FAQ

+ Why come to MMNYC?

At Mahalo Massage NYC we love the relationships we with build with our clients; familiarity fosters trust. Being a part of our clients’ ongoing self-care ensures that we can meet their needs and ensure the highest quality of service. As licensed professionals with over 35 years of experience amongst us, MMNYC is a safe place where everyone can be assured they’ll be taken care of.

We are also conveniently located in Union Square near the L, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, & W.

+ Where are you located?

It’s a secret location until you book your first appointment but one could say we are located at 32 Union Square East, New York City. We are conveniently located near the L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5 and 6 lines. Directions to the office and suite number are provided in the confirmation email when an appointment is booked.

+ What do you do to ensure the health and safety of your clients?

• We wash our hands with soap and water when we enter the office, after removing our shoes and shedding our outerwear.
• We change into our work clothes so we don’t bring our homes and outside transportation with us into our work space.
• We’re mindful of touching our face. Afterwards, we wash our hands before touching anything else in the office.
• We always change the linens between sessions. Without exception. All office linens and work clothes are laundered off site professionally in perfume and dye free detergent.
• We wash our hands and arms past our elbows with soap and water before AND after every session.
• We refrain from touching anything directly after scrubbing in until we make contact with you for your session. This means we use the disposable paper towels that we use to dry our washed selves to open and close the door, adjust the light intensity and music volume when we enter our treatment areas.
• We always wash the bottle containing our massage medium in between sessions.
• Our heating and cooling system, which runs year round while we’re in session, has filters built in.

+ Are you open on the weekends?

We are open Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm. Appointments are subject to availability.

+ How do I book a session online?

Go to www.mahalomassagenyc.com and click on “Book a Session” at the top. You can also click here to book your session.

+ Do you take walk ins?

Only when bearing fruit baskets and flowers. But no. Our sessions are by appointment only. If you have limited availability for when you can schedule your sessions, we suggest you schedule your appointment in advance to get your most desired time.

+ How can I be sure I'll be safe at MMNYC?

All therapists at MMNYC are New York State licensed professionals. We recognize clients are entrusting us with their care. Mahalo Massage NYC vets all massage therapists to ensure the highest quality and the safest environment.

+ How do I pick my therapist?

We suggest focusing on the the massage itself first. Each massage can be a unique experience depending on individual needs for that day. Each therapist brings similar skill sets to the massage table that are colored by our different experiences so please work with us all. If you have specific needs and would like further guidance, please call us.

+ How/when do I pay for my session?

When scheduling online we ask for credit card information to hold the reservation; we do not charge the card except in the case of a late cancel or no-show. We ask clients to pay after their session. We accept all major credit cards. You are welcome to choose whatever method of payment you like upon checkout at the end of your session.

+ How do I buy a gift certificate?

At this time we are not selling gift certificates. However as a work around:

1. You can book an appointment for the gift recipient and place your card on file (we require a card on file to hold reservations). That card can then be used to pay for the appointment. To do this, book the appointment online or give us a call at 917-720-5677. 
2. We can create a customer profile for the gift recipient and again place your card on file to pay for future appointments. (The card can be removed after.) Give us a call at 917-720-5677 to arrange this.

+ I’m trying to book online but it’s not letting me pay with my gift certificate. What do I do?

When scheduling online we ask for credit card information to hold the reservation; we do not charge the card except in the case of a late cancel or no-show. We ask clients to pay after their session. (Your gift certificate would be used at this time.) We accept all major credit cards. You are welcome to choose whatever method of payment you like upon checkout at the end of your session.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

Mahalo Massage NYC has a 24 hour cancellation policy. Because of this policy, we do require credit card information at the time of reservation.

To cancel, one can do so via the appointment confirmation email. Please get in touch with us by email or phone at least 24 hours in advance of the session time to avoid being charged the cancellation fee. Make sure to receive confirmation from us that we were notified of your cancellation.

Sessions that are late-cancelled (less than 24-hours notice) are charged a 100% fee. All sessions are scheduled to start on time. Anyone who is more than 30 minutes late is considered a no-show, which is treated the same as a late cancel.

+ Do you offer: Cupping? Hot stone? etc?

We do provide cupping as an add-on to our Intuitive Massage services. Please refer to our services page to learn more about what services we offer.

+ Do you offer couples' massages?

