FAQ in-home massage in Geneva

Before the session

How far in advance should I book ?

24-48h in general. For a couples massage or a special event (Valentine's Day, birthday), count 1-2 weeks. For the 12-15 February period (Valentine's Day) or the holidays : 3 weeks.

Do I need to prepare anything at home ?

No. The therapist arrives with a portable table, fresh linens, oils, towels, music. You only need : a room of about 8 m² minimum, access to water, and quiet (phone on silent, pets in another room).

Which room should I choose ?

Ideal : bedroom, living room, or private office. Quiet room, adjustable light (ideal : no direct overhead lighting), temperature 22-24°C. The therapist adapts to constraints.

How much space for the table ?

Portable table : 190 cm × 70 cm. Plan for 8 m² minimum for the table plus circulation around it (the therapist must be able to walk around). A standard bedroom is more than enough.

During the session

Do I need to be fully undressed ?

No. You stay in underwear (or swimwear, as you prefer). The therapist works under the sheet, uncovering only the area being treated. Standard intimacy-respect protocol.

Pressure : light, medium, firm ?

Open communication. The therapist starts with the pressure you indicate (often « medium » first time). You can adjust during the session : too firm, too light, more on this area, less on that one. The therapist adjusts without any awkwardness.

What if I fall asleep ?

Very common, and a good sign : the nervous system shifts to parasympathetic mode. You don't lose benefits ; on the contrary, deep sleep enhances recovery.

Can I talk or should I stay silent ?

Up to you. Some enjoy chatting, others prefer silence. Tell the therapist at the start of the session : they adapt.

After the session

What should I do after a massage ?

Drink water (1-2 litres in the hours that follow). Avoid alcohol and heavy meals the same day. Intense physical activity not advised for 12-24h (the body is in recovery phase). Better sleep often follows that evening.

Can I get sore afterwards ?

Possible with a deep-tissue therapeutic massage : some stiffness 24-48h after the session, especially the first time. Linked to the release of tensions. Good hydration and sleep are enough to soften it.

How often ?

General wellness : 1× per month. Chronic stress or established tensions : 1× every 2 weeks for 6-8 weeks, then monthly maintenance. Event preparation : a course of 4-8 sessions in the 4-6 weeks before.

Hygiene & safety

What hygiene standards at home ?

Fresh linens washed at 60°C for every session. Table sanitised between clients. Organic oils in individual flasks. The therapist washes hands on arrival and after setup. Sanitary protocol respected.

What contraindications ?

Ask your doctor's opinion if : fever, skin infection, open wound, recent phlebitis, cancer in treatment, high-risk pregnancy, uncontrolled hypertension, coagulation disorders, high-dose anticoagulants. Most situations allow massage with adaptations.

Gifts & vouchers

How to offer a massage as a gift ?

Paper voucher (mailed CHF 5) or digital (PDF by email, free). Validity 12 months, transferable. The recipient picks the date at their convenience. Ideal for birthdays, Valentine's, Mother's / Father's Day, Christmas, weddings, return from a stressful trip.

How much does a gift voucher cost ?

From CHF 220 for 60 min reflexology, up to CHF 620 for a 90 min duo. See full price table.

Reimbursement

Does my insurance reimburse ?

LAMal : no. LCA : possible if the therapist is certified (50-80% depending on contract). Check your « complementary medicine » section.

Special cases

I'm pregnant, from when ?

4th month (13th week). Before : medical advice. After : prenatal massage in lateral position, no essential oils. See prenatal page.

I'm a senior (75+), is it OK ?

Yes in most cases, with adaptations (gentle pressure, 45-60 min duration). Ask your doctor if you have a complex condition.

I'm an injured athlete, OK for massage ?

Acute injury (tear, recent sprain) : no. Tendinopathy or chronic syndrome : yes with physio agreement. See sports massage.