FAQs
What should I expect from my first massage therapy session?
Please complete your health history ahead of time. It will be sent to you via email along with your appointment reminder. We will discuss your health history and what areas of focus you would like prioritized during our session. Once we have discussed an agreed upon plan then I will ask that you disrobe to the level of your comfort once I leave the room. You do not have to be completely undressed. I will wash my hands and knock on the door before re-entering to ensure you have had enough time. I will then check in with you about your comfort, temperature, and will proceed to lock the door behind me as my office is in a shared wellness space. Soft music may also be playing but if you would like silence or a different genre played I'll be happy to oblige.
In every session, you will be draped at all times to keep you you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. We will discuss what areas you would like for me focus or avoid at the beginning of our intake process. If you change your mind about the agreed upon plan during the session please let me know and I will adjust immediately.
I customize each session based upon a client's areas of concern and experience with massage therapy. I start off with the classic Swedish technique which starts with broad strokes which helps to calm your nervous system which will help relax your existing muscle tension. I will often incorporate techniques such as myofascial release and sports massage throughout the session. I may also include hydrotherapy with heat (hot wet towel :) at the beginning and end of each session.
I believe massage therapy session should be therapeutic and painLESS. You should never have to "grin and bear" through any pain when the goal is to decrease tension/pain and increase your overall wellness. I may be the licensed professional, however, I strongly believe in partnering with clients in their wellness journey and you know your body best!
Every client, new or established, will receive a COVID-19 policy by email prior to every appointment to confirm exposure, etc.
For new clients, you will be prompted to complete new client paperwork once you have scheduled an appointment via the scheduling site.
Is your office ADA accessible?
Yes, it is! I am now located at the Harmon Building in downtown Tacoma. There are elevators to the 3rd floor to my suite,301. You may access the elevators at the Pacific Avenue entrance only.
There is also 3rd floor access in the back of the building on Commerce (next to the UW campus). Please note that this entrance has a small staircase to access and is the door on the landing next to the Harmon Brewery's back entrance.
If you have difficulty finding me, please text me at 209-732-0509. I've also posted photos on Google maps for a visual reference.
Is there parking?
Yes, street parking is available on Pacific Avenue or there are also additional paid parking lots on 'C' ST (UW Tacoma campus lot) and next to the Washington State History Museum. Free street parking is available on Sundays and in the evenings, please be sure to check the posted times for accuracy.
This is the use of a topical cream/oil emollient that may contain less than 0.3% of THC (CHABA) or completely without THC (CBD). The CHABA brand that I use in my practice is Cannabis Basics which is local to Seattle area since 1995. This brand uses organic hempseed oil and premium cannabis whole-plant infusions and extractions, rich in multiple cannabinoids and terpenoids. These products contain less than .3% THC, are non-intoxicating and are only sold in Washington state while fully compliant with RCW 69.50.575.
The CBD oil brand that I use in my practice is CBD TheraReleaf Professional Massage Oil Extra Strength. This line is enriched with certified organic pure cannabidiol CBD extract along with hempseed + jojoba oils. Other key ingredients include arnica, vitamins A+E, olive oil, squalane and cocoa butter. The extra strength line contains 25mg CBD per ounce.
Due to many unknown sensitivities/allergens I like to use unscented hypoallergenic, paraben free and nut oil free emollients. However, I do offer complimentary essential + fragrance oils to add to the unscented emollients based upon client preference. Please note that this service is an additional cost to cover expense of the high quality emollients used.
What is Energy Healing?
There are many types practiced which aid in healing your mind, body and spirit via your body's energetic field or aura. The most common and widely known are Reiki, breathwork and the use of crystals.
It is extremely important to me to honor the origins of the modalities that I incorporate into my practice. I am Reiki attuned through the Usui lineage. Reiki is an energetic healing art with origins in Japan and is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. It can be done virtually, long-distance or in-person and is typically done without physical contact. As a practitioner, I act as a conduit between the client and the source of the universal life force energy.
As a licensed massage therapist, I like to offer this healing modality in tandem with my massage sessions and always with client permission whether in-person, virtually or long-distance. I find the combination of the two modalities offers greater access to the healing that is activated within each client. I may also use crystals during this session per the client request.
To note, these modalities do not replace traditional western medicine. In fact, its a great complementary path to eastern and western medicine.
What are the benefits of massage therapy and energy healing?
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promotes natural self-healing
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regulates your nervous system
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improves circulation
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lowers heart rate + blood pressure
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provides feelings of caring, comfort, and nurturing.
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decreases pain
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decreases muscle soreness + tension
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increases relaxation
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decreases stress
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improves immune function
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Studies have shown that massage therapy may be helpful for anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia and many other ailments.
Although massage therapy can benefit many people it may contraindicated for the following people and would require doctor approval:
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bleeding disorders or those who take blood-thinning medication
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burns or healing wounds
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deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
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infections
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broken bones (fractures)
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severe osteoporosis
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a low platelet count (severe thrombocytopenia)
Cancellation Policy
I strive to provide excellent care to all my clients. Your care and treatment is a priority to me. I ask that you respect my time and expertise as well. In an attempt to be consistent with this, I have a cancellation policy that allows me to schedule client appointments, with respect for your time, the next client's time and my time.
I ask you to give notice of cancellation or reschedule no less than 24 (twenty-four) hours prior to your scheduled appointment. If you miss an appointment without contacting me OR if you are more than 15 (fifteen) minutes late to your scheduled appointment these circumstances will be considered a "No Show" appointment. If you have a "No Show" appointment, the credit card you have on file will be billed a fee of for the entire amount of the service or you may receive an invoice from PayPal or Venmo directly from Cuellar Aesthete. If you miss 3 (three) consecutive appointments, I reserve the right to charge you a fee of $100.00 which will be charged to the credit card on file or you will receive an invoice from PayPal or Venmo directly from Cuellar Aesthete. At that time, I will determine if we are able to continue our therapeutic relationship at that time.
For all client appointments, I require a credit card to hold the appointment which is requested on my scheduling site.
For energy healing appointments, I require full payment at the time of scheduling. If you provide less than 24 (twenty-four) hour notice to cancel or reschedule or are 10 (ten) minutes late to the appointment your prepayment for this appointment is non-refundable.
COVID-19 Policy
The World Health Organization has declared the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) a worldwide pandemic. Due to its capacity to transmit from person-to-person through respiratory droplets, the government has set recommendations, guidelines, and some prohibitions which Judy Cuellar, LLC DBA Cuellar Aesthete adheres to comply.
All clients (new and established) will be asked to review and sign the COVID-19 Liability Release Waiver prior to every visit with the exception of virtual/long-distance clients.
Please reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell. Wearing a mask is required upon arrival and during the session.
If you are uncertain, please don't hesitate to contact me directly to confirm.
Insurance/Payment Accepted
I do not accept any insurance or PIP (personal injury protection) at this time. You are responsible for coordinating insurance reimbursement if it is available within plan benefit for out of network providers. I will be happy to provide you with a detailed invoice if you would like to submit this to your insurance plan.
Accepted forms of payment: Cash, PayPal, Venmo, Credit Card on file (required when scheduling)
**I do not accept personal checks, insurance or PIP (personal injury protection)**