Truly Asked Questions
Not asked frequently,
but definitely asked, often in a challenging manner.
but definitely asked, often in a challenging manner.
Click any link to jump to that answer:
Why are you working there, when I hurt over here?
Where we hurt is often not the source of our pain.
Ms. Mae seeks the root of the issues in your tissues so that you get permanent relief, not temporary relief.
Ms. Mae seeks the root of the issues in your tissues so that you get permanent relief, not temporary relief.
If there is a hidden issue on the right side of our body, the left side may have been compensating for so long that it begins to hurt from overuse. Just massaging the hurt parts doesn't take care of the reason it's hurting and results in temporary relief at best. If the root of the reported problem isn't obvious, Ms. Mae will appease the squeaky wheel while continuing to seek the root.
Sometimes, connective tissue congestion gets in the way. If that's the case, the congestions must be cleared, first. It's a little like cleaning a window covered in mud so that you can see what is on the other side.
Sometimes, connective tissue congestion gets in the way. If that's the case, the congestions must be cleared, first. It's a little like cleaning a window covered in mud so that you can see what is on the other side.
Do you offer deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue is not a massage technique or modality. However, it is a customer request that has become accepted as a term.
Almost any modality can be deep tissue, which begins where muscle begins and goes to the bone, or the same modality can be focused on the superficial tissues, like the skin, adipose, and superficial fascia. The same flexibility is true of connective tissue therapy.
However, in my experience nothing goes deeper than connective tissue therapy simply because we are focused on root cause, and as you know, roots tend to go deep. However, if the root cause of a deep problem is superficial, you want someone who can identify that difference and focus on the issues in the tissues, whether they are superficial or deep.
I think what most people are asking is if the therapist is naturally good at accessing the deeper tissues. Many therapists are uncomfortable going deeper than skin deep - and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this - so, asking them for deep tissue will not get you what you want. As for me, deep tissue work comes naturally, plus the root of most people’s issues is deep - deep to the bone - so you may consider me a deep tissue therapist. My clients will tell you that I certainly have the physical strength - more than most men - for deep work!
Almost any modality can be deep tissue, which begins where muscle begins and goes to the bone, or the same modality can be focused on the superficial tissues, like the skin, adipose, and superficial fascia. The same flexibility is true of connective tissue therapy.
However, in my experience nothing goes deeper than connective tissue therapy simply because we are focused on root cause, and as you know, roots tend to go deep. However, if the root cause of a deep problem is superficial, you want someone who can identify that difference and focus on the issues in the tissues, whether they are superficial or deep.
I think what most people are asking is if the therapist is naturally good at accessing the deeper tissues. Many therapists are uncomfortable going deeper than skin deep - and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this - so, asking them for deep tissue will not get you what you want. As for me, deep tissue work comes naturally, plus the root of most people’s issues is deep - deep to the bone - so you may consider me a deep tissue therapist. My clients will tell you that I certainly have the physical strength - more than most men - for deep work!
Are you gonna judge my old, fat, skinny, scarred, wrinkled, etc. body?
I love all body shapes, sizes, shades, and textures. For example, if you have external scars, whether from burns, surgery, or injury, or internal scars from emotional traumas, you likely have a significant need for bodywork, and that's what we are here for. This bodyworker judges not, because I am here to help people feel better.
There are only two things you might catch me judging, and neither have anything to do with looks, because looks don't matter:
There are only two things you might catch me judging, and neither have anything to do with looks, because looks don't matter:
- smell - most natural smells are fine, including the just-worked-out odors and foot odors, however please be sure you have showered or bathed within the previous 24 hours of seeing any massage therapist, and avoid wearing perfumes;
- bad behavior - if you're mean, manipulative, patronizing, chronically late, or ignore my policies, I don't love that and won't likely keep you as a client.
I can get a massage elsewhere for $45, why do you charge so much?
Truth? Because you get a lot more bang for your buck, and because I'm a specialist at both assessing and resolving problems.
Here's a typical story about how a budget $45 massage will cost you more than my rates:
While dining out, I met a likable, young professional woman complaining of neck pain. I informed her of my work and handed her my card. When she asked about my rates, she exclaimed, "Oh no! I couldn't afford that! I get massage for $45!" At this time, I learned that she had been getting weekly massages from the same place for well over a year. My response was honest: "And your neck still hurts?"
