Massage Therapy Policies & FAQs

FAQS: MASSAGE THERAPY


It's my First Time Receiving a Massage. Which One Should I Choose?

We recommend beginning with a Swedish Massage for 30 to 60 minutes. This service provides  light to medium pressure massage and is a great introductory way to explore the world of massage. Your therapist will give you recommendations for your next service that may include a different massage modality.


What Type of Massage Should I Choose?

It’s hard to go wrong when picking a massage at Saratoga Botanicals. Before booking, we suggest looking through the treatments on the website or discussing the options with our front desk staff. If one stands out, book it. If not, choose a few that seem attractive to you or think about what you’d like, and give us a call to talk over options. Let us know about any pain, discomfort, sensitivities or allergies you might have and what your goals might be for the session. We are happy to answer any questions, help you decide what treatment might work best, and suggest a specific therapist. On the day of your session, your therapist will also talk with you about your specific needs, goals, sensitivities, and anything else that comes up to make sure that your treatment is what you want and need.


When is it Not Recommended to Have a Massage?

  • You have unregulated high/low blood pressure.
  • You have the flu or stomach bug or other contagious illness – please make accommodations to reschedule your appointment. (we do ask that you try to give 24 hours notice)
  • When you are experiencing rashes of any kind
  • Cancers where radiation or chemotherapy are involved
  • When experiencing skin conditions such as impetigo, active herpes or boils, varicose veins, hernia, skin cancers 
  • When experiencing any systemic infection, when experiencing a flare-up of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and when experiencing numbness or reduced sensation due to medication
  • You have an acute injury, open wound or any condition that may put you or the therapist at risk
  • In in doubt, always consult your physician before receiving a massage treatment

You have been drinking alcohol or are taking controlled substances. It is against NYS law and unsafe for both you and the therapist.


Please let the therapist know if you are on any blood thinners during the medical intake process.


I am Pregnant, Should I Receive a Massage?

As a new policy of Saratoga Botanicals, LLC, we require a doctor’s note from your doctor or midwife prior to receiving a prenatal massage. We advise always consulting with your doctor before receiving a prenatal massage to determine if it is right for you.

In general the American Pregnancy Association says that women can begin massage at any point during a pregnancy. However, there are certain individuals who may have certain risk factors or underlying medical conditions, where massage would be contraindicated such as:

  • High risk pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
  • High blood pressure that isn’t controlled by medication
  • High-risk pregnancy concerns, such congenital heart disease or preeclampsia
  • Severe headaches, swelling, high blood pressure
  • Recent injury or surgery
  • Recent organ transplant 
  • Previous preterm labor

It is advised that all clients who are pregnant receive clearance from their physician prior to receiving massage therapy services. When booking, please let us know that you are pregnant, and how many weeks you are in your pregnancy. We will be able to guide you to our trained massage therapists who provide pregnancy massage. Please call us at (518) 306-4108.


What Should I do Ahead of Time to Prepare for My Massage?

Drinking water is a good idea. Massage can be dehydrating, so you should arrive hydrated. Eating before massage, can make the massage a little bit uncomfortable, so we do not recommend eating big meals before. We also do not recommend drinking alcoholic beverages prior to your service.


What Should I Expect During My Massage?

Once you have been given direction by the therapist, they will leave the treatment room and allow you to “undress to your level of comfort”.  This means whatever you are comfortable in, you may wear for the session.  Many people will just leave undergarments on (We do recommend women remove their bras for back massage but if you feel comfortable wearing it we are glad to work around it). If for example, your therapist is only working your back, neck and shoulders during your appointment you may leave your pants and socks on if you wish.  You are covered by a sheet and blanket and each area is draped as the therapist works on it so you stay warm and comfortable throughout the massage.


We offer a heating pad on our massage tables as well.  Your therapist will ask you if you want heat on the table, the heaters do have settings, so we ask that you let us know if you need temperature adjustment anytime throughout your massage.


What if I Do Not Like Something During the Massage?

During the massage you should always let your therapist know if anything feels painful or unpleasant.  You may experience “therapeutic pain” such as when a therapist is working out tension or an adhesion in a muscle, but if you feel too much discomfort, please do not be afraid to tell your therapist. This feedback is important in the therapists role for you in your session and allows the therapist to make adjustments to work within your present state of being.

At any point in time you can ask your therapist to adjust his or her pressure. Do not be afraid to speak up, we are here to serve you and deliver the type of massage that you want.


How Will the Massage End?

Your therapist will thank you. They will then give you additional instructions for meeting you outside. At the end of the treatment, the therapist may ask you how you are feeling and answer any questions you may have. They may also make recommendations for aftercare, for example stretching exercises. They will then leave the room and allow you with as much time as needed to get off the table and get dressed. You may then meet our staff at the front desk for checkout, where you will have an opportunity to schedule another appointment if you would like. Rescheduling your next visit with us at the time of your appointment will save you 10% off your following services.


What Should I do After My Massage?

Drink A Lot of Water! It is important to continue to flush your system out with water after your massage. Massages are dehydrating. Kneading and working muscle gets fluid pumping out of the soft tissue and into your circulatory system, where it heads toward your kidneys. That’s why many people have to pee right after a massage. You have to replenish all that lost water – by drinking more. For deeper pressure massage and detox massage we recommend drinking up to a gallon within 24 hours of your massage (before, immediately after, and the rest of the day).

Address Areas of Soreness:Soreness sometimes is experienced post massage especially for deeper work. You may need to ice or use a warm pack or heating pad. Stretching and taking an epsom salt bath is also beneficial.


Rest: You may feel tired, as if you want to lie down and take a nap. This is completely normal, and you should listen to your body.  If you can, make sure you have nowhere to go and nothing to do after your massage.  Massage is not just work on the body; it is work on the mind too.  It helps to de-stress and relax you; this in turn may make you feel tired.


Be Gentle with Yourself: Sometimes, if you have been experiencing lots of stress, you may feel the need to cry after the massage. On the other hand, you may feel elated, on cloud nine, full of energy. Both responses are normal. The key is not to try to keep these emotions out. The massage may channel these feelings and multiply them; whichever way, this is what the body needs.


How Often Should I Book a Massage?

Experts recommend regular treatments every 3 to 4 weeks, but it depends on your personal situation. A massage every day would be wonderful, but practical considerations like money, physical need, and scheduling conflicts will likely play a large factor. The best idea is to maintain a schedule, as the body becomes acclimated and used to massage sessions at the same interval. If you’re getting a massage for relief from day to day stresses, then once a month is a good place to start. If you’re suffering from chronic pain, or a recent injury, most likely it’s going to require more visits, or even a different massage technique before you’re going to be back to feeling 100%.


Budget considerations as we know play a factor in your rebooking and follow up appointments, ask us about our packages and membership discounts.