Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re new to your healing journey or well-versed in the ways of coming home to yourself, these answers may provide further guidance.
You will also find contact information at the bottom of this page to submit any further inquiries you may have.
About the Practice / Therapist
For starters, massage therapy vs. bodywork - what is the difference?
Massage therapy involves soft tissue manipulation of the whole body using petrissage (kneading), percussion (tapping/hacking), and effleurage (stroking) usually with oil or lotion to promote relaxation, improve sleep, and reduce muscular aches and pains.
Bodywork is a broader, more holistic term used to describe a variety of hands-on techniques under which massage therapy can also be included. Bodywork’s main distinction from general massage therapy is that it aims to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through the use of both massage and other manual therapy techniques.
In essence, while all massage therapy is bodywork, not all bodywork sessions involve massage.
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Now, what is fascia? And what is Myofascial Release (MFR)?
Fascia, or the fascial system, is “a network of connective tissue, without beginning and end, which encloses everything in the whole body, from muscles and bones, to organs and cells,” (Gil Hedley, The Fascia Guide). It “consists of the three-dimensional continuum of soft, collagen-containing, loose and dense fibrous connective tissues that permeate the body,” (Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Volume 21, Issue 1, 2017).
“Fascia plays an important role in the support and function of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When one experiences physical trauma, emotional trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, car accident, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture and repetitive stress injuries has cumulative effects on the body. The changes trauma causes in the fascial system influences comfort and function of our body. Fascial restrictions can exert excessive pressure causing all kinds of symptoms producing pain, headaches or restriction of motion. Fascial restrictions affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and perform daily activities,” (John F. Barnes).
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Myofascial Release (MFR) is “a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.
Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)” (John F. Barnes).​​​​​​​​​​​
What types of bodywork do you offer?
I offer uniquely tailored sessions to every client, each of which may include modalities (therapeutic techniques) such as Myofascial Release (MFR), Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, foot and hand reflexology, as well as intra-oral and external TMJ massage.
What makes your approach different?
What makes my approach so unique is the MFR principle I apply to every session: meet the body where it’s currently at. I combine the previously listed modalities with your personal feedback (i.e. what’s been aching, tense, numb, tingling, tight, stuck, in pain, etc) to identify and help meet your body’s current needs.
We combine my skillset and your intuition to facilitate whole-body relaxation, relief, and change.
Do you specialize in any particular techniques or conditions?
I have been training with John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR) since 2022. I have chosen these trainings to better focus on providing whole system relief via learning more in-depth bodywork modalities for the feet, the hips, and the jaw.
I believe these areas to be the most potent places to facilitate healing in the body as a whole, which is why I choose to use them in conjunction with one another while always considering your personal feedback and history.
Are you licensed and insured?
I am currently certified as a massage therapist in the state of California and have been since 2021; I have been operating in an establishment in the city of San Luis Obispo since 2025; I am insured through the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
Booking & Sessions
How do I book a session?
You may book sessions in person, online through my website, and via email, text or phone call.
The fastest way to book is by using the scheduling platform available on the site, but if you experience any trouble there, texting (805) 457-2499 will put you into direct contact with me and I will respond within 1 business day.
How long are sessions?
Bodywork sessions are available in increments of 15 minutes, beginning at 45 minutes to the maximum time offered of 2 hours. For first-time sessions, I recommend at least 90 minutes in order to have time getting a proper health intake and for any necessary baseline assessments.
Movement lessons are available at 30 min or 1 hour, these can be added on in addition to bodywork sessions (i.e., these can be scheduled in the same day/back-to-back.)
How should I prepare for my first visit?
Prepare to come in hydrated (fascia is a fluid system), prepare to meet yourself where you’re really at, prepare to ask questions and be curious, prepare to practice receiving and surrendering.
What should I wear?
Sessions will require you to get undressed to your comfort level and draping will be available.
Ideally, you will bring in either a 2-piece swim suit/trunks or sports bra and athletic shorts to change into before the session, as often times these sessions require you to change positions (back, stomach, sides, etc) and this garb provides the most ease with transitioning. For any temperature concerns, the building has central air to regulate the temperature in the room, and sheets, a blanket, and a heating pad are also available to you on the massage table.
What can I expect during the session?
You can expect a warm welcome, time to settle in and to go over your intake form, time for any postural or movement assessments we deem necessary, and you can mostly expect to be heard and to learn something new about yourself. Each session is so very different, expect to take this time to practice letting go of any inner resistance, to get to know yourself more deeply, and to maybe even to check out of your racing mind for awhile.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Same day appointments, if available, can be made online or through text.
During & After Your Session
Will I be covered during my session?
Depending on whether or not you brought in proper attire to receive MFR (swim suit/trunks, athletic shorts/bra) will determine whether or not you are covered during the session. If you did bring a suit or shorts, you will be uncovered unless there is a temperature issue in the room and you need to stay warm. If you did not bring appropriately clothing, you will begin the session undressed to your comfort level and underneath the provided sheet and blanket.
What should I do if I feel discomfort?
You have every right and responsibility to communicate any and all discomforts before or during a massage with any practitioner (or non-practitioner, for that matter), so I highly encourage your communication around this. I provide the space, amenities, and expertise to help you feel safe and comfortable, so if anything feels off or bothersome, my number one priority is helping you feel heard and ensuring your comfort. That being said, some level of discomfort can be expected where MFR is concerned. Every body responds differently to releasing tension, and safely and skillfully “going into the pain” tends to be the theme in order to get out of the pain long-term. If anything begins to feel too intense you may say “ease up” and I will relax my pressure in that area; if you need the pressure to stop entirely at any point you may say “halt” and I will back out of the area and remove my touch completely to check in with you.
Can I talk during the massage, or should I stay quiet?
While it is perfectly acceptable and encouraged to communicate any discomfort or feedback you’re noticing from your body during the session (i.e. table warmer could be turned up or down, face cradle could be adjusted, etc.), it is recommended that you attempt to get out of your linear, thinking brain and into your body. Any amount of talking, thinking, or tensing/bracing can impede the facilitation of healing.
What can I expect to feel after my session?
Most experience feelings of overall relaxation, rested, sleepy, “ready for bed/a nap,” “out of it,” disoriented, lightheaded, slightly dizzy upon rising, “sore in a good way,” lighter in the feet/head/back/whole body, more balanced, less confused about how to be still, and less tense. These changes can last for a few minutes up to several hours, and sometimes into the following day(s).
How often should I come in for bodywork?
Frequency of visit is largely determined by your personal needs and goals. Healing is nonlinear and the only person who really knows what you need is you. If you are someone who is not accustomed to self-care, you don’t know what your body needs, or you’re currently in chronic pain or discomfort in one or more areas of your body - you will likely need more guidance more often than someone who is not currently or chronically hurting. If you identify with feeling unaware/in pain/confused or you are carrying long-term discomfort in relationship to your body, then generally I would recommend coming in as frequently as possible (45-60 min sessions, multiples times a week). These are signs your body is experiencing life in dysfunctional movement patterns and it’s asking/demanding you to make changes.
If you are relatively aware of what your body is asking of you, but still need guidance with a particular acute or chronic issue, I’d generally recommend coming in often (90 min-2 hr sessions, weekly) in order to provide the time necessary to allow the body to unlearn the dysfunction.
Still Have Questions?
Didn’t see your question here? Please feel free to reach out directly, I’m delighted to provide whatever support I can in order for you to feel comfortable before booking your session.
Text (805) 457-2499 or email summerjordynbodywork@gmail.com.