Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect?
When you arrive for your appointment, we will discuss your intake form and what your goals are for the massage. (I build extra time into my schedule to allow this conversation to be unhurried, and it will not impact your massage time.) After this, I will leave the room and you will dress down to whatever level you are comfortable and get on the table, under the covering. Throughout the massage you will be covered by a sheet and I will only uncover whatever I am working on.
Will I have to undress?
That is entirely up to you! I use draping during the massage so you will be fully covered throughout the massage regardless of what you choose to remove.
What services do you provide?
I offer Swedish (traditional), Deep Tissue, scar tissue remediation, fertility, prenatal and postpartum massage at this time. I am excited to continue working on new certifications so that I will have more to offer!
When should I book a postpartum massage versus a Swedish massage?
Both types of massage will cover largely the same ground: assistance in pain relief and decreasing anxiety and depression, reducing swelling, and improved sleep. Postpartum will also include light abdominal work to assist in bringing organs back to their resting place, improving digestive patterns, and doing hip and rib squeeze. Postpartum massage has been shown to be effective up to four months after delivery, and is able to be done as soon as the birthing parent’s body is ready.
Who will be providing the massage?
Meet Cora on their About page!
What does “trauma-informed” mean?
Our body holds memories and emotion just as much (if not more) than our brains, similar to how muscles can hold tension. Sometimes during a massage, a client will have an emotional release. Cora has a Masters degree in Social Work and has spent years studying and working in the field, implementing concepts around equity, the power of telling your story, and trauma in the body. Their job is to provide an environment that is safe, relaxing, and that reminds you that you are in charge of each session, and they are equipped to field any emotional releases that do come up.
What is scar tissue remediation?
Scar tissue remediation is a massage practice working on reducing scar tissue and its impact on surrounding muscle tissue. A castor oil pack and heat is applied to increase circulation to the area before we begin, and after an assessment on the scar tissue, we work to loosen areas where the scar may be pulling, limit its rooting to local tissue, and increase sensation in the area.
Where are you located?
1115 Bethel Rd, Columbus Ohio 43220. Parking is available on the side of and behind the building; please use the side entrance to access my office on the lower level. There is a Facebook video showing parking and what door to enter.
What COVID procedures are you implementing?
I will be wearing a mask throughout the intake and massage, and ask that my clients do the same. After each massage, all linens are removed and washed, and every surface in the room is disinfected to make the space safe for each new client.
What products do you use?
The base oil for my massages is natural coconut oil, which I can then add essential oils or other products to as needed. All essential oils are through Young Living, and I offer epsom salt packets from Salt+Life when stocked. If you have an allergy to coconut oil, I have massage lotion with an olive oil base.
Why did you change your business name?
Mama Bear Massage Therapy was born from a desire to provide massage to all, specifically those who needed pre- and post-natal care. As my own child moved from infancy to school age, my dreams surrounding my business have shifted and grown, as well. I began to see a growing number of queer clients who were referred to me as a safe practitioner, both because I am trauma-informed and because I am a nonbinary bodyworker. It is a privilege to work with members of my own community and provide a service that they might not otherwise be able to access for fear of discrimination or lack of understanding from a cisgender bodyworker. While I love working with all my prenatal and postpartum clients, it was time for my business to go through a rebirth. Affirmation Massage is designed to be a safe place for queer folks to come and feel affirmed in their bodies, no matter what.
Have more questions? Feel free to email me at cora@affirmationmassage.com