Couples Massage Class FAQ

Taproot Bodywork’s couples massage classes are meditative, nurturing, and educational. As a massage therapist and educator for 20 years, I am passionate about encouraging others to fully enjoy each moment of their lives – and giving and receiving nurturing touch is one powerful way to do so!

Couples massage classes are typically taught to just one couple at a time, though my studio can accommodate up to 2 couples for the Back Massage for Couples class, and up to 4 couples for Massage Greatest Hits. If you have friends with whom you’d like to simultaneously schedule, just let me know.

Though these classes are quite intimate, there is no sexual content and the massage receiver will always be appropriately covered by sheets and blankets.

Your workshop will start with a brief introduction to your instructor, and if it is a group class, to the other participants in the class. We’ll discuss what challenges you’ve encountered while massaging your mate, so that I can tailor the class to your needs. We’ll talk about the relevant anatomy, body mechanics, and if this is a back massage class, the advantages of massaging on a massage table.

One partner receives massage while the other practices for about half the class. After a brief intermission with snacks and beverages, partners exchange roles. We end the class with a feedback session, and then you’ll head home, with the skills to massage your partner!

Scheduling

The unique nature of couples massage classes means that scheduling is best accomplished by this form and a follow-up phone call. Couples massage classes are scheduled at your convenience, on weekend or weekday afternoons. All classes take place at my Tumalo massage studio, above the Deschutes River.

A deposit of ½ of the class price is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made via cash, check, or electronically. Deposits are non-refundable, except in cases where I, for unforeseen reasons, am suddenly unavailable for the class. No-showing for a class will result in your loss of the full value of your deposit. In cases where adequate notice of cancellation has been provided by prospective students to me, a deposit may be used for a future class.

As of Spring 2024:

The Back Massage for Couples class is $395.

The Massage Greatest Hits class is $245.

A per-couple price reduction is available for group classes.

Preparation

I will provide each participant with a health history form; please return it to me promptly as I must ensure that you do not have any health conditions that would make it risky for you to receive massage. While this is a rare occurrence, I do want you to be safe. The form also allows me to gauge what kind of accommodations may need to be made, and how best to structure the class to meet your massage needs. Email your form to taprootbodywork@gmail.com

On the day of class:

Arrive in or bring clothing and shoes that allow you to reach, stand, and bend your knees comfortably. Short sleeves are a necessity.

Please come in a reasonably clean state – i.e. not sweaty from the gym. Your partner will appreciate it. Shower facilities are not available.

Avoid wearing fragrant perfumes, aftershaves, etc. We will be working in close proximity to one and other, and some students are sensitive to scents. Please be considerate.

Trim your fingernails, preferably removing all of the white part. Long nails make it difficult to massage without scratching.

Long haired humans should bring hair ties, or other means of containing their hair while massaging.

Eat a light meal previous to class, but keep in mind that you and your partner may be laying on your tummies. There will be a brief break with a light snack about halfway through class. You may want to bring your own food if you have special needs.

Bring reading glasses, if you require them.

Illness considerations

If you experience any sign of illness in the week prior to your class, please call to reschedule. Refunds will not be given, but you may apply your deposit to another date.

Questions I've received from potential massage students:

4 hours seems like a long time for the back massage class! What am I missing?

All of my classes involve ample massage instruction, where we'll literally be side by side as I demonstrate different massage strokes, fill you in on relevant anatomy, and show you which strokes most effectively address different parts of the body or conditions. As you practice, I'll be keeping an eye on your body mechanics to help you keep your hands, joints, and back happy. Over the course of 90 minutes, you'll learn how to construct a flowing back massage that addresses everything from your partner's hips to the top of their head!

In these longer classes, we take a very necessary snack break at the midway point, and then the massage giver and receiver swap roles when they return.

I'm worried about hurting my hands...

It's possible that some hands may not sustain giving massage successfully. This may be a consideration for you if you've had a recent injury, have arthritis, or currently have carpal tunnel syndrome. I teach various methods of applying touch and pressure with fingers, open hands, fists, and forearms. I have yet to have a student who could not find a comfortable means of massaging - but this is a great thing to talk about before you schedule!

Why do you teach the back massage class on a table? I don't have one...

Massage tables make giving back massage SO much easier. The secret to being a healthy, comfortable massage giver is great body mechanics, and tables allow you to get close to all parts of the receiver's body without needing to reach or bend too far. Tables are easily adjustable to the giver's height, enabling both you and your partner to manipulate the table to a position that's right for each of you.

Tables fold in half and can be stored in a medium-size closet.

Finally, you can easily find inexpensive massage tables at Costco, online, or used online at sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. If you're planning to massage each other regularly, a massage table is an investment that will keep on giving!

What does the registration fee include?

2 or 4 hours of instruction from a 20 year veteran of massage therapy. Classes are typically 1 couple at a time, so you'll get plenty of attention to your needs.

At the conclusion of your class, I'll send a pdf booklet that puts into print all that we talked about! You don't have to hurry to take notes during our class - you can just relax and enjoy.

As an alum of Taproot Bodywork, you're welcome to reach out with questions at any time - about massage techniques, massage tables, where to get lotion and massage tools, etc. And of course, you can return for refresher session, or another class!

Will we be able to massage each other immediately after class?

Yes, and I encourage you to practice your skills as soon and as often as possible after your class!

Why do you teach this class?

You'd probably get a massage every day if you could, right? I firmly believe that all bodies benefit from regular applications of loving touch, and that a good massage doesn't have to be super technical. I want to wrest loving touch back from the 'experts' and put it right in your hands, so that you can skillfully and confidently love up your partner, anytime you want, for free!

What days are available for couples massage classes?

As of winter 2023/24, I offer couples massage classes in the afternoon, Thursday through Sunday. I also have morning availability on the weekends. Classes tend to fill up fast, particularly around holidays and Valentine's Day, so hop on over to the request form and we'll get you scheduled!

What other questions do you have? Leave a comment, or get in touch via the chat function, over there on the right! I can't wait to share this class with you!