Frequently Asked Questions

What precautions/protocols do you have in place to reduce COVID-19 transmission?

Please follow this link to read my COVID-19 statement.

Why is massage therapy valuable? Massage therapy targets the soft tissues of the body.  This includes muscles as well as connective tissue such as ligaments and fascia.  Studies of the benefits of massage indicate that it is effective for reducing stress, pain, and muscle tension to name a few.  Manual manipulation of soft tissues can create a relaxing parasympathetic response in the body, increases blood circulation, allows oxygen and nutrients into the tissues and helps remove normal cellular waste.  This promotes overall health and wellness, especially when used as preventative healthcare.  Massage may be used for preventative reasons but is also an important complimentary therapy when treating acute or chronic issues.

Why get Breast Massage? Breasts are a part of our bodies that receive little attention until there is a problem. Breast massage, like massage anywhere else on the body, may improve circulation and drainage, reduce pain or discomfort, reduce swelling, and reduce congestion. It also may improve and support lactation. In Japan, breast massage is a vital part of postpartum care. It aids in enhancing respiration, allowing deeper, fuller and satisfying breaths of air. It is an excellent addition to any wellness massage, whether female or male. Why not provide our breasts with the same care that we provide the rest of our body?

For female-bodied clients, having your breasts included in a massage session can be extremely empowering. Regular breast massage increases breast health awareness and can help create a positive connection.

In addition to the physical benefits, there are many emotional benefits to breast massage. Many people attach negative emotions to their breasts such as guilt, shame, and anger. This could be due to breastfeeding issues, body image, pain, cancer, sex, sexual assault, or gender identification. Intentional and safe therapeutic touch on breast tissue can help reintegrate and connect the physical form with the emotional one in a positive way.

Do you have intake forms available to complete?

Yes! There are new client intake and health history forms that differ based on a number of factors. When you schedule your first appointment, we will decide which session type is right for you and get the pertinent forms to you, ahead of time. You will receive an email confirmation of the appointment, as well as an email with a link to complete your electronic intake forms. Please check your spam folder if you do not see them in your inbox and complete those prior to your appointment. If they are not completed ahead of time, you will need to complete them at the office prior to receiving your massage.

What should I expect during my visit to your office?

You will arrive at my office which is located right off of 405's exit 17. The address is 10827 NE 68TH ST, STE E, Kirkland, WA 98033. This is in building A of the Longhouse Offices in the Houghton area of Kirkland (first floor, in the back, to the right). You may use the restroom located immediately outside of suite E. There is no receptionist in this office shared by individual providers so when you arrive, you may just take a seat in the waiting room.

If this is your first visit, I will need you to complete new client paperwork to establish care. This paperwork is emailed to you in your initial appointment confirmation. Please complete it ahead of time so that we may get the most hands-on time.

After I greet you we will head into the treatment room that is furnished with a massage table and a couple of chairs. I will look over your health history and new client paperwork (if this is your first visit) and conduct an intake. During the initial intake I will ask you questions pertaining to your health history, your goals for seeking massage, and any preferences you may have. Based on your answers I will suggest a treatment plan and you can confirm or make any changes to the plan. The intake during the initial visit is always the longest (about 10-15 minutes) and gives me important information. During this time I may teach a self-breast massage protocol that is a great self-care method between our sessions.

Then I will leave the room so you can undress to your level of comfort and get between the sheets on the massage table. I will knock before entering and immediately wash my hands. At that point I will proceed with our agreed upon treatment plan, communicating with you about pressure, depth, and comfort-level. It is your responsibility to let me know, at any time, if you’d like any changes be made to the treatment plan or how I am applying it to your body.

Once the session is finished, I will leave the room and you will redress. You may open the door when you have finished and we will debrief. Payment is due at time of service at the end of the massage.

I am pregnant/postpartum, do I need a medical release form to see you for massage?

If you are pregnant or within 6 weeks postpartum and have certain elevated risk conditions, you will be asked to have your healthcare provider complete a medical release form before your session.  Because of this possibility, please review and complete your health history form as soon as possible after you schedule so that the provider release form can be sent to you for completion, if needed.

How do you normally position pregnant people on your table?

I use a set of cushions from Body Support Systems as well as pillows for optimal comfort and stability in the sidelying position during pregnancy and in early postpartum. If the need arises, I can also position you in a semi-reclining position. Sidelying with bolsters is a great position for prenatal massage because it supports the belly and can provide a neutrality on the joints that have become hyper-mobile from the hormone relaxin.

It is best practice to avoid laying flat on your back during massage sessions, except for only a few minutes of specific work, so as to keep circulation flowing from the major artery and vein that are located in the abdomen behind baby.

