Massage FAQ — Augusta, GA

Massage therapy has a well-established evidence base for both physical and mental health. Key documented benefits include:

• Reduced muscle tension and pain — particularly effective for neck, shoulder, and low back pain
• Decreased stress and cortisol levels — measurable reductions in cortisol (the stress hormone) after massage sessions
• Improved sleep quality — especially for people with insomnia or chronic pain
• Lower blood pressure — regular massage may reduce both systolic and diastolic pressure
• Faster muscle recovery — research from Harvard Medical School suggests massage may reduce inflammatory markers and speed recovery from exercise or injury
• Reduced anxiety and depression — multiple studies show significant mood improvement after massage therapy
• Improved circulation — particularly beneficial for people who sit or stand for extended periods

Sources: Mayo Clinic — Massage Therapy | Harvard Health Publishing | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Frequency depends on your goals:

• General wellness and stress relief: Once or twice per month
• Chronic pain management: Weekly, tapering to bi-weekly as condition improves
• Athletic training and recovery: Weekly during training, before/after key events
• Injury rehabilitation: As recommended by your medical provider — typically 1–2x per week initially
• Special occasions or one-time stress relief: No minimum required

Our licensed therapists can recommend a personalized schedule during your first session based on your health history and goals. Our package pricing makes it easy to commit to regular care at a significant savings.

Yes — massage therapy is one of the most well-supported non-pharmacological interventions for low back pain. The American College of Physicians includes massage therapy in its clinical guidelines for low back pain treatment, particularly for short-term and acute episodes.

For back pain, we typically recommend a combination of deep tissue massage to address muscle tension and myofascial restrictions, combined with stretching and postural assessment. Our therapists can coordinate with your physician or physical therapist.

Source: American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline

We offer several ways to schedule:

• Online (recommended): Use our 24/7 online booking — choose your location, service, date, time, and therapist preference.
• By phone: Call either location during business hours.
• In person: Walk-in appointments are welcome based on availability, but we recommend booking in advance — especially for evenings, weekends, and specialty services.

Yes to both. You may request a specific therapist by name, and you may also specify a preference for a male or female therapist — simply note your preference when booking online or let us know when you call. We will do our best to accommodate all requests subject to availability. Some therapists may have specialty training that makes them better suited for certain service types.

We ask for at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment without charge. Late cancellations (within 24 hours) or no-shows may be charged a cancellation fee. We understand emergencies happen — please contact us as soon as possible if your plans change.

Yes — gift certificates are available online and in person for any dollar amount or specific service. They make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, anniversaries, and the holidays. Purchase a gift certificate online →

You will undress to your personal comfort level in a private room and will be professionally draped with a sheet throughout your session — only the area currently being worked is uncovered at any time. Most clients undress completely, but underwear is entirely acceptable.

We recommend loose, comfortable clothing to wear to and from your appointment. Remove jewelry and contact lenses if wearing them, as you will be face-down on the table for part of the session.

When you arrive, your therapist will spend a few minutes reviewing your intake form (health history, areas of concern, pressure preference) and discussing your goals for the session. You will then be shown to a private treatment room. Your therapist will leave while you undress and get settled on the table under the drape.

During the session, communicate freely — if pressure is too light or too firm, tell your therapist immediately. There is no such thing as "too much feedback" — your comfort is the priority. After the session, your therapist will leave so you can dress, then return to discuss your experience and recommendations.

Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early for your first visit to complete your intake paperwork.

• Hydrate well — drink water before and after your session
• Eat lightly — avoid a heavy meal within 1–2 hours of your appointment
• Skip cologne or strong perfume — some clients have sensitivities
• Arrive early — especially for your first visit (10–15 minutes)
• Communicate any injuries — note areas to avoid or focus on during your intake

Swedish massage uses long, gliding effleurage strokes, kneading, and circular friction at light-to-medium pressure. It is ideal for relaxation, stress relief, improved circulation, and first-time clients. Sessions feel soothing and gentle.

Deep tissue massage uses slower strokes and firmer, more focused pressure targeting the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is best for chronic muscle pain, stiffness, postural problems, repetitive use injuries, and recovery from exercise or sports. Some discomfort during the session is normal — always communicate your tolerance to your therapist.

Many sessions blend both approaches based on your needs — start Swedish and transition to deeper work in specific areas. Let your therapist know your goals.

Yes. Our therapists have experience working with clients managing fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, herniated discs, migraine headaches, and other chronic conditions. Please disclose all health conditions and medications on your intake form and discuss them with your therapist before your session. In some cases we may recommend a shorter session for a first visit, or lighter-than-usual pressure.

Massage therapy is a complementary treatment — we encourage coordination with your primary care physician or specialist, and are happy to communicate with your medical team upon request.

Yes — all of our massage therapists hold an active Georgia Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) license issued by the Georgia Secretary of State's Office. Georgia LMT licensure requires:

• Completion of a minimum of 500 hours of approved massage therapy training from an accredited program
• Passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), a standardized national board exam
• Ongoing continuing education for license renewal every two years
• Compliance with the standards set by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy

You can verify any Georgia LMT license publicly at sos.ga.gov/professional-licensing. Individual therapist license numbers are listed on our About page.

All therapists at Augusta Massage and Facial completed accredited massage therapy programs of 500+ hours, passed the MBLEx board examination, and maintain active Georgia licensure through continuing education. Many hold additional specialty certifications in areas including prenatal massage, deep tissue, hot stone, sports massage, and myofascial release. Full credentials for each therapist are listed on our About & Credentials page.

Prenatal massage is generally considered safe throughout all three trimesters when performed by a certified prenatal massage therapist. It has been shown to reduce pregnancy-related low back pain, leg swelling, sciatic pain, and anxiety. It may also improve sleep quality and reduce labor complications in some studies.

Our prenatal specialists use specialized positioning cushions or side-lying technique — never placing the client face-down after the first trimester. Certain pressure points and areas are avoided as a precaution. Always inform us of your pregnancy and trimester when booking, and consult your OB or midwife if you have any pregnancy complications or high-risk factors.

Source: American Pregnancy Association

For uncomplicated pregnancies, a physician's note is not required. However, we do require that you disclose your pregnancy, trimester, and any complications (including placenta previa, pre-eclampsia, or a high-risk pregnancy) on your intake form. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or complications, we recommend obtaining clearance from your OB before booking a prenatal massage.

Yes — post-massage soreness (sometimes called "DOMS-like" soreness) is normal, particularly after a deep tissue or therapeutic session. It is similar to the feeling after a workout and typically resolves within 24–48 hours. It does not mean anything went wrong — it is a sign that tissue was worked and your body is responding.

To help: drink plenty of water (helps flush metabolic waste), take a warm (not hot) bath with Epsom salts, and do gentle stretching. Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours. If soreness is severe or lasts more than 48 hours, please call us.

• Drink water — aim for at least 16–24 oz in the hours after your session
• Rest if possible — allow your body to integrate the work
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol immediately after the session
• Light stretching can extend the benefits and reduce stiffness
• Avoid intense exercise for the rest of the day
• Schedule your next appointment — regular massage compounds benefits over time