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What to Expect
As a new client, you may not know what to expect on your first visit. For a basic understanding please visit the Massage & Bodywork link of the website. Any questions that are not answered for you there can be answered by email or telephone.
All new clients are required to fill out some introductory paperwork prior to receiving massage. This will include a basic health history and informed consent. You can print these off here and bring them with you to your first session.
If you have received a traditional massage, at a spa or similar facility, you can expect a session at my practice to be quite different. It will be more medically-based and structurally focused. My work is similar to a session that you might receive in a Physical Therapy or Chiropractic office. For the types of techniques used, please go to the Tools & Techniques page of the website.
My Policies
Testimonials
Today I not only enjoyed my massage, but I was also so relaxed at one point that I almost fell asleep. I have never enjoyed a massage in my life until I met Shari. Her unique massage technique is wonderful, and she is completely in tune with what every person, as an individual, needs. My favorite part is when she uses the hot stones on my back. Absolutely amazing! Highly recommend!! - Kerry S.
I was lucky enough to get a massage from Shari, last Friday. She was so sweet to accommodate me just a bit later in her schedule than she normally works, and the massage was the perfect end to my week. I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant and I've been having trouble with some pain in my mid-back and sore legs from the extra baby weight. We sat down when I arrived and she took the time to understand where I was hurting and explained her approach to massage, and her plan of action for my 90-minute massage. I felt so comfortable the entire time. She checked in with me often to see if the pressure was too much or too little or just right. The 90 minutes was absolute bliss, and I felt so good when I left. Energized, but also super relaxed, which made for a wonderful night's sleep that evening. I will be booking another massage with Shari again before this baby comes, and I have a feeling I'll be back to see her once in a while after my baby arrives, too! - Jacquee N.
I absolutely agree with everything said by previous reviewers. Shari is by far the best massage therapist I've ever been to - and I've been getting regular massages for almost 20 years due to a chronic cervical neck condition that I have. It is amazing how she knows just where to zero in with her fingers after I've explained my latest aches or pains in addition to my neck issue. I love the myofascial release technique and the warm stones she uses and the hot towels afterwards. Shari has more tools in her massage repertoire than anyone I've ever known - and she knows just how to use them! Did I mention what a sweet and caring person she is??? I, too, give Shari my highest recommendation. No need to look further, call Shari now for the best massage experience of your life! - Debbie S
Shari is amazing. She creates an environment of tranquility. And she's super knowledgeable and intuitive both medically and spiritually. One of the best massages I've had in a long time. - Laura S.
I am incredibly particular about massages and Shari is by far the best massage therapist I have ever used. Her massage techniques are amazing with the perfect amount of pressure. She doesn't just offer a massage; she is actually helping to balance my body and help work out the problem areas. In addition to being very professional, Shari takes the time to understand your medical history and body limitations. She takes everything into consideration in order to make proper recommendations on treatment. Shari is also very knowledgeable and constantly furthers her education to better serve her clients. I started seeing Shari when I was undergoing chemotherapy for blood cancer. Before our first session, she had educated herself about limitations that my body might have with the treatments I was having. To me, this showed the highest level of customer service, and the massage matched her passion. - Marjeri S.
I can honestly say I've never found a better massage therapist than Shari. She is skilled and knowledgeable and has helped me through a number of back and sports related issues. She truly has a gift of healing as she can zero in on exactly where the issue resides and applies just the right amount of pressure to work the "knots" out. I've been very impressed with her holistic approach to health and therapy. I give her my highest recommendation. - Ailene M.
Shari treated my elderly mother in her last months. My mother described the treatments as "heavenly," and it was very clear that the massages helped her feel much much better and more relaxed! Later, Shari very kindly consented to help me. Shari can deploy different types of massage, depending upon the situation. She is a highly trained, yet gentle and caring professional. Shari is the best! - Rick A.
A massage with Shari is one of the best things you can do for yourself! Shari's fingers have been working their magic for 10 + years. Her techniques are spot on and she can adapt to your special and specific needs. Her clients include young, pregnant women, professional athletes, and those of us with “GOA" (general old age) issues that eventually afflict us all. After all, 60 isn't the new 40 without some help! Massage should be more than a special occasion treat. It should be part of our regular health maintenance routine. I highly recommend Shari as an exceptional massage therapist. - Janet M.
