FAQ
What are your protocols for Covid-19
Please see our Covid-19 page for full details.
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If I'm not comfortable getting massage inside, can we do it outdoors?
We are happy to work with your needs if the weather is appropriate! While we understand your caution, we also need to look out for the comfort and well-being of our massage therapists. We can't massage while wearing gloves or long sleeves! As a result, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule an outdoor massage if the temperature is below 60 degrees.
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What areas do you service?
We currently provide in-home service within San Francisco as well as much of Marin County. For events and chair massage, we serve most of the Bay Area.
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Can I book a session outside your normal hours?
Local law forbids massage between 10pm and 7am.
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What do I need to provide?
We bring the table, lotions, and music. We ask you to provide linens, a space to set up (6 x 10 feet minimum), and access to a restroom with a working sink to wash our hands.
How much room do you need?
We recommend clearing a space of at least 10' by 6' to accommodate the massage table
with room to walk around it. If this isn't possible, we've become experts at fitting into tight spaces.
Please note that certain pieces like couches and beds are easier to work around than walls and bookcases.
We've worked in backyards, basements, balconies, rooftops, you name it.
As long as the location is safe and large enough,
we're happy to accommodate you wherever you're comfortable.
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What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please do so at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of your payment.
There is no charge if the change is made more than 24 hours before the appointment,
or if within 30 minutes of the initial booking (i.e. you accidentally booked today instead of next week,
and immediately noticed). If you need to reschedule an appointment for later the same day,
please call or email us.
If we are able to accommodate the new time, we may waive the penalty.
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Does the listed time include setup, or is it all massage?
We like to arrive 10-15 minutes early in order to set up. The listed time is massage time.
It doesn't begin until you're on the table and we start the session.
We all know traffic and parking can be a pain, so if we are late,
we will always give you the full session.
If you happen to be delayed, we will do our best to accommodate the entire time scheduled
if our schedule permits.
Should I tip my massage therapist?
If you feel we went above and beyond and you'd like to thank us for that, by all means feel free to do so.
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Should I play my own music or is it provided?
We all carry portable sound systems and bring our own relaxing music.
If you'd rather play your own music or have us plug into your totally sweet hifi stereo system,
just let us know when we arrive.
We are all about creating the best experience for you, and if that means you'd rather hear Mozart,
Miles Davis, The Monkees, or Ministry during your massage, we're happy to oblige.
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What should I wear?
Whatever you're comfortable with! All of our therapists are proficient with draping, so modesty should not be an issue. If you're more comfortable keeping your underwear on, by all means do so. (for women, the bra is best left off). If you prefer to stay fully dressed, we recommend thin, loose-fitting clothing similar to what you might wear to bed or during yoga.
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Can I use my own massage table?
Absolutely! Just let us know when you book the session, so we don’t end up lugging our own to your space as well.
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Do you offer massage to people under the age of 18?
Yes! We ask clients under 18 years old to keep their underwear on at all times and that a parent or guardian be home. We also keep the door open at all times when the massage therapist is in the room with the client.
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Can I use you even if I live up three flights of stairs?
Please. This is San Francisco! We're used to it, and if we didn't want to deal with stairs, we wouldn't be doing this! That being said, we may ask for some help if you live up an extraordinary number of stairs (at the top of Filbert Street, for example).
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Can I use my own sheets or lotions?
While we used to bring our own linens, that stopped with the pandemic and we now ask all clients to provide their own. Some of our clients have sensitive skin and prefer to use their oils or lotions to be safe. Please note, however, that oils can expire and become rancid, so if you want us to use the magical healing salve that you brought home from Bolivia three years ago, please check it first.
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You're not the only game in town. Why choose you?
We realize you have many options when it comes to mobile massage these days.
That's a great thing, but consider what sets us apart:
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You know who you're getting. Many other services offer little choice in the matter; it's really luck of the draw. With BackSpace, you choose your massage therapist whenever you book.
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No matter who you choose, you'll be getting a highly-experienced professional. We have over 30 years of mobile massage experience. We know what we're doing!
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We are 100% worker-owned and committed to sustainable business practices.