It is my practice not to have a pregnant client lay on her belly during the massage, even with a belly recess cut-out, due to the unintentional strain this puts on the uterine ligaments. Additionally, these cut out cushions do not fit all bellies and may actually cause more discomfort due to increased lumbar lordosis.

I really want my feet rubbed, but I’ve heard that it is dangerous to have a foot massage before I’m full-term because it could put me into labor.  Is this true?

No – this is a myth! Please get a foot massage – your feet will thank you! Although there are uterus-stimulating acupressure points in the lower legs, ankles and feet, having a foot massage is very unlikely to cause labor to start. Acupressure is different from massage. It is applied with static pressure and the intention to bring the body into balance, not to cause harm or disruption. Massage strokes are generally flowing, with frictions and compressions and have different intentions to increase circulation to areas that lack blood flow and lengthen or broaden muscles. That being said, it is best to avoid Acupressure points that stimulate the uterus, with the intent to facilitate labor, until week 38 of pregnancy.

How soon after giving birth can I receive a massage?

Massage may be provided as early as the first day postpartum as long as your midwife or doctor feels it is appropriate when considering your birth experience. Postpartum massage in the first two weeks after delivery is best as a home visit/outcall. After that time, the client may choose to come to the office or continue with home visits. Postpartum massages after cesarean deliveries will continue to be in the sidelying and supine (laying on your back) positions rather than prone (laying on your belly) position.

My skin is sensitive to fragrance/I have allergies.  What type of oil or cream do you use?

I rotate between coconut, avocado or sunflower seed oil. Please inform your therapist if you have any sensitivities or allergies. You may bring your own unscented safe oil if you have an allergy.

What does a pediatric massage session look like?

During a pediatric massage, the parent will remain in the treatment room for the entirety of the session. The child will remain clothed and can be treated on the massage table or while sitting in their caregiver’s lap, depending on the situation, area(s) being treated, and comfortability of the child.

Children are generally more receptive than adults so pediatric massage utilizes a lighter/gentler touch. I always communicate directly with my pediatric clients and obtain consent in an age-appropriate manner before proceeding with treatment.

If my child is a teenager, can I leave the building during their massage?

This depends on a variety of factors and is decided on a case-by-case basis. Please discuss this with Chelsey directly.

What type of massage techniques do you use in your practice?

A combination of techniques is used in each massage session. I include Swedish massage, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue, Passive Stretching, Mobilizations, and Acupressure. I describe my massage generally as muscle specific deep tissue. Each massage is custom tailored to the individual client needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Due to low reimbursement rates and the amount of work required to submit, Chelsey Swan, LMT and Swan Perinatal Services and Family Massage, LLC is not contracted with insurance companies. Upon request, a superbill can be provided to you at the end of your massage session to submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. Be sure to call your insurance company to figure out their reimbursement rates, policy, and submitting process. The invoice provides a massage procedure code, units, and other pertinent information regarding the session. If your insurance company needs an ICD10 diagnoses code or prescription, you can get one from your midwife or medical doctor. Please be sure to give Chelsey the ICD10 code prior to requesting the invoice be created.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, HSA/FSA cards, and credit/debit cards are all accepted forms of payment. Payment is due at time of service.

Do you have gift certificates available? Yes! I have gift certificates available for all of my massage sessions. They do not expire. Please contact Chelsey directly to purchase.

How do I book an appointment?

Thank you for your interest in scheduling a session! Scheduling an appointment is necessary to be seen. Walk-ins are not possible at this time. Please contact Chelsey Swan, LMT, directly, to schedule a massage. You may use the "Contact" form submission on this website, or send an email to cswan.lmt@gmail.com. Be sure to check your spam folder for the initial response to your inquiry!

What is your cancellation policy?

Please provide me with 48-business hour notice of any schedule changes or cancellations requests.  Please understand that when you cancel or miss your appointment without providing 48-hour notice, I am often unable to fill that appointment time.  This is an inconvenience to your therapist and also means my other clients miss the chance to receive services they need. Sessions that are cancelled or missed without 48-business hour notice will be charged the usual session rate via Venmo or credit card. Multiple missed appointments may result in termination of care.

I understand that emergencies can arise and illnesses do occur at inopportune times. If you have a fever, a known infection, or have experienced vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours prior to your appointment time, I request that you cancel your session. Inclement weather may also result in necessary late cancellations. I will do my best to give advanced notice if I am closing or need to cancel due to bad weather and ask that you do the same. Please do not risk your safety trying to make your appointment. Late cancellation due to emergency, illness, or inclement weather will generally not result in any charges, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.