Had she accepted my offer of a 1.5-hr Intense Massage where I would have done a neck intensive for $210, no tipping required, she would more than likely be out of pain. In fact, I gave her a money-back guarantee. She turned me down, saying she couldn't imagine paying more than $45.
At $45 per massage plus 15% tip, this budget conscious woman was spending $2,691 a year on massage, and her neck still hurt! I wish I had done the math for her on that day, because I think she would have been surprised. Would she prefer to pay $2,691 or $210? (And, my rates were lower back then.)
If I only cared about making money, I would lower my rates, give each client a template "relaxation" massage, and convince them to come in weekly. My conscience won't let me do that. I prefer to help people solve their problems and build health resiliency in as few sessions as possible, even if that means I only see a client once a year. In fact, I'm quite happy when my clients only need me once a year in order to maintain a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Here's a typical story about how a budget $45 massage will cost you more than my rates:
While dining out, I met a likable, young professional woman complaining of neck pain. I informed her of my work and handed her my card. When she asked about my rates, she exclaimed, "Oh no! I couldn't afford that! I get massage for $45!" At this time, I learned that she had been getting weekly massages from the same place for well over a year. My response was honest: "And your neck still hurts?"
Had she accepted my offer of a 1.5-hr Intense Massage where I would have done a neck intensive for $210, no tipping required, she would more than likely be out of pain. In fact, I gave her a money-back guarantee. She turned me down, saying she couldn't imagine paying more than $45.
At $45 per massage plus 15% tip, this budget conscious woman was spending $2,691 a year on massage, and her neck still hurt! I wish I had done the math for her on that day, because I think she would have been surprised. Would she prefer to pay $2,691 or $210? (And, my rates were lower back then.)
If I only cared about making money, I would lower my rates, give each client a template "relaxation" massage, and convince them to come in weekly. My conscience won't let me do that. I prefer to help people solve their problems and build health resiliency in as few sessions as possible, even if that means I only see a client once a year. In fact, I'm quite happy when my clients only need me once a year in order to maintain a happier, healthier lifestyle.
I just want to relax for an hour, why do you say you don't do relaxation massage?
- My hands find things as we go along, and resisting the urge to correct the problem and continue with relaxation-only therapy is not something I'm very disciplined at doing - with one exception: If a life stress has you unable to function, let me know; I'll switch gears and focus on de-stressing you. This is a rare situation, however.
- I just happen to prefer medical and remedial focused work, because I believe in getting to the root of a person's inability to relax, and the reality is that issues in the tissues are behind most people's inability to relax.
- I want to make a very strong point that this work is not like anything else you have experienced, and I don't want you to be disappointed. You will leave relaxed, that I can assure you, but I want you working with me to solve the issues in your tissues that prevent you from being relaxed outside my office.
- Too often, massage therapists are viewed and treated as non-professionals by people seeking relaxation massage, and that is unwelcome behavior; significant education and training goes into both relaxation focused and medical/remedial massage, so please respect your therapist as a professional.
I've been hurt by other massage therapists, how do I know you won't hurt me?
It is your job as client to make sure no therapist ever hurts you.
You do this by reporting any discomfort, immediately, not after the session. If a massage therapist does not adjust their work based upon your input, then you have a right to end that session, guilt free.
There are times, however, when we need to address why a client might be hurting.
Injured or inflamed tissues are going to be tender to the touch. It is normal for a client to be unaware of underlying tender tissues. It is the job of the licensed and trained (or intuitively gifted) massage professional to navigate sensitive areas without traumatizing you - and to know when and if to navigate such areas.
Massage can facilitate the healing of tender tissues.
I have many regular clients who once were very tender to the touch and had trouble finding a therapist who did not hurt them, who can now comfortably experience most any kind of massage. Massage therapy is that beneficial.
There are also different types of hurt.
Many clients talk about how it "hurts so good" and wouldn't have it any other way. This generally happens during "therapeutic" massage, where underlying issues are being taken care of versus skimmed over during a "relaxation" massage. Having said that, if you have the time, patience, and finances, therapeutic massage can accomplish the job without causing any hurt, but it usually takes considerably longer.
