Frequently Asked Questions

Online booking is preferred, because you can easily view my availability calendar and securely pay your deposit through my scheduling portal.  Scheduling by phone is an option, but is a less secure way to pay your deposit. 

Fees depend on the service and the amount of time allotted.  To see the most up to date prices, please click on "pricing" in the menu. 

Tips are not expected, but are always appreciated.  If you can tip, great!  

If you don't have enough money to tip please don't let that stop you from getting the massage you need. 

This is a judgement free zone!

No. Sessions are by appointment only to ensure each client receives undivided, intentional care.  Same day appointments require full payment at time of scheduling and the deposit is non-refundable. 

Our standard massage session is 60 minutes, but we also offer 75-minute and 90-minute sessions.

 To fully enjoy your experience, please arrive 10 minutes early. This allows time to transition, use the restroom, and check in before your session. Sessions begin promptly at the scheduled time, and late arrivals may result in reduced session time. 

Arriving a few minutes early is perfect, but I ask that you do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your scheduled time. This ensures I have the space between sessions to clean, reset, and prepare fully—so I can be present with you and provide the highest level of care.  Arriving earlier does not add time to your session and will not necessarily lead to an earlier start time. 

 This ensures that your session time is reserved exclusively for you and helps reduce last-minute cancellations. Your deposit will be applied to your total at the time of service. If you need to cancel or reschedule, be sure to give at least 24-hour-notice to ensure that your deposit gets transferred to your rescheduled time or refunded.  If you have a true emergency, I will do my best to be flexible, but the policy stands. 

  A 24-hour notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling. If less than 24 hours’ notice is given, the deposit will be retained. This policy helps ensure that each appointment time is respected and available for those in need of care. 

Only to your comfort level. Your sense of safety is always honored here. Professional draping is used at all times, ensuring that only the area being worked on is uncovered. 

Yes.  North Carolina State Law requires proper draping during massage unless you are fully dressed. 

Cleanliness and care are a priority. All linens are freshly laundered, and the space is thoughtfully maintained to support a safe, welcoming environment. 

 Inappropriate behavior of any kind will result in immediate termination of the session without refund. Violations will not be tolerated and may be reported. Future services will be refused.  For detailed information on my zero-tolerance-for-sexual-misconduct-policy, see the bottom section of the FAQ. 

 At Hope's Hands Massage your privacy and trust are important to us. Personal and health information collected through intake forms, scheduling, payments, or communication is used only to provide massage therapy services, manage appointments, and maintain accurate records.

Your information is kept confidential and will never be sold or shared for marketing purposes. Information may only be disclosed when required by law or with your written consent.

Online scheduling and payment services may use secure third-party platforms with their own privacy policies.

By providing your contact information, you consent to receive appointment reminders and service-related communication. You may opt out of promotional messages at any time.

 Each session is thoughtfully customized to your body’s needs. Modalities may include relaxation massage, therapeutic massage, lymphatic drainage for detox, menopause support and prenatal. Your session is never one-size-fits-all—it’s guided by what your body is asking for that day. For complete descriptions please click "pricing" on the menu.

 You don’t have to figure that out alone. We’ll begin with a brief conversation to understand your goals, areas of tension, and overall wellness. From there, your session is intuitively tailored to support you. 

 60-minute sessions are an affordable option.  We can spend the time equally massaging the major muscle groups or we can focus most of the time on one problem area and speed through the other muscle groups.  75-minute sessions allow for one or two focal areas in addition to the other muscle groups, but feels less rushed.  90-minute sessions allow for a more thorough treatment of all the muscles.  Ultimately, be sure to choose the option that fits your schedule, budget and needs. 

Absolutely. Your session is centered around your needs, whether that’s targeted relief or full-muscle group-relaxation. 

Wear whatever helps you feel comfortable. During your session, you will undress to your level of comfort and remain fully draped at all times.

I use certified, organic, hexane-free, cold-pressed, unrefined,  hypoallergenic Jojoba oil  for most massages.  

Jojoba oil is nearly identical to the oil  your skin naturally produces.  Because your skin cannot tell the difference between jojoba oil and its own natural oils, it absorbs easily without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue.  

Castor oil is used during menopause massage and lymphatic drainage. 

Essential oils may be used in a diffusor for an elevated massage experience.  If you are sensitive to scents, please let me know before your visit so I can skip the oils.  

Typically, essential oils are not used directly on the skin with the exception of specialty massages such as lymphatic drainage and menopause massage.  But they are optional so please let me know if you want to use unscented oils before we begin. 