While we do not have room to accommodate multiple sessions in the same room, we can schedule massages at the same time.

+ Do you make home visits?/Can I book you to come to my office for an event, etc?

We do not do home visits at this time. We are able to do events given enough notice (at least a month in advance).

+ Can I do longer or shorter than a 60 minute session?

60 minutes is our minimum time. We also offer 90 minute sessions. Please note that we do not offer 30 minute sessions.

+ Why do you ask questions about my health history?

Technically, you don’t have to answer any questions we ask but your medical and health history informs the work we do together. Should you have a history of broken bones, autoimmune, surgery, or mental health issues, it guides our intent in your care.

+ What does a massage therapist’s license mean?

In the state of New York we are required to receive at least 1,000 hours of education and take a state board to achieve licensure to legally practice. Some of the subjects we cover in school are anatomy, physiology, pathology, and neurology.

+ What can I expect at my first massage?

If it’s your first time with us we encourage you to come in ten minutes before your session in order to complete our brief intake form. Our intake form will collect your contact info, medical history, and reason for treatment or concerns. All sessions are scheduled to start on time.

In the session room, we ask that you undress to your comfort level after we leave to wash up in preparation for your session. We will honor whatever clothing boundaries our clients prefer to keep so you may undress as much or as little as you’d like. We do use an oil based product and will try our best to avoid getting any product on clients’ clothing (consider yourself informed).

We will ask that you lay on the table face up or face down depending on the focus of your session. At some point in the session we will lift up the sheet as a curtain to allow you to change position so we can work the other side of the body.

We encourage that you communicate with us should anything we do be uncomfortable, or not in line with what you want for your session. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns before, during, or after your session.

At the end of your session we will leave the room to allow you to take the time to get dressed and ready yourself to continue your day.

+ How much do I have to undress for a session?

We ask that you undress to your comfort level. We are well-practiced in sheet draping techniques to protect our clients’ modesty. That said, we will honor whatever clothing boundaries our clients prefer to keep so you may undress as much or as little as you’d like. We do use an oil based product and will try our best to avoid getting any product on clients’ clothing (consider yourself informed).

+ Can I eat right before my massage?

We suggest if you do eat, you keep it light. Nobody likes to lay down on a bowling ball.

+ What if I fall asleep during my session?

MMNYC is a safe space and we can still continue your session if you drift off. We’ll wake you as necessary. Sleep is restorative, so sleeping during your massage compounds the benefits.

+ Can I talk during my session? If the massage hurts or is uncomfortable, is it okay to interrupt my therapist?

Please don’t confuse massage therapy with talk therapy. In order for our therapists to provide the best possible session, concentration in a quiet environment is encouraged, so clients can focus on the work. That said, we do encourage communication should anything that we do be uncomfortable or not in line with what you would like for your session. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions or concerns before, during, or after your session.

+ Am I supposed to tip my therapist?

Tipping is appreciated but not required. However, it’s a wonderful way to show your gratitude for the work your therapist has done.

+ Will I experience soreness after my massage?

Possibly, depending on what condition is being treated, if any; level of activity and/or hydration (or lack of) after the session. If one is sore post session, it should not last more than a day. If soreness persists more than a day, please contact us.

+ How can I extend the benefits of my massage?

Take it easy after your session. Hydrate, and treat yourself kindly.
Massage frequency matters. If your issue is stress or muscle tension, or you work out often, we ask that you consider coming in weekly, bi-weekly, or once a month. We will work with you to figure out a schedule that works best for you.

+ What are the benefits of massage?

It is passive self care at its finest! Tissue manipulation can benefit the health of muscles, promote faster recovery from working out or muscle injury, and increase circulation. The therapeutic touch of massage promotes healing, improving physical and mental wellbeing.

A weekly or monthly massage can help reduce stress, anxiety, fatigue, alleviate muscle tension (shoulders, TMJ, back, etc) and improve sleep.

It also feels good!

+ How often should I receive a massage?

Taking care of yourself should always be a priority. Ideally, we recommend our clients come weekly. However, we know life gets in the way and that frequency is not always a possibility. For our particularly busy clients, we encourage a minimum of once monthly sessions. Speak with your therapist to discuss your needs and figure out what works best for you.

Massage frequency matters. If your issue is stress or muscle tension, or you work out often, we ask that you consider coming in weekly, bi-weekly, or once a month. We will work with you to figure out a schedule that works best for you. Everyone is a unique snowflake.

