FAQs

Below are some of the common questions Owl recieves.  

If you don't see the answer to your question here, please don't hesitate to email or call.  Owl@RiverandFernMassage.com (206) 507-5206

Do you take insurance?

Unfortunately, at my scale it is not feasible to bill insurance.  I do accept HSA cards, and I can provide a super bill if you would like to seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier.

If you'd like a super bill, ask me for one at your appointment, or email me afterward.

I'd like to seek reimbursement from my health insurance company for the cost of my massage.  What can you tell me about that?

If your health insurance plan has an out of network benefit, your health insurance company might reimburse you for all or part of the cost of your massage.  The amount they will reimburse depends on your plan, and their policy.


Your health insurance company might only cover the cost of one hour of massage per day.  This means that if you schedule a 75 or 90 minute massage, you might not be able to receive reimbursement for the last 15 or 30 minutes.


Your health insurance company might require that you have a prescription for massage in order to receive reimbursement.  Your general practice MD can write a precription.  Many chiropractors will also be happy to help you get a massage precription.  


There might be a time limit during which you can get reimbursed.  This time limit will vary from one company to another.  If you plan to seek reimbursement, be sure to do it in a timely manner.


Each company's policy is different, and may change from year to year.  Be sure to contact your health insurance company  for details.

How much do you charge?

60 minute massage: sliding scale $90-$145

75 minute massage: sliding scale $112-$180

90 minute massage: sliding scale $135-$217

What is sliding scale pricing? How do I know how much to pay?

River and Fern has a no-questions-asked approach to sliding scale pricing.  At the end of your massage (if for example you scheduled a 60 minute massage), I’ll say “it’s $90-$145, how much would you like to do?” And you’ll choose the amount in that range that’s right for you.


People who can fit massage more easily into their budget, and choose the high end of the scale make it possible for me to offer the more affordable price to people who need it. 

What days are you available?

River and Fern is open the following hours:

Sundays: 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Mondays: 10:00am to 4:30pm

Tuesdays: closed

Wednesdays: closed

Thursdays: 10:00am to 6:30pm

Fridays: 12:00pm to 6:30pm

Saturdays: 9:00am to 3:30pm

Does my massage have to hurt?

Not at all!  The amount of pressure I use will depend on your goals.  I will not use more pressure than you are comfortable with.  The amount of intesity that you feel during your massage will depend on your pain tolerance, how often you recieve massage, and how much tension is in any given part of your body. 

Will I be sore after my massage?

Not everyone will feel soreness after their massage, but it's possible.  Don't worry, it's normal and has to do wil the change in the muscle tissue.  

What are the benefits of hot stone massage?

Hot stones are useful for people who are not able to tolerate very much pressure, but still want the effects of a deep tissue massage.  Because the connective tissue that surounds the muscles is solid when it's cold, and softer when it is warm, the heat of the stones makes it easier to release muscle tension.  Hot stones can contribute to dehydration, so it may not be a good chioce if you have a hard time staying hydrated.

How do you treat TMJ issues?

I'll start by working on the muscles of the neck, cheeks, chin, and scalp.  If that's not enough, I'm specially certified to work on the muscles on the inside of your mouth.

Can I get a massage while I'm pregnant?

Yes! I'm happy to work on pregnant people.

Can my child get a massage?

Sure! I'm happy to work on minors.  I will need the parent to fill out a written consent form and provide identifiacation that they are the parent of the minor in question.   I will also need the parent remain in the waiting area during their child's massage, and depending on the age of the child, I may require the parent to remain in the treatment room.

What is cupping are what are the benefits?

Cupping is a practice from traditional Chinese medicine.  It is a technique that helps seperate layers of muscle that are stuck together.  Originaly, cupping involved glass or ceramic cups and involved fire.  There are still people who practice this traditional method of cupping, but I opt for the modern cilacone cups, no fire is involved.  Cupping can leave circular bruises.  I do everything I can to minimize the amount of brusing, however the amount of bruising that you may experience is unpredictable. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash and check are preferred, but I also accept credit, debit, and HSA cards; as well as Venmo and CashApp.  

Do you offer lyphatic drainage?

No, lymphatic drainage is a specialized technique that I have not studied, yet.

Do you offer craniosacral massage?

No, craniosacral is a specialized technique that I have not studied, yet.