Most of my clients are like me, and would rather get as much accomplished in a single session as possible, so sometimes we have to deal with tissues that are sensitive to touch or pressure.
Pain can be minimized by creating a trusting, collaborative relationship between therapist and client.
A client in fear is going to feel more intensely. A relaxed client that trusts their therapist is going to respond more quickly and with less pain. Aside from establishing trust and a collaborative spirit, I have a 0-10 pain scale lecture that goes like this:
"On a scale of 0-10 where zero is no pain and ten is excruciating, it is your job to inform me, in the moment, if you think we are going past a seven. A seven means you can easily breathe through it and you are not clenching any muscle, any where." I will follow with, "If we do encounter areas that are tender and need special attention, it is my job to find the seven."
Even though this is my standard way of working, there are times when no pain at all is what is required during a given session, and that gets respected. The body always must be respected.
Please don't let one bad therapist or massage stop you from trying other therapists and therapies.
Bodywork has far too many benefits to lose out on due to a bad experience or two. Bodywork is something that requires trust, connection, and collaboration between therapist and client, so don't be afraid to keep looking until you find who and what works for you.
You do this by reporting any discomfort, immediately, not after the session. If a massage therapist does not adjust their work based upon your input, then you have a right to end that session, guilt free.
There are times, however, when we need to address why a client might be hurting.
Injured or inflamed tissues are going to be tender to the touch. It is normal for a client to be unaware of underlying tender tissues. It is the job of the licensed and trained (or intuitively gifted) massage professional to navigate sensitive areas without traumatizing you - and to know when and if to navigate such areas.
Massage can facilitate the healing of tender tissues.
I have many regular clients who once were very tender to the touch and had trouble finding a therapist who did not hurt them, who can now comfortably experience most any kind of massage. Massage therapy is that beneficial.
There are also different types of hurt.
Many clients talk about how it "hurts so good" and wouldn't have it any other way. This generally happens during "therapeutic" massage, where underlying issues are being taken care of versus skimmed over during a "relaxation" massage. Having said that, if you have the time, patience, and finances, therapeutic massage can accomplish the job without causing any hurt, but it usually takes considerably longer.
Most of my clients are like me, and would rather get as much accomplished in a single session as possible, so sometimes we have to deal with tissues that are sensitive to touch or pressure.
Pain can be minimized by creating a trusting, collaborative relationship between therapist and client.
A client in fear is going to feel more intensely. A relaxed client that trusts their therapist is going to respond more quickly and with less pain. Aside from establishing trust and a collaborative spirit, I have a 0-10 pain scale lecture that goes like this:
"On a scale of 0-10 where zero is no pain and ten is excruciating, it is your job to inform me, in the moment, if you think we are going past a seven. A seven means you can easily breathe through it and you are not clenching any muscle, any where." I will follow with, "If we do encounter areas that are tender and need special attention, it is my job to find the seven."
Even though this is my standard way of working, there are times when no pain at all is what is required during a given session, and that gets respected. The body always must be respected.
Please don't let one bad therapist or massage stop you from trying other therapists and therapies.
Bodywork has far too many benefits to lose out on due to a bad experience or two. Bodywork is something that requires trust, connection, and collaboration between therapist and client, so don't be afraid to keep looking until you find who and what works for you.
Do You Really Think You Can Fix My Problem? My Doctor says massage won't help.
Technically, I don't fix anything; it's a collaboration between us and your body fixes itself. Technicalities aside, I don't know if I can fix your problem, but I have a good track record. I have learned that the moment I assume I can fix something because I've fixed that same condition in x number of people before, I will get someone that I can't help. So, I don't make assumptions. For example:
I've released hundreds of hips on people with hip and/or low back pain, solving a myriad of problems for many, then someone comes in with hip pain and I can't do anything but reduce their pain by 25%. It turns out that this amazing person had been walking for two weeks, yes walking, on a hip with multiple fractures. This stuff happens, it really does. So, it behooves me not to get too confident. Having said that, because connective tissue therapy works well, when I don't get significant results on the first try, it is not unusual for me to strongly recommend the client get a medical diagnosis.
