FAQs
Where are you located?
Massage by Stephanie is an independent massage practice located inside A Better You Medspa on Hwy 69 in Prescott. In-studio sessions are available at this location, and mobile in-home appointments are also offered throughout the Prescott area.
The studio is between Frontier Village and Calvary Church. There is a sign for Massage by Stephanie on Hwy 69. The building is where the Pet ER used to be located, and you can still see the red ER awning from the highway.
There is ample parking up front, including handicapped parking. There is also an overflow lot behind the building.
Please use the door for Suite 5. There is a Massage by Stephanie decal and logo on the door.
Where can I find reviews of Massage by Stephanie?
Massage by Stephanie is widely reviewed on Yelp and Google. Yelp in particular has reviews going back almost 20 years.
Also, click here to read real client reviews. These are collected from obsolete booking software (Genbook), Square, previous MBS websites, and good ol-fashioned email!
What happens during a massage?
Each massage begins with a check-in, where I ask about your body, health, and any concerns. You will be given privacy to disrobe to the point of your comfort, and then lay between sheets on a heated cozy table.
Throughout the massage, I check in with you to assess your comfort, pressure level, and the effectiveness of the techniques. You will be properly draped for your security and comfort. Depending on your pain and goals, we may work on your neck, back, arms, legs, hips/glutes, abdomen, scalp, and face.
During the massage, it is your time. You do not have to talk, and you are encouraged to zone out and relax. You may even fall asleep. Of course, if you are on the chattier side, that is also ok – it is your decision!
At the end of the massage, I leave the room and give you space to get dressed. Then, you go home and drink PLENTY of water, and get a TERRIFIC night’s sleep!
Cancelation policy?
24 hour notice is required for cancellations. A $40 fee will be charged to the card on file if the appointment is canceled with less than 24 hours.
That said, life happens, and there is no charge in the event of a serious illness or accident. Communication of circumstances is important, out of respect for our mutual schedules.
No-call, No-show clients will not be permitted to rebook sessions with Massage by Stephanie.
Tipping policy?
Tips: accepted, not expected.
One advantage of seeing a therapist in private practice is that there is no commission split for the fee, and you know your therapist is receiving the full amount, and fairly compensated.
In the bargain settings, for an hour of work, therapists typically receive $17-$40 of the fee (even if the fee is extremely high as is the case in luxury spas). In those settings, tipping is both expected and appropriate, because the therapists are underpaid.
The best tip is always you rebooking another appointment, writing a great review, or referring a friend!
Are there any discounts available?
Massage by Stephanie offers a package discount. Purchase 9 massages at one time, and receive the 10th massage for free. This brings the cost down by 10%. It is also a substantial commitment and investment in your health.
For clients seeking post-surgical lymphatic massage, this is the best strategy, as 10 sessions get used up very quickly at 1-2/week for 4-6 weeks.
How to prepare for a massage?
If this is your first massage with me, you will complete the forms sent out by my online booking system, before we meet. This gives me helpful information for best treating you.
The night before the massage, I support you getting an excellent night’s sleep. The day of the massage, please be properly hydrated.
Please plan your exercise routine so that no weight lifting or intensive exercise is on your schedule after your massage, AND the day immediately following your massage.
What are the benefits of massage?
Research has associated massage therapy with benefits including reduced stress and pain, improved relaxation and sleep, and increased flexibility and range of motion. Massage may also support circulation and recovery from physical activity and injury.
As we get older, our bodies require more and more specialized maintenance. Stephanie has experience working with clients with complex health histories, including those recovering from cancer treatment and surgery, joint replacements, other major surgeries, and those managing chronic illness.
Even for those in excellent health, having a specialist who provides relaxation experiences fully customized to your preference is an outstanding investment in your embodied experience and overall quality of life.
What are the benefits of abdominal massage?
Abdominal massage may help promote relaxation, ease abdominal tension and discomfort, support digestive function, and encourage healthy circulation and lymphatic flow. Some clients also find that reducing tension in the abdomen and surrounding tissues helps them feel more comfortable through the hips and low back.
Can Stephanie do mobile massages for my family/office/bridal party/retreat?
Yes, I routinely work with couples and families in their homes for mobile service. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone in the home treated, relaxed, and feeling good.
