FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Everything from contacting us to booking your appointment, where to find us, what to expect during your session and other useful information.
How do I find a good therapist?
We are honored to have your business, but we also realize that not everyone is a match and encourage everyone to find at least one therapist that works for them regardless of who that ends up being. Our experience as clients ourselves, is that sometimes you get really lucky and sometimes you get a lot of "OK" massages. Rarely have we gotten a truly "bad" massage but it has happened! Just keep looking! there are many excellent therapists out there and many are hard to find amidst all the mass chain salons flooding the market.
Why get massage?
While the physical benefits, such as pain management and mobility are tangible and measurable; often understated are the effects that bodywork offers the mind and the spirit. By receiving massage on a regular basis, one can expect an increase in awareness and self-image, improved overall mental health and a more balanced and centered perspective; more restful sleep and mental clarity. These benefits and many more are enhanced greatly when accompanied by healthy physical activity, a natural diet and a toxin limited environment.
How do I set an appointment?
Go to our online booking page or click on any BOOK NOW button on the website. You may also call or text us directly to book an appointment for you. If we miss your call, please leave your contact information so we can call you back as soon as we are able. We work by appointment only and we may be unable to get you in on the same day, but we will work with you and accommodate as much notice as possible. The most popular times often get booked well in advance. If you have a gift certificate, please call to book your session.
I have a gift certificate and am booking online, do I need to create a profile or leave a deposit?
No. Please do not create a new profile in Vagaro if you have a gift certificate. A profile was created for you at the time of purchase. If you have trouble accessing your profile or do not see your gift certificate, please call the studio to book over the phone. We will gladly make sure you are taken care of.
What kind of products do you use?
We promote the use of natural products with no chemicals added. You can trust us to apply only pure 100% natural, and when available, organic products, with no exceptions, including essential oils and virgin coconut oil. In other words, we will never use artificially scented, synthetic, chemical laden products on you or around our home and studio. We sometimes "smudge" the room with sage or palo santo wood in between sessions and diffuse a variety of gentle essential oils.
Should I schedule a Thai massage or Table massage?
TRY THEM BOTH!!! That really depends on a few factors... most importantly your preference and intended results. Both modalities can be incredibly relaxing. Simply put, Thai massage is very effective at opening up, balancing, and realigning . Table work is extremely versatile, and can be focused in many ways, including deeper tissue work, specific trigger point therapy, subtle energy and target areas defined such as upper or lower back, neck and shoulders, etc. Many of our clients enjoy alternating between the two! For a special treat, receiving both back to back, is sure to leave you floating! If you are undecided, please call us and we will gladly work with you to make an informed decision.
Where is the Flow Massage & Bodywork studio located?
We are located at 400 W. Olney Rd. on the corner of Colonial Ave and W. Olney Rd. in the Ghent area of Norfolk.
What is our studio like?
We offer a peaceful space of high energetic vibration. We are not a "spa." The space is warm, clean and comfortable and could easily be considered a place of refuge within the ongoing chaos of the daily grind. We invite you to consider yourself welcome in the studio. Adjacent to the lobby there is a large main yoga/event studio. Upstairs you will find four well appointed treatment rooms. Our table is easily heated and deep relaxing sounds combine with uplifting aromatic notes to set the mood throughout the center.
What should I expect when I arrive?
If it is your first session with us we will have a short intake form for you to fill out. This helps us better understand your needs. Before entering the treatment room, consider using either restroom at the end of the hall. Each session begins with a dialogue. Together with your therapist, you will gauge your intention for the session and check in on the general state of your body so that we may focus our work accordingly.
May I talk during my session?
While we do not tend talk much during our sessions, we do ask that you feel invited to express anything you need to during the session, it is your time and we want you to be comfortable. If, for example, the pressure is too deep, the face cradle needs adjusting, or you find that you are too warm or cold, please let us know! Of course if you prefer to hold small talk, we wont stop you, and we may or may not have much to offer in reply. We honestly believe that the quality of your massage will be be noticeably higher if you are able to let your mind wander; and without too much focus, allow yourself to breathe deeply.
What if one of us is running late?
Relax. We make a habit of putting at least 30 minutes between appointments and are rarely noticeably late. But it can happen. If we are late, you will still receive your full time on the table and our undivided attention once you have it. If you are behind, please don't worry, and allow yourself a safe commute. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late, please call or text to let us know. In any case, we will make every effort to give you all of your time. If that is not possible, we will give what we can and you may be charged full price.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your appointment is very important to us. Because this work demands a great amount of us physically and energetically, we have limited availability and schedule buffers between appointments in order to provide each client the best service possible. We ask that you make reasonable effort to be on time and that if you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, to please provide us with as much notice as possible so we may adjust our schedules accordingly and possibly accommodate clients on our waiting list. We understand that unavoidable issues come up and will do our best to work with you in each case. While we prefer 24 hours notice, you may be charged the following upon our discretion: Less than 24 hours notice may result in a charge equal to 50% of the reserved service amount. Cancellations with less than three hours notice or failure to show may be charged 100%.
Do you offer couples massage?
Not in the traditional sense. Our facility does not accommodate more than one table in the same room. Also, it takes some coordinating schedules with another therapist. With enough notice and flexibility, however, we can accommodate couples in separate rooms.
Do you offer any discounts, trades or barters?
We do not offer any standard discounts for military, seniors or students. At our discretion, and on a case by case basis, we offer reduced rates based on need and availability. We encourage you to talk to us regarding any reduced rate request/offer you may have. We do often contribute to charitable events and local fund raisers. While we do not make a regular practice of making trades and barters, it never hurts to ask!
How can I purchase a gift certificate?
Give us a call or stop in to purchase a gift certificate. We offer eCertificates that are sent via email, but if you don't want the recipient to receive it right away, we can print it or send it to your email for you to print.
