT will take a health history, ask about your current concerns, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. They may perform an assessment (postural, functional, palpation) and explain a treatment plan. During the treatment, the massage therapist will check in on pressure and temperature, to make sure you are comfortable for your entire treatment.

What should I wear during a massage?

For therapeutic work, clients usually undress to their level of comfort (often to underwear) and are properly draped with sheets or towels throughout the entire treatment. Therapists will only expose the area being worked on and will maintain your privacy throughout the session.

Your comfort is the most important to us - if you would prefer to wear shorts or a t-shirt, we can work around it.

How often should I come in for a massage?

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a massage, you might want to come in once every 2 to 3 weeks to get your body back into balance. From there, most people find that a massage once per month is ideal.

Typically, more active people tend to come in more frequently to get the full benefits from massage such as improved muscle recovery.

Is massage painful?

Depending on the area, you may feel some discomfort during your massage, especially if you have any pre-existing “knots” or muscle soreness, but you should never experience pain.

Your massage therapist will ask throughout the treatment whether the pressure is too much or not enough. However, we can usually tell from the way your muscles are responding whether the pressure is too much.

Some post-treatment soreness is normal and usually resolves within 24–72 hours.

Can I request no talking during my massage?

Absolutely! In fact, we don’t like talking too much while doing massage either. We will always assume that you prefer total silence during their treatment. Feel free to include a note when booking your massage appointment.

Do you offer direct billing?

Yes! We are happy to offer direct billing as a convenience to our clients. When you book a massage appointment, you will receive an Intake Form where you can include your health insurance information.

Prior to your appointment, the massage therapist will pre-determine your eligibility and coverage limits so that payment can be seamless after your massage appointment. If your insurance provider does not cover the entire amount of the massage, you can pay the remainder using a debit or credit card.

Do you accept tips?

No, we do not accept tips. If you would like to show appreciation, we love when you leave us a review, tell a friend, or rebook another appointment!

Is massage therapy safe during pregnancy?

Yes, prenatal massage can be safe and beneficial when performed by an RMT trained in prenatal techniques (that’s us!). We use appropriate positioning and avoid certain areas or techniques. Always inform your RMT about your pregnancy, stage, and any complications.

What is myofascial cupping?

Myofascial cupping is a manual therapy technique that uses suction cups placed on the skin to lift and separate the layers of fascia and soft tissue, increasing local blood flow and encouraging tissue mobility.

The gentle negative pressure helps release adhesions and fascial restrictions, reduce muscle tension, and promote drainage of stagnant fluids, which can accelerate healing and decrease pain. Benefits often reported include improved range of motion, reduced stiffness and soreness, faster recovery from sports injuries, decreased myofascial trigger point sensitivity, and enhanced circulation that supports tissue repair and relaxation.

What is warm bamboo massage?

Warm bamboo massage uses smooth, heated bamboo sticks of various sizes as extensions of the therapist’s hands to deliver deep pressure and rolling techniques. The heat from the bamboo helps relax muscles more quickly, allowing therapists to work deeper with less strain while the rounded surfaces provide consistent, broad contact that melts tension and breaks up adhesions.

Benefits include increased circulation, accelerated muscle recovery, reduced stiffness and pain, improved range of motion, and enhanced relaxation. Many clients also report longer-lasting relief after sessions compared with a conventional massage.

How quickly will I see results?

Some clients feel immediate relief after a session; others notice gradual improvement over several sessions. Results depend on the condition, severity, chronicity, and adherence to any home-care advice (stretching, exercises, posture changes).