Alexandria Hickman, LMT
Professional Massage Therapy

Welcome

Welcome to my Website! If you’re looking for a professional massage therapist, you’ve come to the right place.

I am trained in a variety of modalities, and you can click on the "Services & Rates" page to learn more about the various techniques I use in my work.

Massage is a very important self-care treatment. I take pride in making my clients feel relaxed and welcome in a calming enviroment. Bring in your stress, worries, and pain, and we will leave it on the table when you leave. 

Some frequently asked questions:

  • What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

    You will be required to fill out forms and sign. 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 determine if massage is appropriate for you.

    Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition.

    It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.

  • Do I have to be completely undressed?

    You should undress to the level you are comfortable with. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session leaving your underwear on, that is fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as they can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session. Your massage therapist will step out of the room to give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table.

  • Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?

    In Ohio state draping is mandatory – it’s the law. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on. The genitals and breasts (women and men) will not be uncovered. If the therapist is going to work on a woman’s abdomen, a second sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet can be moved to expose the abdomen.

  • What do I do during a massage treatment?

    Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/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.

  • Can I talk during my session?

    Sure, if you’d like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many therapists discourage talking in hopes that you will relax, let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss.

    In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation.

    Most importantly, there are times when you need to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her/him know immediately. Also, let him/her know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you, speak up! It’s OK!

  • How often should I get a massage?

    “Something is better than nothing.” What does that mean? Well, it varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 60-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.

    Frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment when he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues.

  • When should I not get a massage?

    There are a few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. That’s it.

    There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e., arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e., cuts or burns). With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This does not mean you cannot get a massage. But it’s always better to be cautious.

    Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs.

  • How will I feel after my massage treatment?

    Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days.

    If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day – much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness.

    After your session, you should increase your water intake. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body’s tissues hydrated and healthy.

  • Am I expected to tip my massage therapist?

    Tips are never expected but always appreciated. If you have received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation to the therapist, the average tip ranges between 10-25%.  However, from the therapist’s perspective, it is always nice to receive the compliment of a “thank you for good service” gratuity. If paying with a credit card or check, the tip can be added to the total.

If you’d like to set up an appointment with me, click on "Contact Me". You can text, call or email me. If I happen to be with a client or you choose to email me, I will call you back to confirm the details of your appointment, and also answer any questions you might have. All conversations via phone and in person are confidential. I am available by appointment only; however, same-day appointments are possible. Please give me a call with any questions! Thank you!

Thanks for visiting, and have a great day.