Q: How much does a session cost?

Sessions begin at $75 for 60 minutes. Check out my Appointments page for more details on the kinds of massages I offer and rates.

Q: What types of payment do you take?

You can pay with a card, Venmo, or CashApp. I don’t take checks or cash, just to keep things simple.

Q: What if I’m running late?

Sessions start and end at the scheduled time. If you're late we’ll still need to wrap up on time, and you’ll be charged the full session fee—thanks for understanding!

Q: How should I arrive for my massage?

Please come:

• Sober

• Freshly showered/clean

• Fragrance-free (for everyone’s comfort)

• And having filled out your health intake form honestly and completely ahead of time
  

Q: What’s your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations will be charged the full fee, unless it’s an emergency—life happens, just let me know.

Q: What kind of work do you do?

I provide safe, client-centered bodywork within my scope of practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). I tailor each session to your body and your needs. My style is a mixture of Swedish, deep-tissue, myofascial and Thai techniques, and I can also provide neuromuscular trigger-point therapy when appropriate.

Q: How do you handle client privacy and communication?

I keep all client info confidential according to HIPAA standards. I respond to messages during business hours (9am–5pm) and aim to get back to you within 24 hours (unless I’m out or unwell).

Q: Will I be covered during the massage?

Absolutely. All clients are appropriately draped at all times, following Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT) standards.

Q: How will I be touched during the massage? Is it supposed to be painful or uncomfortable?

I always approach my clients with therapeutic intention and ongoing consent is essential for all the treatment I provide. This means I will get your consent to touch before we being and occasionally ask you how my touch (pressure, technique etc) is making you feel to provide better treatment. Deep tissue massage in particular can feel intense but if you ever feel uncomfortable, unsafe or in pain on my table, please tell me immediately so I can adjust the massage to meet your needs.

A related note on “accidental touch”:

One of the realities of working as a fat LMT (especially one who works with many fat clients) is that in order to maintain safe body mechanics and the most effective application of pressure, I often have to position myself such that my stomach will brush a clients body, especially their arms or legs. This “accidental touch” may surprise a client who wasn’t expecting touch in that spot, so I take the opportunity here to tell folks that you can expect to feel me brush past you. And of course, please always speak up if you are confused or feel uncomfortable at any point in your massage.

Q: What’s your policy on respectful behavior?

Harassment of any kind—including sexual, racist, fatphobic, or other bigoted behavior—won’t be tolerated. If that happens, you’ll be asked to leave and still be responsible for the full fee. This is a safer space for all bodies, including mine.

Q: Do I have to wear a mask? What if I’m sick?

I’ll always be masked during sessions to help keep everyone safe. You’re welcome to wear a mask or not—your choice. That said, please reschedule if you’re feeling sick (even if it’s “just a little cold”).

Q: What is your space like? Will it be safe and comfortable for my fat and/or disabled body?

I am very lucky that Fat Bodywork operates out of an ADA-compliant massage office which I share with Wavelength Massage. There is lots of space in the waiting room, bathroom and hallways, and the sturdy chairs do not have arms. The massage room is large and light and airy, and the hydraulic table can go low for easy transfer on and off and has a weight capacity of 600 lbs. My goal is to make it as accessible as I can, and client feedback is always welcome to further that goal!

Q: I have an allergy or scent sensitivity - is your space completely fragrance and allergen free?

I do my best to avoid common allergens and keep the space fragrance neutral. That said, the waiting room is shared by an esthetician and other practitioners who use aromatherapy, as well as being regularly cleaned with disinfectant so I cannot guarantee that it is entirely without irritants. Please get in touch if you have a concern and I will take extra care in advance to address your particular access need.

If you have other questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to working with you!

— Elisabeth Walden, LMT
Fat Bodywork