I also work with bridal parties, which is an excellent way to set a calm and relaxed tone for the big day.
I’m happy to set up my table in a quiet space at your workplace, and treat your office staff. They will love it!
Does Stephanie offer prenatal/pregnancy massage?
No, Stephanie does not specialize in pre-natal massage.
Does Massage by Stephanie accommodate allergies or sensitive skin?
Massage by Stephanie linens are all laundered in hypoallergenic and unscented products.
We use Biotone massage lotion, which is unscented, nut-free, and hypoallergenic.
Virgin organic coconut oil or Jojoba oil can be used instead of the lotion if necessary.
Clients are also welcome to bring in their own preferred products known to be safe for their sensitivities, to be used during the treatment.
When is a doctor's medical clearance required for massage therapy?
In some situations, we may request written medical clearance from your physician before providing treatment. This is commonly recommended for clients who have recently undergone surgery, are receiving cancer treatment, have severe osteoporosis, have a history of blood clots, or have certain cardiovascular conditions such as congestive heart failure. Obtaining clearance helps ensure that massage is both safe and appropriate for your specific health needs. If you are unsure whether clearance is necessary, please contact your healthcare provider or reach out before your appointment so we can discuss your situation.
When is massage completely contraindicated (not allowed)?
While massage is safe and beneficial for many people, there are certain situations where massage should not be performed. Absolute contraindications may include active contagious illnesses, fever, active infections, untreated deep vein thrombosis (DVT), acute medical emergencies, or other conditions where massage could pose a significant health risk. Certain rare connective tissue disorders, such as vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, may require significant precautions or may make most forms of massage inappropriate due to the increased risk of blood vessel injury. In most cases, massage may simply need to be postponed until symptoms resolve or medical clearance is obtained. In other cases, we may just need to skip parts of your body (neck, abdomen) and focus on other parts. Your safety is always the highest priority, and a thorough health history helps determine whether massage is appropriate at the time of your appointment.
What if I am immunocompromised?
Massage by Stephanie treats immunocompromised patients, mostly for home visits. It is no issue at all for us to wear gloves and a mask. For some patients, it is also necessary to use only their massage table, their linens, and their own oils that they know they can tolerate. We understand and accommodate skin and immune sensitivities.
Does Massage by Stephanie offer massage add-ons or red light therapy?
I use aromatherapy, cupping, hot stones, hot compresses, gua sha (scraping tools), Deep Blue, Biofreeze, Arnica gel, comfrey salve, and percussion massage as needed. These therapeutic tools are included in the price of your massage whenever they are clinically appropriate.
Photobiomodulation (red and near-infrared light therapy) using my premium PlatinumLED BIOMAX 900 panel is available as an optional enhancement for an additional $20. Many clients choose to add it to support recovery, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and complement their massage or lymphatic drainage session. This add-on is included at no extra cost for post-op lymphatic sessions.
The only other additional charge is for a full-body hot stone massage, which uses hot stones throughout the entire session rather than just a few therapeutic stones incorporated into your massage.
Does Massage by Stephanie bill health insurance or work with insurance plans?
Massage by Stephanie is not contracted with any health insurance plan. Payment is due at time of service.
Sadly, health insurance rarely pays for massage therapy services, but in some cases, it does.
Stephanie has extensive experience charting for insurance, from her work in a medical massage setting. She can provide medical receipts (which will include CPT and ICD-10 codes) and superbills for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, upon request.
How do I buy a gift certificate to Massage by Stephanie?
Easy, just click this link.
Why choose Massage by Stephanie?
There is a world of difference between a big box store “therapy mill” setting and a private massage studio.
In bargain settings, therapists are on a very strict schedule, table time advertised is not the true table time (ie, your “60 minute massage” is 45-50 minutes on the table at most), and the therapist working on you may be on her 7th or 8th body that day.
In contrast, I provide the full advertised time on the table and do not need to overwork, so each client gets the experience she deserves of my full energy and attention.
There is value in choosing a boutique massage specialist over the big box options. The added value is for someone who cares, listens to your concerns, and closely fosters the relationship to become part of your health team in the long term. You – your body, your story – are important and remembered, and your massage is fully customized.
When I make a new connection with a patient, it is very often my experience that that relationship lasts for years.