What can I expect at my session?
You can expect to receive a customized integrated massage in a comfortable environment with a knowledgeable and licensed therapist.
Your therapist will review your medical information, discuss session goals, and answer your questions before you begin. You will be asked about scent preferences as we include aromatherapy as a compliment to therapeutic goals. You will then be shown to your session room and given instructions in preparation for the bodywork. Our tables are heated and the rooms are generally warm. We can adjust temperature for your comfort.
During the session, your therapist will check in with you to make sure you are comfortable and satisfied with the work. We welcome your feedback at any time. Technique, pressure, emphasis, and temperature can all be adjusted. Please do not hesitate to ask a question or make a request. We will do our best to provide an answer or make an adjustment.
After your session, we will take a moment to debrief with you so that we may make note of anything that may help serve you better in your future sessions. We will also give you instructions and discuss any expectations for you post session.
What should I wear?
Clients are generally not clothed when receiving massage. It is important that you are comfortable so that the work can be as effective as possible. You are encouraged to undress only to your comfort level. Many clients opt to keep their underwear on. This does not interfere with the therapist’s work. You will be draped (covered by a sheet) at all times with only the part of your body being worked uncovered.
For those clients who like to keep their socks on—we’ve never met a foot we didn’t like. If you can, do not deny us the privilege of working on your hardworking feet. We’ll put the socks back on when we’re done.
How long is a session?
Your session will last as long as described. The time frame applies to the actual therapeutic work which is “time on the table”. So if you’ve booked a 60 minute session, you will receive 60 minutes of actual massage time. We make sure we leave time on the schedule for you to have an unhurried experience with plenty of time to converse with your therapist and prepare yourself before and after the massage.
How should I prepare for a massage session?
Please take a moment to fill out the medical intake form that will be sent to you via email. If you have any questions prior to your session, please do not hesitate to email us (or call) so that we may answer them to help in your preparation.
Please arrive on time for your session so that we can provide you an unhurried experience. If you are familiar with massage, please make your therapist is aware of your massage style preferences.
It is recommended that you do not consume a heavy meal or drink alcohol prior to your session. Because massage is a workout for your muscles, please make sure you are hydrated before and after the session.
If you have a fever or other acute condition, it is best to reschedule.
If you have any medical condition that concerns you, we recommend you check with your medical provider prior to booking a massage.
Other than that, set a time aside when you can be free from distraction, committed to putting your needs first, and open to the therapeutic power of massage.
What is a customized session?
We will take your medical situation and therapy goals as well as your massage style preference into consideration to design a session for you. We provide integrated massage which draws on a variety of techniques ranging from energy work to medical/deep tissue to provide a unique massage experience.
Your massage session will be customized every time you visit us as we take into consideration your changing needs and goals.
How often should I receive a massage?
The answer to this is a very definitive—it depends. Our massages are designed to linger as we strive to effect change. Remember the way you feel when you leave as the way you should feel. When the stress of modern life gets in the way of that, come on back.
There are no ill effects to receiving frequent massage but often time and resources can limit our ability to so. The general rule is once a month if possible to maintain the positive effects of massage. But some folks opt for more frequent visits or are able to extend to longer time intervals. We are happy to work with you whenever you need us.
For those looking to effect change or reach a medical goal, more frequent massage may be helpful. Your therapist will discuss the benefits of massage and decide with you on a plan to meet your health goals as well as a realistic way to measure the effectiveness of our sessions.
What is the best way to book an appointment?
We use a scheduling website called MassageBook which is accessed through our website. In it you will set up a client profile which enables you to book massage, prepay sessions, communicate with us, and detail your medical history. Additionally, it tracks gift certificates purchased and received as well as account credits. This is available 24hrs. a day and is the best way to check availability, view our menu, purchase gift certificates, and book appointments.
You are welcome to call us at 215-922-5323. We are often in session and you will be asked to leave a message. If that is the case, you may feel free to call Sally on her cell at 267-240-7380. This is the best way to speak to us directly.
What massage therapist should I book with? Do I need to book with the same therapist every time?
All of our massage therapists have graduated from fully accredited massage therapy schools and are licensed in the state of PA. We work hard to make sure that you will receive thoughtful, careful, and firm work regardless of which therapist you work with. Each therapist has a unique style and experience which are outlined in the staff section of our scheduling site. You are invited to book with any staff member you choose and are encouraged to be familiar and comfortable with more than one therapist.
