Frequently Asked Questions

How does your therapeutic massage differ from a standard day spa or relaxation massage?

Our approach is entirely goal-oriented and outcome-based. Instead of running through a standardized full-body routine, we sit down with you to analyze your posture habits and physical stressors. If you have severe shoulder knots from a high-stakes work week, we may spend the majority of your session targeting those specific tissue restrictions to restore your mobility, rather than diluting the time across unaffected areas.

How often should I make therapeutic massage a part of my self-care routine?

To successfully counteract a demanding, 40-hour work week, consistency is key. For preventative maintenance and to keep chronic shoulder and neck tension from locking up, we recommend integrating clinical bodywork into your routine every 3 to 4 weeks. For acute pain or intensive posture correction, a short-term bi-weekly schedule may be recommended initially.

Do you offer Couples Massage? 

We do not have a facility to service two people in the same room, however, our clients likes to come together and have two sessions in separate rooms. You can enjoy our complimentary herbal tea together in our tearoom before and/or after the session.

Do you specialize in massage for desk workers and "tech neck"?

Yes. The majority of our clients are Portland tech professionals, engineers, and architects who spend long hours at workstations. We specialize in target-driven clinical bodywork, combining deep tissue therapy and myofascial release to safely unwinding the chronic neck and shoulder tension, chest tightening, and tension headaches caused by prolonged screen time and ergonomic stress.

Can I use my HSA or FSA funds for your massage and wellness services?

Yes. Since our services focus on therapeutic outcomes, clinical bodywork, and preventative medical nutrition, they are typically eligible for Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card payments. We can provide you with an itemized receipt or superbill detailing the treatment codes required by your provider for seamless reimbursement. We always recommend checking with your specific plan administrator regarding their documentation requirements.

Can I talk during the session? 

Your practitioner will not initiate a conversation unless you do. It’s time for you to relax, you don’t need to talk during the session or feel awkward for sleeping.

Do you work with people of all body sizes?

Absolutely — and this is central to who we are. Our practice is grounded in Health at Every Size® (HAES) principles. Every body is welcome here, without weight-related commentary, judgment, or pressure. Our table accommodates all body types, and our practitioners are trained in trauma-informed, body-neutral care.

What makes House Nine different from other Portland massage studios?

A few things: we are a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist owned massage studio, we serve an herbal tisane with every visit, our practice is trauma-informed and HAES-aligned, and we specialize in modalities suited to chronic stress — Ashiatsu, Craniosacral Therapy, and Lymphatic Drainage alongside Swedish and deep tissue. We're a full-spectrum wellness practice, not a single-service studio.

Do you offer corporate wellness programs?

Yes — we work with Portland-area companies to deliver on-site chair massage, group wellness workshops (stress, nutrition, herbal medicine), and Self Care Club group memberships for employees. Corporate programs can be tailored for one-time events or ongoing quarterly engagements. Contact us to discuss your team's needs.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION OR NO-SHOW POLICY?

We have a 24-hour cancellation or rescheduling policy. If you cannot make your appointment, please call to cancel as soon as possible. Any appointments canceled within 24 hours with notice will be charged 50% of their scheduled service. No-call, no-show clients will be charged 100% of their scheduled service.

DO YOU ACCEPT MY INSURANCE?

We do NOT accept insurance for in-network coverage or MVA/PIP. If you would like to self-submit, we are happy to provide a superbill after your appointment.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE I COME FOR MY SERVICE OR TO VISIT THE TEA ROOM?

You can review all the information you need for your visit on the Know Before You Go page.

IS THE TEA ROOM CURRENTLY OPEN?

Our tea service is currently only available to clients who book a service. We offer complimentary herbal infusions with every appointment. The retail space is always open to the public for shopping. We sell our teas to everyone for at-home brewing.

WHAT COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS ARE YOU TAKING? 

We are considered a healthcare facility under OHA and OBMT. All rooms are thoroughly sanitized between clients. As of April 2023, we are a mask-optional facility. We are happy to accommodate any mask requests. You can read more about our cleaning and COVID-19 procedures here.

What is the Self Care Club membership?

The Self Care Club is our monthly membership program offering priority booking, waived cancellation fees, take-home herbal tea, and Wellness Points that build toward future services. Available in 60-minute and 90-minute monthly tiers. Membership is rolling and can be paused or cancelled.