Welcome to Potential Movement Bodyworks!

Can I benefit from your services?  

We believe that almost everyone can benefit from bodywork!   Massage can reduce strain patterns, hydrate tissues, flush toxins, aid workout recovery and promote relaxation.   We welcome everyone regardless of fitness ability, demographics or lifestyle from tweens through active seniors.   We will always discuss your goals and health history at the first session to make sure we provide the most appropriate services.  As bodywork challenges the body similarly to exercise, there are a few health conditions that may require delaying massage or consulting with a healthcare provider before receiving bodywork.  Follow the PAR-Q link above to help determine if you should consult with your doctor before your session.   Massage therapists cannot diagnose or treat pain and medical conditions.  

BOOKING

Are you accepting new clients?

I am always accepting new clients.  See below for information about joining my waitlist if you are not able to find an available appointment. 

What service should I book?

All sessions are priced by session length so it really doesn't matter!   We'll always discuss your goals at the start of each session and adjust the techniques used accordingly.    Your booking choice just  tells me a bit about your goals before you arrive.   If you have specific goals or a complex medical history, it's best to start with an 80 minute Consultation and Bodywork Session, however you may find you can get in sooner if you choose a 50 minute session.  Select a 50 minute Integrated Bodywork Session if you have specific goals, the Therapeutic Massage if you are interested in general relaxation, and Sports Massage if you are interested in Sports Recovery or Event Preparation.   Still unsure, select "The magic" and I'll help you decide.  

Help!  I can't find an appointment!  How can I book?

It's not uncommon for me to book out 6-12 weeks, HOWEVER, I keep a very active waitlist.   1-3 opportunities typically open a week about 1-7 days in advance of an appointment.  You can opt into text and email cancellation notifications by joining my waitlist.   To do so, look for the "join the waitlist" option on the bottom to the "choose a date" page of the booking flow.   Most new clients can get an appointment within several weeks.  

Is your waitlist working?  I can't find an open appointment!

The Square Booking waitlist is a cool feature, but it does have some kinks.  If you followed a waitlist link and it doesn't look like there are any options, it is likely that the spot already filled.   Sometimes they are gone in a matter of seconds, and other times they never fill.   Keep trying!   Other things to note about the waitlist:   It will only send one notification every 12 hours, so if 2 appointments cancel close together, you may not learn about it.  :-(  Trying the link again later in the day may reveal a secret opening that no one else knows about.  Also, the list is not perpetual.   If you book off a waitlist link you will need to rejoin if you want to continue getting notifications.

What is your cancellation policy?

Potential Movement Bodyworks has a 24 hr Cancellation Policy.  If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you must notify me at least 24 hrs in advance to avoid a 100% cancellation fee applied to your credit card on file.  Cancel or reschedule an appointment by updating your booking online, replying to you confirmation text or email, or leaving Abbie a Voicemail at (540) 632-2051.  You will get a confirmation message when your appointment cancellation is complete.  

Anyone who forgets or consciously chooses to forgo their appointment for any reason will be considered a “no-show” and your credit card on file will be charged IN FULL for your missed appointment.  You are ultimately responsilbe for managing your own personal calendar and reminders of choice.   Regular clients in good standing who give the courtesy of at least 2 hours notice might only be invoiced 50% of the service fee, which will be due prior to your next appointment.  A Confirmation email will be sent for all appointment bookings, changes and cancellations. Please verify that you completed the process by checking your email.

LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY

How do I find your office?

My office is located in the BACK SUITE at 1409 Grandin Rd SW.  You will need to walk around the building to the right.   Look for my office behind the building, half way up the RED RAMP.   The building directly across the street from the 7-11 and next to the gift shop.  Please note that there are about 10 steps coming up from Grandin Road and ~100yds of path to access my office from the front. 

Is your office accessible?

Please call if you have mobility issues.  My office is on the first floor and is accessible via ramp from the back alley.   There is an accessible restroom in the main house, however my office has narrow doorways that might not accommodate all wheelchairs.   We have very limited number of onsite parking spots off the alley near the ramp.   Public parking usually requires walking up the street and across the front yard.  This includes some steps up from the street and a light hill.  Please call to learn more about parking options and our ability to accommodate your mobility issues.  

Where should I park?

2 hour street parking is available in front of the building.   Unlimited parking is available on the neighborhood streets and in the large lot "Behind the Coop," accessed from Westover Ave.  Very Limited parking is available behind the building.   We try to reserve it for our clients with mobility challenges.   Please text/call or email to find out how to access this parking.  

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

What should I know about my first appointment?  Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to find parking and complete intake paperwork.  If you have structural, or postural goals, it's helpful if you wear form fitting, athletic clothes for your assessment.   Minors should be accompanied by an adult who should plan to stay for the entire session. 

Intake Paperwork:

2022 Client Contract & Policies

Health History Form

What should I wear?  

