If you've never had a professional massage — or it's been years — the not-knowing can be its own little source of tension. Where do I park? What do I wear? Am I supposed to talk? Let me walk you through exactly how a first visit to Frixtion Spa goes, so the only thing you have to think about when you arrive is letting your shoulders drop.
Finding us and parking
Frixtion Spa is on West 29th Avenue in the West Highlands neighborhood, a few minutes from Sloan's Lake and Highlands Square. You'll find directions and a map on the location page.
Parking is simple: there's street parking on W 29th Avenue and the side streets around it. It's a residential-feeling stretch, so give yourself an extra couple of minutes at busier times of day to find a spot and walk over. You won't be circling a garage.
When to arrive
Try to get here about 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment. That short buffer matters more than it sounds like it should. It gives you time to use the restroom, take a breath, and shift out of traffic-and-to-do-list mode before you're on the table — instead of arriving flushed and rushed right at your start time.
A quick, honest heads-up: because it's just me here, sessions run back to back, and your time is reserved specifically for you. If you're running late, your session may need to be shortened so the next guest isn't pushed back. A little early is always better than a little late. You can read the full arrival and cancellation policies ahead of time if you like to know how everything works.
What to wear (and what happens with undressing)
Wear whatever's comfortable to get here — it doesn't matter, because you'll change for the massage.
For the session itself, you undress to your level of comfort. Most people undress completely for a full-body massage, but plenty of people keep underwear on, and that's completely fine. There's no right answer and no judgment.
Here's the important part: you are always covered. You'll be under a sheet and blanket the entire time, and I only uncover the specific area I'm working on — an arm, a leg, your back — then re-cover it before moving on. This is called draping, it's standard practice, and it's not optional on my table. You should feel warm, covered, and at ease the whole time.
I'll step out while you get settled under the covers, and knock before I come back in.
The intake conversation
Before we start, we'll talk for a few minutes. This is where a good massage actually begins.
I'll ask what brought you in, whether anything specific is bothering you, and whether there are areas you want me to focus on or avoid. Please mention any injuries, recent surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, or if you might be pregnant — it genuinely changes how I work, and there's nothing you can say that's "too much information."
This is also the moment to tell me what kind of session you want. If you're not sure whether you're after firmer, focused work or something calmer, my guide to deep tissue vs. relaxation massage breaks that down — but you can also just describe it in your own words. "I sit at a desk and my neck is wrecked" tells me everything I need.
During the massage
Once we start, you don't have to do anything. You don't have to make conversation — some people like to chat, most people go quiet, and both are perfectly normal. You don't have to hold still in a particular way or "help." Your only job is to breathe and let me move you.
A quick note on phones: I'd gently suggest silencing yours and leaving it in your bag. This hour is one of the few in the week that's genuinely just for you, and it's easier to let go when the outside world isn't buzzing on the table beside you.
Two things are always welcome, though:
- Speak up about pressure. If you want more or less, say so. Pressure that's too light won't do much, and pressure that makes you brace won't help you release. I'll check in, but you never have to wait for me to ask.
- Tell me if you're cold, or the face cradle's at a weird angle, or you need a moment. Comfort isn't a distraction from the work. It is the work.
Every session I do is customized, so if halfway through you'd rather I spend the rest of the time on your back and skip your legs, just say the word.
Afterward
When we finish, I'll step out again so you can get up slowly and dress. Take your time — standing up too fast after you've gone that relaxed can leave you a little floaty. Drink some water when you get home, and be a bit gentle with yourself for the rest of the day.
If a specific area got focused attention, it's normal to feel a little worked-the-next-day, the way you might after a good stretch. That eases off.
Booking your first visit
That's really all there is to it. You bring yourself and an honest sentence or two about how your body's feeling; I'll handle the rest. A card is required to reserve your appointment, but you're not charged upfront — the details are on the policies page, and you can see the full menu on the services page.
When you're ready, book your first massage and come find some quiet on W 29th. I'll take good care of you.