Most doctors are, quite honestly, clueless about the true benefits of massage, so it is not unusual for a doctor to say no to something they don't know anything about. It is also the legally safe thing for them to say. Doctors are slowly getting educated, but by and large, the decision is up to you. It is your body. You rule it.
Let me give you an example of something doctors think massage can't help: Frozen shoulder.
My first frozen shoulder was 80% resolved in one session, and the rest of it resolved on its own. I don't get very many frozen shoulders, though, because doctors tell people there is nothing that can help. This is why it is important to remember that it is your body and you get to decide. Decide responsibly.
I've released hundreds of hips on people with hip and/or low back pain, solving a myriad of problems for many, then someone comes in with hip pain and I can't do anything but reduce their pain by 25%. It turns out that this amazing person had been walking for two weeks, yes walking, on a hip with multiple fractures. This stuff happens, it really does. So, it behooves me not to get too confident. Having said that, because connective tissue therapy works well, when I don't get significant results on the first try, it is not unusual for me to strongly recommend the client get a medical diagnosis.
Most doctors are, quite honestly, clueless about the true benefits of massage, so it is not unusual for a doctor to say no to something they don't know anything about. It is also the legally safe thing for them to say. Doctors are slowly getting educated, but by and large, the decision is up to you. It is your body. You rule it.
Let me give you an example of something doctors think massage can't help: Frozen shoulder.
My first frozen shoulder was 80% resolved in one session, and the rest of it resolved on its own. I don't get very many frozen shoulders, though, because doctors tell people there is nothing that can help. This is why it is important to remember that it is your body and you get to decide. Decide responsibly.
What Makes Your Massage Therapy Different From Any Other?
I think my work is different because I "listen" to what the body is saying and respond accordingly. I know that sounds corny, but I struggle to put into words what I am actually doing. The clinical explanation is that I've simply become good at assessment, and that comes more from palpation skills and innovative experimentation than textbook protocols. Some call me a healer, but it is more likely that I'm just a rebel that challenges the status quo and cannot stop seeking better approaches.
For more information about therapeutic massage: Paula's Massage Therapy
For more information about therapeutic massage: Paula's Massage Therapy
What is Paula's Connective Tissue Therapy?
Whichever name science finally chooses to call the tissue that really matters, the name is my way of getting people's attention away from muscle-oriented, traditional massage - for their own benefit. And, perspective needs to shift in order to open up to the possibilities that therapeutic massage can offer, way beyond the temporary benefits of relaxation massage. It's also my unique approach to the body. For more information: About Paula's Connective Tissue Therapy.
Which Session Should I Choose?
Since the pandemic, the longer sessions requiring more thoughtful choice have been discontinued. Now, the Basic Session is what is needed for both new clients and returning.
Why Do You Recommend The Longer Sessions?
- A problem in one area always impacts the whole body due to the global nature of connective tissue.
- Focusing only on the problem area can actually cause other problems.
- Multi-method sessions require more time.
- More time now means less time later.
- Longer, fewer sessions add up to great savings.
AppointmentsRemedial and Prevention Focused
10 AM - 4 PM Advance booking Prepayment Preparation No walk-ins
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Repairing the human body since 2003Ms. Mae helps your body heal itself through innovative connective-tissue-cleansing bodywork and no-nonsense education.
Specialties Pain & Tension Injuries Arthritis Tendonitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME/PEM/SEID) Pain Solutions vs. Pain Management Faster Joint and Injury Recovery Reversal of Premature Aging vs. Anti-aging Prep and Recovery for major life events: eg. surgery, birthing, sports Geriatric Care More Permanent Stress Reduction |
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Paula Mae, LMT Copyright © 2003 - 2025 All rights reserved. The word 'massage' denotes Ms Mae's innovative connective tissue therapies led by expert palpation for noticeable before and after results, and derived from professional training in: Swedish medical massage, Neuromuscular (NMT), Trigger Point, Massage Cupping, Reflexology, Acupressure, Shiatsu, and Smooth Gua Sha. She also employs vibrational therapies from dense to subtle like: Tok Sen (hammer massage) and BioSyntonie.
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