Devon Yourgulez
massage practitioner     CMT, ESMT
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what kind of massage I need?
You may visit the Services page on this site to see what type of massage best fits your needs.  
A lot of clients ask me to customize their massage, which I'm happy to do.  I can give you a full-
body massage or I can do only particular parts.  I can give you Deep Tissue on your back and
Swedish elsewhere.  I can give you Deep Tissue only where I feel your muscles need it.  
Whatever you want - it's your massage!

What kind of oil do you use?
I don't use oil.  I think it feels gross.  I use Biotone Massage Creme, which is like a thick, viscous
lotion.  My male clients usually comment on how mild the scent is.  It is also easily mixed with
Aromatherapy oil or Body Butter.  Unlike oil, the creme I use won't leave you feeling greasy or
slimy.  You won't need a shower after your massage, you'll need a nap!

Do I have to take all of my clothes off?
No - it's most important that you're able to relax.  You may leave your underwear on.  
The more muscle I can get to, the better, but your ability to relax your muscles is of the utmost
importance.  Otherwise, you will be on-alert and ready to protect your body, causing muscles to
stiffen.  It makes my massage less effective because I'm not able to stretch your muscles out if
they are contracted.
If I am just massaging your back and it makes you more comfortable to keep your pants on, no
problem.

What exactly does a full-body massage entail?
Here's my general massage sequence:  We'll start off face-down, so your eyes can relax.  I'll
start with your shoulders, neck, and scalp.  Then, I'll undrape your back (where I usually spend
the most time) and massage the backs of your arms.  I will undrape each of your legs, one at a
time, and massage them.  Then, I'll massage your feet.  After that, I'll have you flip over.  I'll
massage the front of your arms and your hands (you'd be surprised by how much tension is in
your hands) and then move down to your legs.  I'll undrape them, one at a time, and massage
the front of your legs and then we'll be all done!  
At your request, I can also add a facial massage, time permitting.  (The face is another one of
those areas that you'll be surprised holds a lot of tension.)
If you'd like to add another 30 minutes of massage, I will be happy to accommodate that,
schedule permitting.

Do you talk during the massage?
I follow your lead.  If you're quiet, I'm quiet.  If you're chatty, I'll chat back with you.  If you're
snoring, I'm smiling.  
I like to sleep when I get a massage; I know what it's like to have a massage ruined by a chatty
therapist.  

Will a Deep Tissue massage hurt?
It's up to you, but I don't think it should have to.  I think the perfect spot is when it hurts, but still
feels really good
- I think that's your body telling you something.  You are in control of the
pressure; this is
your massage.  I start out with the pressure I feel your muscles need and ask
that you let me know if you want more, or less, pressure anywhere or if you are tender.  Your
massage will be customized for
you and your muscles.  I know what your muscles are telling me
and can feel tension & "knots", but only you know what your nerves are saying.
With that being said, if you are of a different philosophy and feel like you have to be in pain to
elicit a muscular change, then so be it.  It is
your massage and you are in the driver's seat; I
listen to
you.

I've got a medical condition and I'm not sure if I should get a massage...
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.  I will consult my Massage Therapists' Pathology
guide and relay the information I have.  You should then take that information to your Doctor,
or just call your Doctor.  Please be sure to inform me of anything contagious first!!  (Of course,
I am aware that psoriasis and eczema are not contagious and can be helped with massage.)

Is prenatal massage safe in the first trimester?
There is some debate about this.  Some think that there is no problem, while some think that
you should let the fetus "take" for a bit before attempting massage.  Some even think there are
specific acupressure points that can stimulate delivery.  
The bottom line is, ask your doctor
first.
 Your doctor knows your body and your pregnancy; I cannot give medical advice.

What areas do you service?
In Delaware: primarily New Castle County.  (I am located in Newark, DE.)
In Pennsylvania:  Chester County & Delaware County
In Maryland:  Cecil County, Harford County, Kent County
In New Jersey:  Salem County
If you are not within these areas, but would still like a massage, I will consider it.  If your location
is over 1 hour away from me in Newark, DE, there will be a $30 travel charge.  If there is more
than 1 person or horse, there will only be one $30 charge for the group.

How do I know you're a professional?
My Delaware massage license number is MC-0002131, which you can verify online.  I am also a
Professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), which provides
professional liability insurance.  (Copies are available to Corporate Chair Massage clients.)  As
a member of the AMTA, I have taken a pledge to uphold professional standards in massage
therapy.  I also continually take educational courses pertaining to massage, to keep my skills
current and my passion ignited.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please provide 24 hours notice, to respect my time and yours.  Call (302) 494-5460.

How do I get the appointment time I want?
Pre-booking.  If you make your appointment for your next massage before I leave, I can reserve
whatever time and day is best for you.  This also helps if you tend to put yourself & your needs
at the bottom of your list - if you have a massage scheduled, you will keep the appointment
instead of just meaning to...  
Don't take better care of your car than your body - you can't trade
in your body!!

Do you offer any referral discounts?
Yes, I do!  I have convenient referral cards, which entitle you to 20% off for each new customer
you provide.  Ask me how you can get your massage for FREE, just by referring new clients!!

Will you come to my event to massage my horse and rider?
Yes, depending on the location, and you even earn a 10% discount by booking both on the
same day!  Convenient to Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and the Fair Hill Training Center in
Maryland.  (FYI, I will need an escort to paddocks at racetracks - payment required up-front.)

I run a horse camp in the summer; can I schedule you as a demo?
Sure - I enjoy teaching kids about massage and the horses LOVE being my demo model!  
Because I will be working for the hour+, I won't give a big presentation about massage, but
would be happy to answer any and all questions the kids can think of during the massage!!  
Please be forewarned that massage is pretty boring to watch, so if they don't have questions,
the kids may wander off.  I will not be responsible for supervision of the children.
Aromatherapy came from the ancient
Egyptians, who also depicted massage in
their tombs.  (
Wouldn't you like that in the afterlife?)

Massage fell out of favor in the Middle Ages,
when the authoritarian Church decreed the
healing powers of folk medicine
must be from the Devil.