How early should I arrive?
Because we feel it is important to maintain an unhurried schedule, we build time for session preparation and discussions with your therapists into the schedule. Coming 5 minutes ahead of your scheduled time to right on time should allow plenty of room for the session.
If you are late, we will make every effort to get your full session in depending on the schedule. Some days are busier than others, so if we cannot accommodate your full session, your therapist will discuss reducing the time of the session or rescheduling options.
What can I expect from a couples session?
Couples sessions are side by side massages with 2 therapists. A couple can be any two carbon based life forms. When you book a couples session online, we must confirm that 2 therapists are available on our end. If we are unable to book the exact time you request, we will notify you within 24 hours or much less to let you know when the closest available appointment time is. If you don’t hear from us, you are good to go.
We will ask for your partner’s full name and email if they are new clients and will send them an intake form prior to their session with your permission.
As a couple, your sessions will be customized to your individual needs as well as your aromatherapy requirements.
Your therapist will discuss your personal session goals with you. Individual sessions begin and end at the same time (unless one of you has asked for an extended session).
Because Sanctuary is laid back, unhurried, and committed to educating our clients, this is a great place to bring someone new to massage. And you get to accompany them in this experience through a couples massage.
What can I expect from a pregnancy massage?
Massage can be a great complement to prenatal care in all stages of a normal pregnancy. All of our massage therapists are qualified to work with expectant clients.
Please make note of your pregnancy on the medical intake form or the appointment notes including your due date so that we may make the appropriate preparations. If you have any questions or concerns about experiencing massage, please check in with your medical doctor.
We use bolsters to make sure our moms- to- be are safe and comfortable. We will discuss the use of aromatherapy and how massage techniques are customized to pregnant clients.
Accommodating the needs of our pregnant clients is part of our customized approach to all sessions and we do not charge additional money for this type of therapy.
We encourage you to contact us prior to your session if you have any questions or concerns.
What can I expect when I book a kid's massage?
We absolutely love working with our 12 and under clients.
A parent or legal guardian must give permission for the session and fill out the intake form. We invite the accompanying adult to be present during the massage.
The kid massage session is about 45 minutes and is designed for relaxation and an opportunity to educate the child about massage and self care as appropriate for their age. The therapist communicates the massage process and asks for permission during the session. Questions are invited. The child’s comfort level is actively addressed. Aromatherapy is explored. We have a ball with these sessions.
We welcome any questions or requests for kid’s massage.
Can I fill out an intake form for someone else?
Due to confidentiality reasons, the medical intake should only be filled out by the individual who is receiving the massage or someone who has permission to share/view their medical history. This is all done electronically through email.
Our medical intake forms are automatically sent to the individual holding the appointment on our schedule. If you use your email to fill out another person’s intake, both forms will be available and linked to your account.
If you are booking a couples massage, we will need your partner’s full name and email address so that they can fill out an intake prior to the session.
If you are booking for an individual as a surprise and not filling their form , they can fill out the intake form when they arrive if they have a smartphone or we can do a verbal intake and send the form later.
Can I prepay?
Yes, you can prepay at the time you book your appointment through MassageBook. You can also call Sally at 267-240-7380 if you need help.
What is the cancellation policy?
Your therapist may be coming in specifically for your appointment. Also, we often have a waiting list for appointments. For these reasons, we ask that you provide us with a 24 hour notice of cancellation.
Is there parking?
We are located in the Queen Village Section of Philly which has Zone 7 on street parking or a 2 hr. parking limit for non permit holders. You can often find parking on our block or within a few blocks. If you are traveling by car, please leave yourself enough time to find us and a parking space.
How do I buy a gift certificate?
You can buy a gift certificate through our scheduler linked to our website. If you have questions or need help, please call Sally at 267-240-7380.
How do I redeem a gift certificate?
If your gift certificate was sent to your email, it will automatically be linked to you when you make an appointment. Otherwise, make note of the gift certificate number and reference it in your appointment notes if possible. If you are having trouble tracking down your gift certificate or the system is not accepting the number (which means you have an older gift certificate), call Sally at 267-240-7380 and I’ll find it for you.
How do I get on a mailing list?
When you set up a client file with us, you will receive periodic notices about specials throughout the year. You can also call Sally at 267-240-7380 to put your name on the special notification list. Our website will also feature these specials. You may unsubscribe to these at any time.