If you have structural, or postural goals, it's helpful if you wear athletic clothes that you can comfortably move in for your assessment.   For tablework, most people will choose to remove some to all of their clothing.   Myofascial Bodywork is best received on skin, but there is a lot we can do through clothing as well.  Athletic apparel is also recommended if you'd like to integrate movement re-education or self-care techniques into your session.  It's requested that minors wear underwear/athletic shorts and a tank/sports bra as appropriate.   Areas typically covered by a bikini/briefs are always covered by a sheet.  Gluteal and work near the pelvis is typically done through the sheet.   Sexual connotations by either the therapist or the client are not tolerated and will result in the ending of the session. 

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe? The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.  

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place? Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. For massage, you will lie under a sheet with optional blanket on a heated table especially designed for your comfort.  

OTHER FAQ's

Do you work with minors?  

I do work with minors, however I ask that a parent or guardian be present during appointments. 

Do you do Pre-natal/Pregnancy massage?

Massage is safe and benificial to most mothers after the first trimester.   Please delay scheduling until after your first trimester and discuss massage with your doctor if you have pregnancy complications.  

Is Pregnancy Massage different? Most expecting mothers will benefits greatly from massage. However, due to how pregnancy affects the body, there are some differences and contraindications for massage of expecting mothers.  Please consult with your doctor before scheduling your massage.  Due to increased blood flow and potential for blood clots, some massage strokes may be contraindicated, Finally, pregnancy massage is most often conducted in a sidelying position. Your therapist will explain the positioning at your first appointment. 

What is Myofascial Bodywork?  Myofascial Bodywork addresses body's soft tissue structural support system.   Using techniques that influence the nervous system, it strives to balance the body's tengrisity/anti-gravity system and length-tension relationship of muscles.   Slow Myofascial release techniques break up adhesions and encourage hydration to promote tissue glide, while neuromuscular techniques reset the body's proprioceptors.  

What is Movement Re-education?  Movement Re-education is a modality that aims to improve movement effeciency by addressing the body's strength/length relationship in motion.  By strategically strengthening weak or inhibited postural muscles, while stretching their opposers/antagonists you can help your body better support it's structure.   Stability and Balance work help retrain your propriception to learn healthier and more efficient movement patterns.  Movement Re-education is appropriate for those who have been released from Physical Therapy or who want to reduce their chance of injury. 

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder Technique)?MLD is a light touch technique that encourages extra fluid, cellular waste and other substances to leave the intercellular space and flow to the lymph nodes for filtering, before returning the fluid back to the circulatory system. Unlike massage, it does not involve kneading the muscles. Instead, it engages the skin and superficial fascia to stimulate the Lymphatic System. It is a profoundly relaxing technique that is fantastic for stress reduction, nervous system calming, migraines/headaches, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, long-COVID, inflammation, varicose veins, post- blunt trauma, post-surgical and more!

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork? There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Abbie typically works through fascia layers by coupling her knowledge of postural patterns and movement mechanics with a collection of manual therapy techniques including neuromuscular techniques, muscle energy techniques, trigger point work, light-touch ligament stimulation, myoskeletal alignment technique and advanced myofascial release.  

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session? Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.   

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session? Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.  Approximately 25% of clients who receive fascia treatment or deeper work may experience soreness ~12-24 hours after the massage.  It will usually abate after a few hours as your body adjusts to your "new normal," but can last up to 2-3 days.  At your next visit, please advise your therapist about how your body responded to your last session.  

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork? Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. Learn more on our Benefits of Therapeutic Massage Page.       

Are there any conditions that would make massage, bodywork or training inadvisable? 

Yes!  If you are under a doctor's care for any chronic condition or orthopedic issue, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation prior to any session.   Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.  At your first session, the practitioner will ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking.   If any of the conditions below apply to you, it is recommended that your get written doctor approval before your session.

 Massage, Bodywork & Personal Training is contraindicated for the following conditions without a doctors approval.  

• mothers in their first trimester
• any heart or circulation condition including high blood pressure,  including clogged arteries, or defibrillators.
• diabetes, especially if accompanied by complications. 
• Acute medical conditions (kidney disease, liver disease, acute injuries).
• Any chronic health issue.
• For a more complete list CLICK HERE. 

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Personal Training:

• Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only perform physical activity recommended by a doctor? 
• Do you feel pain in your chest when you perform physical activity? 
• In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not performing any physical activity? 
• Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?
• Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity? 
• Is your doctor currently prescribing any medication for your blood pressure or for a heart condition? 
• Do you know of any other reason why you should not engage in physical activity? 

If you have answered YES to one or more of the above questions, consult your physician before engaging in physical activity. Tell your physician which questions you answered YES to. After medical evaluation, seek advice from your physician on what type of activity is suitable for your current condition.  Written approval will be required before training.