Policies and FAQs

Clients can reschedule or cancel their appointments either online or by phone up to 24 hours ahead of their appointment time. Cancellations made in less than 24 hours can only be done by phone and may be subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
Clients who No Show their appointment will be automatically charged a 50% No Show Fee to the card on file. Clients who arrive 15 minutes late, or more, will be considered a No Show, charged the applicable 50% fee and will need to reschedule their appointment.
Packages expire 2 years after the date of purchase.
Packages may be shared with up to 5 people. Clients can assign who shares their package on their Vagaro account.
*Packages purchased prior to January 1, 2024 will expire on December 31, 2024
Gift Certificates expire 12 months from the date of purchase. Gift Certificates can be used towards services and packages.
*Gift Certificates purchased prior to January 1, 2024 will have their expiration extended one month after the listed date on the certificate before they are no longer accepted. Gift Certificates with expirations November 2023 or earlier will not be accepted.
All clients are automatically enrolled in the Willow Rewards Loyalty program. Points do not expire.
New clients should arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out necessary paperwork if not already filled out online.
Willow Tree Massage Therapy accepts prenatal clients starting in the first trimester. When choosing a therapist online be sure to choose a therapist who works on first trimester clients.

All prenatal clients will have additional paperwork to be filled out before their first appointment which can be done either online or when you arrive.

Clients who are considered high risk should always check with their care provider before getting a massage.

If you would like to include aromatherapy in your session, please consult your therapist on which essential oils are safe for you to use. Not all essential oils are safe for pregnant women.
Willow Tree Massage Therapy accepts clients between the ages of 13-17 years old. If you have a child younger than 13 and would like to schedule a massage please call ahead of time so we can discuss the best option for your child.

All parents/guardians will need to sign a consent form for their child receiving a massage up through age 17.

A parent or guardian (at least 21 years old) of 13 and 14 year olds will need to be present in the massage room for the entirety of the session.
Parents or guardians of children 15 and up may be in the room if they wish, but is not required.

Spa Policies

Hot Stone massage is the application of smooth, heated stones on the body to relieve stress and tension. Basalt stones are used in a traditional hot stone massage; basalt stones are volcanic rock that retain heat well. The heat from the stones penetrates deep into the muscles allowing for greater relaxation as well as deeper tension relief without added pressure. Heat increases blood flow to the area of application bringing fresh blood and nutrients.
What To Expect During a Hot Stone Massage
The hot stones will be heated at a temperature between 120 and 140 degrees. If at any point during the massage the stones feel too hot, let your therapist know immediately. The general rule is: if the stones are too hot for your therapist to hold, then they are too hot to use on your body.
Some therapists may place stones on different areas of the body depending on your areas of concern. Any hot stones placed on the body should have either a sheet or towel underneath the stone to avoid burning. Always let your therapist know if it’s too hot. When your therapist first starts to massage with the stones, they will keep the stones in constant motion to avoid burning on the skin. As the stones start to cool down, your therapist can start to use them in more concentrated areas.
After a hot stone massage, it’s very important to stay hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after a hot stone massage. You may feel some soreness depending on the pressure used during a massage.
Hot stone massage is an excellent way to elevate relaxation and tension relief, however it may not be the best option for every client. If you have any of the conditions below, hot stone massage is not recommended:
* Please note this is not a comprehensive list and, if you have any questions about if hot stone massage is appropriate, please talk with your doctor and massage therapist.
- Pregnancy
- Cancer
- Neuropathy
- Heart Disease
- Burns
- Open Wounds
- Recent Surgery
- Using Blood Thinners
Your session will start with a brief consultation. You and your therapist will discuss your goals for the session as well as any other relevant information about your pregnancy. If there is anywhere you would like your therapist to avoid, be sure to let them know. Deep pressure is often considered unsafe during pregnancy for areas between the mid to lower back through the legs, so make sure to discuss with your therapist your pressure preferences. Undress to your comfort level.
All our therapists work on prenatal clients in the side lying position. Your therapist will instruct you on how to lay on the table. If you are 13 weeks or earlier, your therapist may allow you to lay on your back and stomach, however this will be determined based on the circumstances of each woman’s pregnancy and may not be a possible option. Side lying is a very safe and comfortable position, and your therapist will be able to massage all the areas of concern.
During the session you will be covered by sheets and a blanket. Your therapist will only uncover the area that they are working on. If at any point you want the pressure adjusted or are feeling pain or discomfort, let your therapist know immediately. Breathe normally during the massage, though your therapist may guide your breathing during certain techniques. While it is perfectly fine to talk during your session, we encourage you to relax and focus on your breathing.
Prenatal massage is incredibly relaxing and generally safe for women in all stages of their pregnancy. However, if you have or have had (even in a previous pregnancy) any of the following conditions, please confer with your doctor/midwife and massage therapist prior to your first session as your prenatal massage may be modified or unadvised:
- Preeclampsia
- High Risk Pregnancy*
- Previous preterm labor
- Placental abruption
*Women who have a multiple pregnancy are safe to receive massage, but may only receive massage side lying regardless of the stage of pregnancy, and should consult with their doctor/midwife prior to their first session. Additional accommodations may need to be made for comfort in later stages of pregnancy.
Prenatal Clients should always consult with their doctor/midwife before using any essential oils. All of our Enhancements can be modified for use by women who are pregnant. Modifications are as follows:
-Scrubs: Unscented scrub and lotion will be available for prenatal clients if the current scented scrub is considered unsafe for pregnancy.
-Cold Stone Face Massage: We will switch out the Peppermint/Eucalyptus scented towels for Lavender. Clients will also be safely positioned so they will not be lying flat on their back during the massage.
-Aromatherapy: A list of pregnancy safe essential oils will be provided to choose from.
-Aromatherapy Scalp Massage: Lavender will be used on women who are pregnant.
No, we do not offer facials. Our Cold Stone Face Massage is not considered a facial.
We are only able to accommodate groups up to three at a time. We recommend calling 6-8 weeks before you’d like to come in, though we cannot guarantee availability. If you would like to inquire about bringing in a group, please call us at 803-396-8473.

