Frequently Asked Questions

General Clinic & Booking Questions

What makes Tranquil Assuage different from a standard day spa? We are a clinical medical massage practice, not a traditional spa. Founded by a retired Master Firefighter-Paramedic, our clinic is specifically designed to provide structural, results-driven bodywork. While our sessions are deeply relaxing, our primary goal is to resolve chronic pain, restore your range of motion, and regulate an over-taxed nervous system.

How does your pricing work? Do you charge extra for deep tissue or cupping? We operate on a strict, transparent, time-based pricing model. You book our clinical time, ranging from 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, to 120-minute sessions, and we provide the specific therapies your body needs. We never charge extra "add-on" fees for deep tissue work, myofascial release, cupping therapy, or hot stones.

Do you accept HSA or FSA cards? Yes, because we provide clinical and medical massage therapy designed to treat structural and chronic conditions, many of our clients are able to use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards to pay for their sessions. We recommend checking with your specific plan administrator to confirm your coverage details.

Where are you located? Tranquil Assuage is conveniently located in Ivy Commons, situated right between Charlottesville and Crozet in Central Virginia. Our address is 4400 Ivy Commons, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

How early should I arrive for my appointment? If it is your first time visiting us, please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This gives you plenty of time to fill out your initial intake forms and allows your therapist to conduct a proper assessment before your hands-on time begins.

What is your cancellation and no-show policy? To respect the time of our clinical therapists and other clients needing relief, we require a minimum of 36 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations or no-shows will incur a fee equal to 50% of the scheduled session rate, and repeat offenses will be charged the full rate.

What is your policy on professional conduct? Tranquil Assuage strictly enforces a safe, professional, and clinical medical environment. All therapeutic sessions are strictly non-sexual in nature. Any inappropriate requests, solicitations, or aggressive behavior toward our staff will result in immediate termination of the session, a full charge, and permanent dismissal from the practice.

Veterans, First Responders & VA Community Care

Do you specialize in treating first responders? Absolutely. Our founder, Donna, is a retired Master Firefighter-Paramedic and continues to volunteer in the area. We intimately understand the unique physical and mental toll that law enforcement, fire, EMS, and healthcare careers take on the body, and we tailor our structural recovery plans specifically for these high-stress occupations. Meet the team.

Do you accept VA Community Care referrals? Yes. We are incredibly proud to be an approved provider within the VA Community Care Network (CCN) managed by Optum. We routinely work with local veterans to provide fully covered clinical massage therapy. Learn more.

How do I use my VA benefits at your clinic? During an appointment with your VA Primary Care Provider, request a referral for massage therapy and specifically ask to be sent to Tranquil Assuage. Once the VA and Optum approve your referral, they will send the authorization packet directly to us, and our team will contact you to schedule your first session.

What happens when my authorized VA sessions run out? Once you have completed your authorized block of sessions, your therapist will evaluate your progress. If you still require ongoing clinical care, we will send detailed clinical notes back to your VA Primary Care Provider recommending an extension or a new referral to continue your treatment plan uninterrupted.

Massage Therapy & Structural Bodywork

What is the difference between a relaxation massage and clinical bodywork? A relaxation massage uses light, flowing strokes purely to down-regulate the nervous system and relieve temporary stress. Clinical bodywork (like deep tissue, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy) is focused on structural repair, breaking down scar tissue, realigning fascia, and targeting the root cause of chronic pain and limited mobility. Learn more.

Will a clinical or deep tissue massage hurt? Effective bodywork should never force you to grit your teeth. While structural and deep tissue massage can sometimes cause a "good pain" as we break up chronic tension and scar tissue, we constantly communicate with you to ensure the pressure is productive, not painful. If a massage hurts too much, your nervous system will naturally guard against it, defeating the purpose of the treatment.

Is it normal to feel sore after my session? Yes, it is completely normal to experience mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours after a clinical massage, similar to how you feel after a good workout. As we release deep, long-held muscle tension, your body needs time to flush out stagnant metabolic waste. Drinking plenty of water and utilizing light stretching will help speed up this recovery process.

Can massage help with my tension headaches or migraines? Yes. Tension headaches and migraines are frequently caused by trigger points and severe muscle restrictions in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. Modalities like Trigger Point Therapy and Craniosacral Therapy are highly effective at releasing this specific tension, reducing both the frequency and severity of headaches.

Do you offer prenatal massage? Yes, we offer specialized prenatal massage to help expectant mothers safely manage the physical discomfort, joint pain, and swelling that occur during pregnancy.

What should I wear, and how do I prepare for my session? You can undress to your level of comfort. Our therapists are trained in strict, professional draping techniques, meaning you will be securely and modestly covered by a sheet or blanket at all times; only the specific area being actively worked on will be exposed.

How often should I get a massage for chronic pain? Everybody is different. For acute injury recovery or severe chronic pain, we may recommend shorter, more frequent sessions (such as weekly or bi-weekly) to reset your structural baseline. For general maintenance and occupational stress relief, a monthly 60 to 90-minute session is often ideal.

Infrared Light & Sunbed Therapy

Is Infrared Light Therapy safe? Yes, it is completely non-invasive, drug-free, and painless. Unlike UV light, near-infrared light does not damage or burn the skin. Instead, it safely penetrates deep into your muscles and joints to stimulate cellular energy, reduce inflammation, and accelerate your body's natural healing processes. Learn more.

Can Sunbed Therapy cause cancer? Sunbeds and Tanning beds used moderately can increase your chances for skin cancer. Our Sunbed Therapy is designed for restorative warmth, mental decompression, and systemic regulation. It is a controlled, therapeutic environment utilized to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), ease widespread muscle tension, and support your body's natural Vitamin D synthesis without the extreme exposure associated with recreational tanning. Learn more.

What should I wear during a Sunbed or Infrared Light session? Both of these therapies take place in a completely private room. For maximum benefit, the light needs to reach your skin directly. You may undress to your comfort level just as you would for a massage session.

Have a question not listed here? We are always happy to help! Get in touch with us.