What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment includes time to discuss your health history, current concerns, and treatment goals before we begin hands-on work.
I may ask questions, assess movement or areas of restriction, and explain which approaches seem most appropriate for you.
Because treatment is individualized, the techniques and areas addressed will vary from person to person. We’ll also discuss what to expect during the session and any questions you have before we begin.
What should I wear? Will I need to undress?
For most sessions, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move easily and gives access to the areas being treated.
For Visceral and Neural Manipulation, loose shorts are often ideal. Women may also want to wear a comfortable, non-underwire bra.
Some lymphatic and massage techniques are best performed with direct skin contact. If undressing is appropriate, I will leave the room while you change and get positioned on the table.
You will always remain appropriately covered, and only the area being treated will be uncovered as needed. Your comfort and privacy are important throughout the session.
What areas of the body may be treated?
Treatment may involve areas throughout the body, depending on what is contributing to your symptoms and what the tissues are showing during the session.
Because the body is interconnected, the area being treated may not always be the same place where you feel pain or other symptoms.
For more detail about the body systems, regions, and types of concerns I work with, please see the Areas of Care page.
What does treatment feel like?
Most of the techniques I use are gentle and precise, even when working with deeper tissues.
You may feel pressure, stretching, warmth, movement, tenderness, or a sense of release. Some areas may be sensitive, but treatment should not feel sharp, overwhelming, or forceful.
If anything feels uncomfortable, please tell me right away. Your feedback helps me adjust the work so your body can stay as relaxed and responsive as possible.
I do not use aggressive “find it and grind it” techniques or force the body through pain.
What should I do during the session?
Try to relax, breathe normally, and pay attention to what you feel in your body.
I may ask you to change positions, move an arm or leg, take a deeper breath, or give me feedback about what you are noticing.
Conversation is welcome, but there may also be times when I need quiet so I can focus on what the tissues are communicating.
Please speak up if anything feels painful or uncomfortable. Your feedback is an important part of the treatment.
How might I feel after the session?
Everyone responds differently.
Some people feel lighter, more relaxed, more open, or able to move and breathe more easily. Others may feel tired, energized, mildly sore, or simply notice subtle changes over the next several days to several weeks.
Because manual therapy can create changes in how tissues move and how the nervous system responds, your body may continue adjusting after the session.
Pay attention to any changes you notice and let me know if you have questions or concerns afterward.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no set number of sessions that is right for everyone.
Some people notice meaningful change quickly, while others with long-standing, complex, or chronic conditions may benefit from a series of treatments over time.
We’ll reassess as we go based on how your body responds, what changes you notice, and whether treatment is continuing to move you toward your goals.
Are there times when treatment may not be appropriate?
Yes. Certain health conditions, recent surgeries, infections, medications, implants, or other medical factors may affect which techniques are appropriate.
Please complete your health history as accurately as possible and let me know about current medical conditions, medications, surgeries, implants, and other treatments you are receiving.
If needed, I may ask for additional information or recommend that you check with your healthcare provider before treatment.
Do you work with children?
Yes. I have experience adapting manual therapy and bodywork techniques for infants, children, and adolescents.
Sessions are adjusted for the child’s age, comfort level, attention span, and individual needs, and treatment is always kept gentle and appropriate.
For minors, a parent or legal guardian will need to provide consent and may remain present during the session as appropriate.
Do you offer regular massage or deep-tissue massage?
My practice is now focused primarily on specific, therapeutic, goal-based manual therapy rather than routine relaxation massage.
I may still use massage techniques when they are appropriate for your treatment, but I do not offer aggressive deep-pressure massage or “find it and grind it” work.
If you are looking mainly for a traditional relaxation or deep-tissue massage, another massage therapist may be a better fit.
Do you do intraoral work?
Yes. When appropriate, I may use intraoral techniques to work with structures inside the mouth that relate to the jaw, face, swallowing, tongue, and surrounding tissues.
This can be especially useful when working with TMJ dysfunction, jaw tension, facial restrictions, or other concerns involving the mouth and jaw.
Intraoral work is always explained beforehand, done with gloves, and only performed with your consent.
Do you perform internal pelvic or rectal work?
No. I may work with structures related to the pelvic floor, bladder, uterus, rectum, sacrum, abdomen, and surrounding fascia, but this work is performed externally only.
I do not perform vaginal or rectal internal techniques.
The only internal work I currently perform is intraoral work inside the mouth, when appropriate and with consent.
Why do you have a scent-free policy?
Scented products can make me physically ill and may prevent me from being able to work safely for the rest of the day.
Please avoid perfume, cologne, scented lotions, body sprays, strongly scented hair products, and similar products before your appointment.
If you arrive wearing a noticeable scent, the session may need to be cancelled and the reserved appointment time may still be charged.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not bill insurance directly.
Payment is due at the time of your appointment. I accept cash, check, and HSA cards.
I can also provide a receipt upon request if you would like documentation for your own records or possible reimbursement through an insurance or benefit plan.
Where will my session take place?
My treatment room is located inside a family chiropractic clinic.
The room is private and equipped with an electric lift table, which can be adjusted for different positions and can make getting on and off the table easier for people with mobility limitations.
Because the office is part of a family practice, there may occasionally be some background noise from elsewhere in the clinic.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments are scheduled directly with me rather than through online booking.
Please call 608-780-3993 to request an appointment.
If I don’t answer, leave your name and return phone number, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m able.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please give at least 48 hours’ notice whenever possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
For time-sensitive changes, texting is the best way to reach me.
Late cancellations and missed appointments may be charged according to the cancellation policy.