+ What is an Intuitive Massage?

With over 35 years of experience amongst us, Intuitive Massage is a way to express all of the knowledge we bring to the massage table. We engage in conversation through therapeutic touch to encourage mind-body connection and through this, integration of the self to promote self-healing. A short list of just some of the techniques we provide include Swedish, deep tissue, myofacial release, and active release technique. We incorporate a variety of techniques within a session to provide the best care for our clients based on need, condition, and feedback.

+ What is Intuitive Prenatal Massage?

We offer an Intuitive Prenatal Massage, which is like an Intuitive Massage but tailored specifically to accommodate mom’s growing belly and the needs of her changing body. Prenatal Massage is safe from beginning of pregnancy to full-term. We have therapists who have received all of the training requirements to provide prenatal massage care, which is necessary to ensure a safe massage during pregnancy. Prenatal session goals: to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation, mobility and help Moms-to-be feel more comfortable.

+ What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy is as it sounds: working with the cranium, sacrum and everything in between. Good for chronic pain, TMJ, headaches, migraines, and sinus issues, it is a gentle form of bodywork that is very stimulating to the parasympathetic nervous system to promote self-healing. Like anything, it’s one of those things that you have to experience to know what it’s about.

+ What is deep tissue massage? Does it hurt?

Working within our client’s comfort zone, deep tissue massage is tissue-appropriate pressure to affect change in muscle tissues. Pressure is relative to the condition being treated. Muscles that are injured or inflamed may be more sensitive to pressure than muscles that are not; so light pressure may feel “deep”. If it is painful to the point that one is holding one’s breath, we encourage communication with the massage therapist.

Please reference the question “I heard that massage should hurt. Is this true?” below for more details.

+ Is massage a "treat" or therapy?

All of the above. We like to be a part of our clients’ self-care to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. We do therapeutic work to help promote and improve clients’ physical and mental well-being. But once-a-month massage can also be a respite for daily stressors. If a treat is your therapy, then let us be a part of your regular therapy.

+ Can I get a massage if I am already in pain?

Use your best discretion. If your leg is broken, seek professional medical care. If the pain is due to muscle tension, strain, or you “woke up funny”, then we may be able to help you.

Note that if this is a condition that has developed over time or is an ongoing issue, understand that while massage can be a temporary fix, you may want to speak with your therapist about ongoing preventive care.

+ Should I work out before or after my massage?

If you choose to work out, we suggest you work out before your session. However, if you choose to work out after your session, please let your therapist know so we can adjust your session accordingly.

+ Why does my nose get stuffed up when I lay face down during my massage?

When laying face down (prone), the weight of one’s head in the face cradle is going with gravity which can cause sinuses to drain; pressure on the sinuses can also cause a feeling of congestion.

+ I heard that massage releases toxins and cleanses the body. Is this true?

Bob’s favorite analogy is that muscles are like sponges. You can think of massage as squeezing out the muscle so fresh blood can infuse the muscle tissue. This is why we encourage you to hydrate well after your session to help your body filter the stuff that has been moved around.

+ I heard that massage should hurt. Is this true?

The quick answer is no. And yet, there is such a thing as bad pain and good pain. Therapeutic massage can sometimes be challenging.

An intolerant level of pressure causing so much discomfort that the client tenses up muscles, braces against the pressure, or holds their breath, we consider to be too much pressure and not therapeutic but actually counter-productive.

With tissue appropriate pressure, clients can mentally engage to disengage muscles, breathe through it and feel the muscle release. We consider this therapeutic massage.

+ I go to the chiropractor. Do I really need a massage?

Massage is a wonderful compliment to chiropractic care. Soft tissue care can make bone manipulation easier.

+ Is it safe for pregnant women to receive massage?

Yes, as long as it is a prenatal massage. We have therapists who have received all of the training requirements to provide prenatal massage care, which is necessary to ensure a safe massage during pregnancy.

We offer an Intuitive Prenatal Massage, which is like an Intuitive Massage but tailored specifically to accommodate mom’s growing belly and the needs of her changing body. Prenatal session goals: to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation, mobility and help Moms-to-be feel more comfortable.

When you schedule your appointment, make sure you schedule an Intuitive Prenatal Massage session.