Frequently asked questions.

What do I need to do before my appointment?

  • Make sure that you received an email confirmation for your appointment, and double check that the Date and time of your appointment matches with the time/date you meant to book your visit.

  • You should also receive an email with a link to complete an online intake form, after you have booked your appointment. This will be a separate email from your booking confirmation email. If you could not complete your intake form online before your visit, it will have to be completed during your massage session, and this will take away time from hands on work. The intake form is automatically resent 2 days before each visit, so you can update it easily when you have any health changes.

  • I ask that you arrive no sooner that 5 min before your scheduled visit. In the event that you arrive early, please take a seat in the lobby, to allow your therapist adequate time to prepare for your appointment.

What should I expect during my visit? What do I wear?

When you first enter the office, we will discuss the goals for your session by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. It is important to have your complete health history filled out in your intake form prior to your visit. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.Then I will exit the room to re-wash my arms and hands, while allowing you time to change for the session. Remove all jewelry and undress to your comfort level, before getting under the sheets on the massage table and wait for my return.  You will remain professionally draped at all times during the session, as is required.

If you do not want to be draped then you will be required to wear flexible/comfortable athletic wear that will adequately cover you, but can still allow work to be done on the areas that you need. (i.e. sports bra and athletic shorts). Boxers and other undergarments will not qualify as adequate apparel (except for sports bras).  At the end of your session, your therapist will exit the room to allow you to redress while they re-wash . When you have finished dressing, you should open the door, which lets your therapist know that it is safe to re-enter the room. Payments will be processed in the massage room, and questions about your session can be addressed, as well as, any rebooking needs.

When should I NOT get a massage?

You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection (or rash, such as poison oak or ivy, as this may be transferable by oils to your therapist or another client). It is always best to have your physician approval before booking a massage, if you have specific conditions under doctor supervision(cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This may not mean you can't get massage. But it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Sometimes you may receive the ok by your physician, for massage with some limitations, like avoiding deep pressure or avoiding a certain areas (i.e. cuts or burns). There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns).

How long of a massage session should I book? How often will I need a massage?

There are some ideas about what each length of session can typically accomplish, on the Services page, Here. The frequency of massage and more detailed questions that are specific to you, can be addressed directly with Allison by phone call, text or email.

What is your cancellation policy? What policies do you have?

Serene Strength Massage’s Cancellation policy, and other policies, can be viewed in full Here

How do I book an appointment?

There are several ways you can book an appointment. You may book by phone (515)446-8115 or email Allison@SereneStrengthMassage.com, or you can conveniently book your appointment online by clicking the “Book Now” buttons, or clicking on the “booking” tab.These will take you to the online scheduler. When you have completed the process you will receive one confirmation email that includes details for your appointment. You should receive a second email 2 days before every appointment, with a link to complete the online intake form that you should fill out prior to your appointment (or update if there are health changes since your last visit).

How do I know if I have completed the online booking process?

If you think you have completed the online booking process, you should receive an automatic booking confirmation email with details for your appointment. Read over the email, and make sure that the date and time of your visit is correct and if you have any questions please contact Allison.

If you have not received a confirmation email after waiting adequate time (30 min or more), AND have checked your spam folder, then contact Allison to let her know that you have not received confirmation. She will correct the issue to ensure that your visit is scheduled. If you do not receive a separate email with a link to complete the online intake form, please contact Allison at (515)446-8115 or by email at Allison@serenestrengthmassage.com and she can resend an email to you. As the intake form needs to be completed prior to your visit, or time will be taken away from your visit to complete the form.

How do I purchase gift cards?

Serene Strength Massage now sells two forms of gift cards! Traditional gift certificates and E-Gift cards.

E-Gift cards are offered through Square, which can be easily purchased online. All you have to do is enter your name and email, the name of the recipient and their email, then you can complete a personalized message. You can choose to send it instantly or set it to send at a future date (so you can plan ahead for for holidays or birthdays). Just follow this link.

Traditional card stock gift certificates are also available for purchase. If you would like to purchase this type of certificate, contact Allison directly to arrange a time to pick up gift cards in the office, so that you don’t arrive when she is busy with another client. It’s helpful to aim for 24 hours notice from the date you need to pick up a gift certificate, just to ensure that there is a time you can come to the office that works for both of your schedules.

How can I use my discount code? How can I use my Gift Card?

If you book through phone call/text or email, just mention the code that you were given and it will be applied when the therapist schedules your appointment. If you book online, you can add a note about your discount code (or gift card) when booking and you will want to select to “pay at visit” instead of pre-paying for your appointment online, because the scheduling system doesn’t accept the discount codes when booking. Due to the scheduling system, the discount will not be reflected in the automated confirmation email that you receive. Your therapist will adjust your price at your visit when checking out.

Most Gift cards should be accepted by the online booking system, but if for any reason your card is not being accepted, just make sure to select “pay at visit” instead of pre-paying for your appointment, and your therapist will add your gift card when checking out at your appointment.

What oils/lotions will be used?

The only product used at Serene Strength Massage is Sacred Earth Organic Massage Gel. I have never had a client have skin issues from using this gel, and they seem to like how it absorbs compared to other products.

This information comes directly from the manufacturer’s website:

“What’s in it: Certified Organic Sunflower Oil, Certified Organic Safflower Oil,  Certified Organic Coconut Oil, Certified Organic Shea Butter, Certified Organic Olive Oil,  Certified Organic Beeswax, and Non-GMO D-Tocopherols (Vitamin E).

What’s not in it: Nut Oils, fragrance, common allergens or harmful preservatives.

Get the best of both worlds with this USDA certified organic massage gel.  It has the glide and purity of an oil with the grip and control of a cream.    With no preservatives and only certified organic ingredients, the Organic Massage Gel is the purest choice for you, your clients and the earth. “

Is your office ADA accessible?

Yes! There is a ramp in front of the office to accommodate wheelchair accessibility, as well as compliant doorways and handles. Serene Strength Massage also uses an ADA compliant massage table, that can electronically lift and lower, as low as 17 inches from the ground and up to 35 inches high. It also is equipped with the ability to tilt/lift the back rest area so that clients can sit upright or elevated, instead of laying completely flat when supine (face up) on the table.

Where is Serene Strength Massage Located?

Serene Strength Massage is located INSIDE of Optimum Performance Physical Therapy. 3354 100th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322 is the address, you can also google Serene Strength Massage for GPS navigation to this address.

It is on the west side of 100th street, sandwiched between Hickman Rd and Douglas Ave, next door to Healthy For Life and Mattress Firm.

What are the hours of operation for Serene Strength Massage?

Monday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:00PM

Wednesday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00PM

What are the prices for Serene Strength Massage?

  • 30 min- $60

  • 45 min-$75

  • 60 min-$95

  • 75 min-$120

  • 90 min -$145