I have had massages (at much higher prices) at many resorts and spas in the U.S. and other countries, and while they may be good, nothing compares to Shari of Rancho Bernardo Massage. Her knowledge of her craft is second to none and I always leave feeling great. She is experienced with many issues and ailments, even certified with prenatal massage (which I did take advantage of when pregnant!). Whether I am looking to just relax and relieve stress, or work on a physical issue, Shari listens to you and to your body. I just wish I could go more frequently!! - Kristin O.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect from the first bodywork visit?
Prior to your first session, you will fill out a few forms to allow me to understand a little bit about your health history and consent to treatment. We will consult before your sessioin begins to assess what your needs are and the type of bodywork we will do. I will then step out of the room to give you privacy to get onto the massage table.
What should I wear during the session?
You can undress to the level of your comfort. Holistic bodywork can be given completely clothed,or disrobed to the level of your comfort. Your modesty will always be maintained with proper draping of sheets and towels during your session.
Where will my session take place?
You massage will take place in the privacy of my home office.
What do I do during a restorative bodywork session?
This is your session, so it is important to take time for yourself. For some people this is time to find a meditative place, some clients fall asleep due to the increased relaxation and others just quietly rest.
How will restorative bodywork feel?
How the session feels is up to you because you control the pressure. Soft tissue release can be very mild or more intense if you are requesting more deep work. I always tell my clients to communicate any discomfort they are feeling and to let me know how much pressure they prefer.
How long will a bodywork treatment last?
Your massage treatment length will be based on the treatment time you have booked. Typically, people book a 60-minute session, but I offer 75 and 90-minute sessions, as well. A 60-minute session is actually 60 minutes long, rather than 50 minutes, like at many spas.
How will I feel after the bodywork session?
After a session, most people feel relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over weeks and months of tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, clients often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days.
Will I feel pain or discomfort following my session?
The answer to this question, is very dependent on your body and the level of pressure used during the session. You should not feel pain, but mild discomfort is not uncommon. If you have been experiencing muscle tension and pain, you may feel a moderate amount of ache for a few days following your massage.
A productive bodywork session will often leave you feeling like you had a good workout. And, as such, just like a good workout, it may take a few days for your body to feel fully rejuvenated. This should not last more than 72-hours. If it does, you need to communicate this to me so that less pressure is used in the next session.
How often should I receive bodywork?
This is an individual choice. We could all benefit from a session each week, but many of us don't have the time or financial freedom for that kind of commitment. I often suggest a maintenance schedule of monthly or bi-monthly, which is what I do for myself. If you are battling a more serious history of pain or an acute injury, it may be more productive to have weekly or bi-monthly sessions. We can decide this based on your goals for treatment.
Will any oils used during my session cause problems with my skin?
I don't always include oil in my sessions and you can opt for no oil at all. During some sessions I use an oil with a Jojoba base. Sometimes these oils will include additional essential oils, like Lavendar and Eucalyptus. As part of your client intake form, you will let me know of any skin or ingestion allergies you may have. I will make sure to take those allergies into account and if necessary use either non-scented oil, or no oil at all.
If I am sick with a cold or flu, should I still come to my appointment?
If you are in the early and most contagious stage (first 48-72 hours) of a cold or flu, please reschedule your session. Please phone or email me to reschedule with as much notice as possible, so that I may be able to fill the spot with another client. Thank you! I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this matter. Please note, my cancellation fee will not be charged for last minute cancellations that are due to illness.
Do you sell gift certificates?
No. Unfortunately, due to lack of time in my schedule, I no longer offer gift certificates.
Do you accept insurance?
I do NOT accept insurance. However, I am happy to print you a formal invoice with the date and type of services received, if this helps you to receive some sort of compensation from your insurance or your flex spending account.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to make a scheduled appointment you are required to give 24-hour advance notice.
(858) 776-1365