The state of North Carolina requires massage therapists to be licensed by the NCMBT.  To become licensed, therapists must complete 500 hours at a board approved massage therapy program.  I completed the 600-hour massage program at the Therapeutic Massage Training Institute in Charlotte, NC in 2002.  My license for the state of North Carolina is active and current.  License #3479

In addition to the initial massage training, massage therapists are also required to obtain continuing education to keep licensure up to date.  I have had many hours of continuing education in specialized areas such as pregnancy massage, cupping, neuromuscular, reflexology, aromatherapy, myofascial release, hot stone therapy and more. 

I also have over 24 years working in the alternative health care industry with experience in chiropractic, functional medicine and teaching yoga. 

 Yes. Professional draping is used at all times, ensuring that only the area being worked on is uncovered. 

 This is your time. Some clients enjoy quiet, others feel supported by gentle conversation. You are welcome to simply be yourself.  The client guides the level of conversation.  Otherwise, I will usually only speak when it is relevant to the massage. 

 Your feedback is always welcome. This is a collaborative experience, and adjustments can be made at any time to ensure your comfort. Discomfort negates the work.  Let's work together. 

 You are always in control. You may speak up, request changes, or end the session at any time. Your sense of safety is essential.

Always speak up if you feel the need to go to the toilet for any reason.  I will do my best to pause the session time, depending on what time my next session starts.   A robe and slippers will be provided for your modesty and to save time on dressing. 

In most cases, yes. Your health history is always considered. A detailed health history intake is required before your massage session. Any changes between sessions are your responsibility to update with your therapist. 

 Please share any conditions, injuries, or concerns so your session can be adapted with care.  Some conditions, such as blood clotting disorders and cancer, must have your primary care provider's approval before the session.  

If you have recently had steroid injections, please let me know where the injection site was before we begin as that area needs to be avoided for a few weeks to allow the medicine to do it's work. 

Yes. LMBT License#3479.  With over 25 years in the alternative health and wellness field, each session is grounded in both experience and intuitive care. 

Always. Every client is welcomed, respected, and cared for exactly as they are regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion or age.  Please note, massage for anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.  Anyone under 15 must have the guardian in the room during the massage as well.  

At Hope's Hands Massage your privacy and trust are important to us. Personal and health information collected through intake forms, scheduling, payments, or communication is used only to provide massage therapy services, manage appointments, and maintain accurate records.

Your information is kept confidential and will never be sold or shared for marketing purposes. Information may only be disclosed when required by law or with your written consent.

Online scheduling and payment services may use secure third-party platforms with their own privacy policies.

By providing your contact information, you consent to receive appointment reminders and service-related communication. You may opt out of promotional messages at any time.

Many clients experience deep relaxation, increased mobility, and a sense of calm. Some may notice mild soreness or even emotional release—this is a natural part of the body’s unwinding process.

The amount of soreness you do or don't feel depends on the type of work you receive.  Deeper work tends to linger as soreness, while lymphatic work is extremely light touch and usually has no soreness afterwards. Any soreness typically fades within a day or two and is often followed by greater ease in the body.

Yes. Hydration supports your body’s natural recovery and integration.

This depends on your goals. For ongoing tension or stress, regular sessions can be deeply supportive. Together, we can create a rhythm that feels sustainable and nourishing for you.

Simple practices like gentle stretching, mindful breathing, hydration, and rest can help you maintain the benefits of your session.

Hope’s Hands Massage is a professional therapeutic practice grounded in respect, safety, and ethical care. Any form of inappropriate behavior—including sexual comments, innuendo, gestures, or advances—will not be tolerated under any circumstances. 

If such behavior occurs, the session will be terminated immediately, and the full session fee will be retained. Individuals in violation of this policy will not be permitted to return and may be reported to the appropriate authorities. 

 Maintaining a safe and professional environment is essential. Any inappropriate sexual comments, suggestions, or behavior will result in the immediate termination of the session. 

No refunds will be given. 

Clients who violate this policy will be refused future service and may be reported to the proper authorities.

 This practice is built on trust, safety, and mutual respect. Any behavior that crosses professional boundaries—including inappropriate comments or advances—will result in the immediate end of the session, with no refund. 

Future appointments will not be permitted, and incidents may be reported to the appropriate authorities to protect the integrity of this space.

 Absolutely not. Appointments will not be scheduled if any communication prior to booking includes inappropriate language, suggestions, or behavior of this nature.