Service FAQs

Massage FAQs

Massage is an ancient practice going back thousands of years. It is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, to achieve relaxation and pain relief. More than just a way to pamper yourself, massage is also an incredibly useful resource to incorporate into your health journey. From those with chronic conditions or recovering from injury, to those who just need some time for themselves, we encourage you to experience the healing benefits of massage.
In today’s world, our bodies are constantly in a state of stress and heightened awareness. The goal of a massage is to bring those stress levels down in order for your body to heal. There are two branches of the body’s nervous system, sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is our “fight or flight” response. This is the state our bodies are in most of the time and increases the levels of stress hormones, like cortisol, in our bodies. The parasympathetic nervous system is our “rest and digest” state. When the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in, our bodies are better rested and are given the opportunity to heal. When in that rested state, cortisol levels are reduced and hormones like serotonin are increased. This is the state massage aims to guide your body to in order to achieve the best results.
While in this rested state, your massage therapist will use various techniques to address any areas of concern. The amount of pressure used will be determined by you and your massage therapist, but if at any point during your session you feel pain, let your therapist know immediately. Breathe normally during your session, though your therapist may guide you in specific breathing while using specific techniques.
After your session has ended, that feeling of calm and relaxation should continue. It’s important to drink plenty of water after a massage, as this will allow your body to flush out any metabolic wastes or “toxins” your body may have released during the session. Your therapist may also give suggestions on how you can further benefit from the work done either by returning for future sessions or give recommendations for self-massage or stretching. **Please note that massage therapists are not licensed physicians. Massage therapists cannot prescribe anything to clients, nor should suggestions be taken as a replacement for any guidance or instruction given by a licensed physician.
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Reduces pain from injury or chronic illness
- Increases circulation
- Increases range of motion
- Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
While massage is a wonderful resource for most people, consult with your doctor and let your massage therapist know if any of the following pertain to you as your massage may need to be altered or in rare cases avoided completely:
*Please note this is not a comprehensive list and, if you have any questions about whether or not massage is appropriate, please talk with your doctor and massage therapist
- Hypertension/Hypotension
- Edema (Swelling)
- Taking Blood Thinners or Pain Medications
- Deep Vein Thrombosis and/or Varicose Veins
- Cancer
- Removed Lymph Nodes
- Severe Osteoporosis
- High Risk Pregnancies
- Fever/Sickness
- Under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
Your session starts with a brief consultation. You and your therapist will discuss your goals for the session (relaxation, pain relief, etc) as well as any relevant medical history. Your therapist will then explain which areas of the body will be worked on. If there is anywhere that you would like your therapist to avoid, be sure to let them know. Your therapist will instruct you on how they want you to lay on the massage table. Undress to your level of comfort.
During the session you will be covered by sheets and a blanket. Your therapist will only uncover the area that they are working on. If at any point you want the pressure adjusted or are feeling pain or discomfort, let your therapist know immediately. Breathe normally during the massage, though your therapist may guide your breathing during certain techniques. While it is perfectly fine to talk during your session, we encourage you to relax and focus on your breathing.
Each client’s situation is different. The body responds and heals best with regular massages; however, any massage is better than no massage. Most people will benefit from massages every 3-4 weeks. Those with chronic conditions may benefit from massages every 2-4 weeks depending on their condition. Prenatal clients may begin by coming once a month and increase visits closer to their due date. Recovering from an injury may require multiple visits over a specific period of time. The best way to determine how often you should get massages is to come in for a visit and discuss with your massage therapist after the session.