Please note: A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for all cancellations.
If you miss a scheduled appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours notice,
you will be charged the full amount for the service.
When should I get a massage?
Massage works wonders as preventive care for your body and mind. A regular massage is a wonderful way to cope with stress, both physical and emotional. It is an important investment in yourself and your health.
Can I book my appointments online?For appointments at Rochester Integrative Therapy, you can conveniently schedule your appointments online. You will receive an email confirmation for each appointment you book.
For appointments at DelMonte Spa, call the Spa directly at 585-419-3000 and ask to book with Karen Holmes.
Why isn't the appointment I wanted to book online available?
If the time or day you are looking for is not available through online booking, it means Karen is already booked or unavailable. It is suggested that you book your appointments in advance on a regular maintenance schedule that fits your budget and lifestyle. However, in some circumstances a situation will arise in which clients need to be seen on an urgent/last minute basis. Please call Rochester Integrative Therapy at 585.442.5410 to see if we can accommodate any sessions without an advanced-scheduled appointment.
Can I buy gift certificates online?
For appointments at Rochester Integrative Therapy, you can purchase gift certificates online through the "Buy Now" buttons. Once you click the button you will have the option of using a credit card or PayPal for your purchase, and you may add a personal note to your recipient if you wish. For DelMonte Spa gift certificates, call the Spa directly at 585-419-3000 to purchase by credit card, or you can come to the spa in person.
Can I add a gratuity to online purchases?
No. Gratuities cannot be added to online purchases.
How early should I arrive for my session?
If your session is at the DelMonte Spa, you will want to arrive 30-60 minutes before your session to take advantage of the beautiful facilities. This will give you time to shower, take a sauna, and have a cup of tea in our relaxing sanctuary before your session.
If your session is at Rochester Integrative Therapy, please arrive no more than 5 minutes early for your appointment.
What if I arrive late?
Unfortunately, your session cannot be extended if you arrive late, so you will lose time and still be required to pay for the full service.
What about tipping?
Gratuities are the lifeblood of the spa/massage business. An average tip for a massage therapist is 20-30% of the total cost of your session and should reflect your satisfaction with the service.
What is the difference between The DelMonte Spa and Rochester Integrative Therapy?
The DelMonte Spa is a multi-million dollar facility within a Marriott Renaissance Hotel and features an award winning gourmet restaurant. When you arrive at the Spa, you will be greeted and checked in by one of our Spa Coordinators before being guided to the locker room and sanctuary. Robes, slippers, towels, teas, water, and complimentary beauty aides (such as shampoo, conditioner, and mouthwash) are available. A locker is provided to secure any valuables. A delicious Spa menu is available if you wish to order food either before or after your session.
In contrast, Rochester Integrative Therapy is a cozy and warm space with the focus on quiet, one-on-one healing sessions. 
What should I expect at my session?
To ensure there is no pre-existing condition that would impact your session, please discuss any health concerns at the onset of your appointment. Feel free to ask any questions about your session. Karen will then leave the room so you may undress/disrobe and lie comfortably on the table under the sheet and banket. Except for the region being worked on, you will remain covered the entire session.
Should I talk during the session?
If you want to - sure! If you don't want to - sure! Remember: this is your session! Please inform Karen of any changes that need to be made in temperature of the room, lighting, sound level, or music. Then, relax and enjoy! Good communication is essential to make sure you enjoy your session to the fullest. If you say nothing (or fall asleep!) then Karen will assume you are enjoying the session.
Is it OK to fall asleep during the session?
You are more than welcome to relax and fall asleep if you wish. Deeply restorative bodywork is going to be effective either way, and most clients often drift off into a dream state while enjoying the benefits of the healing session. People often find as the session draws to a close they gently start to return to a conscious state.
Is Karen a Licensed Massage Therapist?
Yes. In addition to the standard 1000 hours of training and New York State Board Exam, Karen is also Nationally Certified and participates in continuing education trainings regularly.
What is the benefit of having a therapist that is licensed?
The laws in New York are very clear that anyone practicing massage therapy must be licensed, and New York holds one of the highest levels of requirements for massage therapy in the United States. You can find someone who gives a good backrub, but as a licensed therapist, Karen has completed extensive training in anatomy, physiology, treatment techniques, pathology, ethics, and contraindications. In order to offer a professional, therapeutically-based service to you that considers your health and safety first and foremost, it is to your benefit to have a therapist that is not only skilled, but also legally endorsed by New York state and nationally.
What parts of the body does the massage include?
It is standard practice for licensed massage therapists to work on the adductors (inner thigh), gluteal muscles (buttocks), stomach/abdominal area, subscapularis/pectoralis (armpit area) and décolleté (chest area). If you feel shy or uncomfortable about this or anything else, please let Karen know.
Do I get completely undressed, including undergarments?
Yes. You will always be draped during the session. You should feel comfortable at all times, so if you have any concerns, please discuss them. If you feel uncomfortable about getting undressed, you can schedule a reflexology session instead of massage (you don’t have to undress for reflexology.)
What is reflexology?
Reflexology focuses on the feet. Karen’s session is based on the Kripalu Flow of reflexology. If you haven’t tried it and are curious, book a session today and you (and your feet) will be so happy that you did! Reflexology is extremely healing and relaxing. It is also a great introduction to bodywork. If you or someone you know is shy or apprehensive, reflexology can really help by providing a relaxing, healing experience without having to undress.)
My feet are ticklish, so I don’t think I can try reflexology!
Many people with ticklish feet are pleasantly surprised that they fully enjoy reflexology. This is because the pressure applied to the feet is not light and ticklish. It is with specific intent of applying pressure to areas of the feet and lower leg to stimulate muscles and nerve endings in a way that the body responds and naturally gravitates towards its own homeostasis.
Is a massage therapy license required to do reflexology in NY?
Yes. New York state law clearly states that only licensed massage therapists can perform reflexology legally. Performing massage, reflexology, Raindrop Technique, accupressure, etc. without a valid massage license is a felony in New York.
If I’m pregnant can I receive massage?
If you are in your 2nd or 3rd trimester and are having a low risk pregnancy, massage and reflexology can be very beneficial and relaxing. It is commonly thought to be prudent to avoid massage within the first trimester.
Can I receive massage after I have had alcohol or drugs?
There are a few reasons you wouldn’t want a massage if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. First, your perception and sensation levels will be altered. This includes both prescription and nonprescription medication that affects your ability to perceive pain. Second, alcohol and drugs put stress on your liver and dehydrate your system, so even if you only have one drink before a massage, you are already putting your body in a position to suffer dehydration. If you are not properly hydrated, your body can’t efficiently get rid of the waste, and you may suffer from detoxification symptoms. If you arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Karen will cancel the session and you will be responsible for payment.
Are there any erotic or sexual services available?
NO! The massage Karen provides is therapeutic only and absolutely non-erotic and non-sexual. Do not even ask or the session will be terminated immediately and you will be asked to pay for the full session and leave the premises.
When should I book my next session?
We strongly encourage you to schedule in advance or after each appointment as Karen is often fully booked. Keeping a regular day and time for your sessions also helps you to remember your sessions and ensures a great health maintenance program. The longer you allow stress and strain to take a toll on your body is directly proportional to the amount and frequency of massage you will need, therefore, it is best to schedule regular massages for maintenance instead of putting yourself in a postition when your stress has become debilitating and preventing you from performing daily tasks or sleeping properly.
If you have any suggestions or comments or would like to add a question to this page, please contact Karen here.
