Welcome. My name is Diane, and I've been a licensed massage therapist for eleven years. My practice is a small, quiet room in the professional building across from the town beach, with a window that looks out on the lake. It's just me: one therapist, one table, one client at a time.

I offer two kinds of massage. Swedish massage is the gentle, flowing kind most people picture: long strokes, kneading, and light pressure meant to help you relax and loosen up. Deep-tissue massage uses slower strokes and firmer pressure to work on tight, knotted muscles, usually in a particular area such as the shoulders, neck or lower back. Many of my clients get a little of both in the same session, and we decide together what you need that day.

People come to see me for all sorts of reasons: a stiff neck from a week at the computer, sore legs after the fall 10K, a gift certificate from a thoughtful spouse, or simply an hour of quiet. Whatever brings you in, my job is to make it a calm, respectful and comfortable hour.

A lot of people who've never had a professional massage are a little nervous the first time, and that's completely normal. Here's how it goes.

Before. Please come about ten minutes early. I'll ask you to fill out a short health history form (about a page), and we'll talk for a few minutes about why you've come, whether anything hurts, and what kind of pressure you like. If there's an area you'd rather I not work on, just say so. Nothing is a silly request.

Getting ready. I'll leave the room while you undress to your comfort level and get on the table under the sheet and blanket. Some people undress completely, some keep their underwear on; either is fine. You're covered by the sheet the whole time, and I only uncover the part of you I'm working on, one area at a time. This is called draping and it's how every licensed therapist works.

During. The room is warm, the lights are low, and there's quiet music (or none, if you prefer). You can talk or not talk. I check in about pressure, and you should always feel free to say "lighter" or "that's the spot." Deep-tissue work can feel intense, but it should never be painful; if it hurts, tell me and I'll back off.

After. I leave the room, you dress at your own pace, and I'll have a glass of water waiting. You might feel a bit loose and sleepy. Some people feel mildly sore the next day after deep work, the way you might after a good workout; that passes.

The first appointment runs a little long because of the paperwork, so please plan on about an hour and fifteen minutes for a 60-minute session.

Massage is relaxing and can help you feel better, but it isn't for every situation, and I'm not a doctor. Please talk to your doctor first if any of these apply to you, and let me know before we begin:

• You have a fever, the flu, or anything contagious. (Please stay home and get well; we'll reschedule with no charge.)
• You've had a recent injury, surgery, or a fall, or you have a fresh sprain or swelling.
• You have a skin rash, open cut, sunburn or infection in an area you'd like worked on.
• You are pregnant. Massage during pregnancy is common, but I'd like you to have your doctor's okay first, and we'll position you comfortably on your side.
• You have a heart condition, high blood pressure, blood clots or a history of them, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, or any condition where your doctor has told you to be careful about circulation or pressure.
• You take blood thinners or medication that affects how you feel pain.

None of these necessarily means no massage. It just means we should be sure it's appropriate and adjust what we do. If in doubt, ask your doctor; I'm always happy to work from any instructions he or she gives.

A massage is a lovely gift for someone who would never think to book one for themselves, and December is my busiest month for exactly that reason. Gift certificates are available for 60- or 90-minute sessions, at the regular rates. They come in a little card with an envelope, and they're good for one year from the date of purchase.

To order one, e-mail me with the recipient's name and which session you'd like, and we'll arrange for you to pick it up (or I can mail it to you). If you'd like one in time for Christmas, please order by December 15 so it isn't rushed.

By appointment only. I generally see clients:

The office is on the second floor of the professional building across from the town beach on Lakeshore Drive, above the optometrist. There's parking in the lot behind the building and an elevator inside. To make an appointment, call (555) 555-0147 and leave a message if I'm with a client (I return calls between sessions and at the end of the day), or send an e-mail to [email protected].