FAQs

1. How do I schedule an appointment?
2. When are sessions available?
3. What is the cost for a massage?
4. What are the main differences between Shiatsu and Therapeutic sessions?
5. What is the difference between the Professional and Student Clinics?
6. What are the benefits of massage?
7. Is there an age recommendation in the clinic for receiving massage?
8. Do you offer gift certificates?
9. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
10. Where will my massage session take place?
11. What do I wear during the massage?
12. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
13. How will a massage feel?
14. Will the massage oils used make me break-out?
15. Is a massage always appropriate?
16. How long will a massage treatment last?
17. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?

1. How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment please call or email us. Clients are encouraged to call at least one week in advance to schedule appointments. Please view our latest session schedule and select your preferred times. Call 303-530-2189 or email clinic@bcmt.org

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2. When are sessions available?
Therapeutic Massage: Appointments are offered Monday through Friday, and most Saturdays.

Zen Shiatsu: Appointments are offered on Monday, Tuesday, most Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Professional Clinic: Appointments are offered Monday - Saturday.

For the current schedule please contact the clinic directly.

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3. What is the cost for a massage?
Zen Shiatsu Bodywork session:  $25.00*
60-minute Therapeutic session:  $35.00*
90-minute Therapeutic session:  $50.00*

60-minute Professional session: $50.00
90-minute Professional session: $65.00

*Seniors and students receive $5 discount (ID required)

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4. What are the main differences between Zen Shiatsu and Therapeutic sessions?
Zen Shiatsu is based on traditional Japanese medicine, focusing on the flow of energy in the body (Qi). Clients receive gentle pressure and passive stretches to increase blood flow and to relax muscle tension. This is a great first-time bodywork experience. In this session the client remains fully clothed and sessions are held in a group setting. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to stretch, and bring or wear clean socks.

Therapeutic massage enhances circulation, promotes muscular rejuvenation and relaxation, increases joint flexibility, and speeds injury rehabilitation. These sessions are held in individual treatment rooms in the clinic.

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5. What is the difference between the Professional and Student Clinics?
PROFESSIONAL CLINIC sessions are available with students in our Associate Degree Program. These professionals have graduated from our 1000-hour Massage Therapy Certificate Program and have returned to continue their education and to earn an Associate of Occupational Studies In Massage Therapy Degree. Cost varies from $45 - $65.

STUDENT CLINIC provides the community with the opportunity to receive massage and bodywork sessions from students in training. Our students are under the supervision of highly skilled and experienced professionals. Cost varies from $25-$50 depending on the type of session you receive.


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6. What are the benefits of massage?
- Reduces stress
- Increases circulation
- Relieves muscular fatigue
- Increases joint flexibility
- Speeds recovery from injury
- Relieves aches and pains
- Feels great

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7. Is there an age recommendation in the clinic for receiving massage?
The BCMT Student and Professional Clinics provide over 8,000 massages to the community each year to clients ranging from 7 to 90 years of age. Massage is great for all ages.

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8. Do you offer gift certificates?
Clinic certificates are available and make great gifts any time of the year. They are valid one year from the date of purchase. You can order and pay online [order form].

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9. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a health history form. Afterward the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.

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10. Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

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11. What do I wear during the massage?
Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full-body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times, except the area being worked. Zen Shiatsu is performed fully-clothed on a futon.

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12. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

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13. How will a massage feel?
It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.

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14. Will the massage oils used make me break-out?
Most massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention, as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.

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15. Is a massage always appropriate?
No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

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16. How long will a massage treatment last? 
All BCMT Student Clinic massages last one hour. If you are new to the clinic, please allow extra time to fill out the appropriate paperwork prior to your appointment. It's also a good idea to allow a few minutes at the end for relaxation and check-in time with your massage therapist. 

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17. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.