Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do as a massage therapist?

I am a New York State Licensed and Board Certified Massage Therapist who has worked with over a thousand clients. Conveniently located near the Union Square, East Village, and Gramercy Park neighborhoods, I specialize in chronic pain relief, postural alignment, and mobility.

Treatments primarily include blend of Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, and Medical Massage. My #1 goal is to free you of your pain so that you can perform your day-to-day activities with ease. I focus on improving alignment and balance and optimizing range of motion to help you move freely, without pain or restrictions.

My work is client-centered, and treatments are created to meet your specific goals. After a thorough health history, consultation, and assessment are performed at your first session, we work together to create a personalized treatment plan. In addition, I offer client-specific self-massage techniques, corrective exercises, and stretches that can be performed in between sessions in order to maximize the therapeutic effects of the treatment.

How will massage therapy help me?

Massage therapy is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, and we will develop a custom program to best address your individual health concerns. Sessions are focused on alleviating pain, tension, and restrictions, improving alignment, and enabling you to move freely.

Other benefits include stress and anxiety reduction, increased energy, better athletic performance, relaxation of tight muscles, increased body awareness, decreased tissue restrictions, Improved mobility, better posture, more restful sleep, learning self-care techniques, and improved quality of life. Whether it's running marathons, writing novels, or lifting up your child for a squeeze, I'm here to help you do what you love for as long as you love to do it!

Where do I go for my massage?

My location is conveniently close to several mid-Manhattan neighborhoods, including Union Square, the East Village, Stuyvesant Town, and Gramercy Park. I am only a few minutes away from the First Avenue L stop (which means only one stop from Williamsburg, Brooklyn), and a 10-minute walk from Union Square, with the N-Q-R and 4-5-6 trains. I am also right next to the M15 and M14 buses. When you book an appointment, I will be happy to help with directions.

Do you offer any massage specials?

Yes! I offer:

• Get an extra 30 minutes added to your session for free on your birthday (existing clients only)
• Special packages available - Save on a series of 5 or 10 sessions
• Sign up for my free e-newsletter on the left side of this page, and receive videos and articles dedicated to helping you ease pain, reduce stress, and feel your best!

Should I tip for my massage session?

Sorry, I don't accept tips. The best way to show your appreciation is the recommendation of your friends and family!

What forms of payment do you accept for massage?

Cash, check, Venmo, or Zelle are preferred, but I do also accept all major credit cards.

What if I have to cancel my massage appointment?

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please note that once you have booked an appointment with me it means that I have reserved time in my schedule exclusively for you. If you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before it is scheduled to take place, I will be unable to book someone else and will lose that time. Because of this, you will be responsible for the cost of the session in full.

To avoid this cancellation fee, please provide cancellation notice at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. You can cancel or reschedule an appointment by emailing me at Massage@Rachel-Richards.com, or texting or calling me at 917-359-8641.

How many massage sessions do I need before I'm better?

The healing process is extremely complex and varies for each individual. Even long after your symptoms have disappeared, your body continues to regenerate. Full recovery from an injury or pain condition can take days, weeks, or years, and depends on a multitude of factors, such as:

• The severity of the injury
• How long you've had the condition
• Your age
• Your general health
• If you smoke or drink
• Your diet
• Exercise
• Past injuries
• Anxiety levels
• Sleep quality
• Frequency of massage therapy sessions
• Compliance to massage therapy homework, such as corrective exercises, self-care practices, ergonomic adjustments, and lifestyle improvements.

I generally begin with weekly sessions and we adjust as needed.

Do you do massage appointment outcalls?

I will come to your home or office provided that:

1. You are located within a reasonable distance (mainly Manhattan).
2. A massage table is provided.
3. I have enough time available in my work schedule to travel to you.

The rates are higher for outcalls, and will depend on how many sessions you book back-to-back at the same location. The more sessions, the lower the fee per treatment.

I sit at a desk all day and my neck and shoulders hurt. Can massage help?

If you sit at a desk all day and deal with neck, shoulder, or upper-back pain, therapeutic massage can help relieve muscle tension, improve posture, and reduce repetitive-strain discomfort. Many of my NYC clients come in specifically because computer work has left them stiff, sore, or in pain. Read more here.

I have chronic neck or back pain - not just stress. Is therapeutic massage right for me?

If you have chronic neck or back pain - pain that keeps coming back or never fully goes away - therapeutic massage can play an effective role in alleviating it. My work focuses on relieving long-term muscle tension and movement restrictions, not just temporary pain relief. Read more here.

I'm a runner / active person and something feels tight or off. Can massage help?

If you run, work out regularly, or stay active - and feel tight, sore, or out of alignment - massage can help support recovery, mobility, and injury prevention. Many of my clients use massage as part of their overall fitness, training, exercise, or movement routine. Read more here.

I've been feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. Can massage help me?

If you're feeling anxious, stressed, emotionally overwhelmed, or run-down, therapeutic massage can help calm the nervous system, release physical tension, and create space for your body to reset. Many clients come in not just for pain, but because stress is showing up physically and emotionally. Massage is not a cure for anxiety or depression - but it can be a powerful, supportive tool for managing their physical and emotional effects. Read more here.