Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have chronic pain?
What are Trigger Points and do I have them?
Do I need a doctor’s prescription?
Does insurance pay for massage?
Can I bring someone with me?
Are there any conditions that prevent me getting a trigger point massage?
Can I get a massage if I have cancer or going through cancer treatments?

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. Chronic pain typically has persisted for at least 3 months. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments. Chronic pain tends to interfere with the ability to perform activities of daily living and affects the quality of life.

Do I have Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain may be related to a number of different medical conditions,  previous trauma or injury. Chronic pain in older adults is often related to degenerative conditions that are caused by advancing age, including arthritis and wear and tear issues affecting the spine. These conditions commonly cause pain in the back, neck, hips, and knees.

Chronic pain may worsen in response to environmental and/or psychological factors.

There are a variety of treatment options for people with chronic pain. The goal of pain management is to provide symptom relief and improve an individual's level of functioning in daily activities. A number of types of medications have been used in the management of chronic pain. Interestingly, chronic pain can sometimes be relieved by stopping smoking and/or caffeine, reducing weight, exercising, optimizing nutrition and/or sleep. Chronic pain requires the diligent monitoring of caring healthcare providers.

REFERENCE:

Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

What are Trigger Points and do I have them?
Studies show that trigger points are involved in 75%-95% of pain, and the main cause of 85% of all pain, including headaches, and even toothache, and period pain. So, it stands to reason that treating trigger points can do away with almost all pain, and it turns out that that is in fact true. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myofascial_trigger_point

Myofascial Trigger Points are, in a shortened sense, "... hyper-irritable spots within taut bands of muscle that produce a characteristic pain referral pattern when they are stressed. Active trigger points are currently producing pain. Latent trigger points are not currently producing pain, but are easily awakened  and made active by stress, tension or biomechanical overload." http://www.massagetherapypractice.com/encyclopedia/articles.php?c=10

Do I need a doctor’s prescription? While a prescription is not legally necessary at this time, some insurance companies that pay for massage may ask for a prescription. If you have a complex medical condition, you may want to consult with your health care provider so that they can be in contact with your massage therapist to provide the most effective massage.

Does insurance pay for massage? Currently, some auto insurance, workers compensation, and Federal Health/Medical Savings Plans provide payment for massage therapy.  Please call for specific details.

Can I bring someone with me? You may bring a guest with you to your massage as long as they are able to sit quietly and not interfere with the massage. We kindly ask that you not bring small children that would need your attention during the massage Remember, you are coming either for a medical treatment or relaxation.  If your guest also decides to get a massage of the same or longer length, you get a 10% DISCOUNT !

Can I get a massage if I have cancer or going through cancer treatments? Yes. Please call the office to discuss your specific needs, concerns or medical condition.

Are there any conditions that prevent me getting a trigger point massage? A couple of conditions that require you not receive a massage include when you have a fever, the flu, having acute cardiac conditions, have sunburn in the area to be massaged or having a medical condition that the massage therapist is not experienced in treating.

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Trigger Point Therapy may result in the reduction of symptoms for the following problems:

Abdominal Pain, Achilles Tendinitis, Adhesive Capsulitis, Angina, Ankle Sprain, Arthritis Back Pain, Buckling Knee, Burning Pain, Bursitis, Calf Cramps, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Costochondritis, Discoordination, Dizziness, Drooping Eyelid, Earache, Endometriosis, Eyelid Twitching, Eye Pain, Fibromyalgia, Finger Pain, Foot Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Genital Pain, Golfer's Elbow, Gout, Groin Pain, Growing Pains, Hammertoe, Headache, Heartburn, Heel Pain, Hip Pain, Irritable Bowel, Jaw Pain, Joint Pain, Joint Stiffness, Joint Popping, Knee Pain, Knuckle Pain, Leg Pain, Locked Knee, Low Back Pain , Meralgia Paresthetica, Migraine, Morton's Foot, Neck Pain, Numbness in Hands, Numbness in Feet, Osteoarthritis, Pelvic Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, Phantom Limb Pain, Piriformis Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, Repetitive Strain Injury, Restless Legs, Rotator Cuff Injury, Runner's Knee, Sciatica, Sensitive Teeth, Shin Splints, Shoulder Pain, Side Stitch, Sinus Symptoms, Spinal Pain, Stiff Fingers, Stumbling, Subluxation, Tendinitis, Tennis Elbow, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Thumb Pain, Tingling in Hands, Tingling in Feet, TMJ Disorder, Toe Pain, Tongue Pain, Toothache, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Turf Toe, Vertigo, Whiplash Injury, Wrist Sprain, Writer's cramp, massage, deep tissue, physical therapy, back pain,