When should I NOT get a massage?
What happens during a massage?
Do I have to be completely undressed?
How often should I receive a massage?
Can I purchase gift certificates?
What should I keep in mind before/after my massage?
When should I get a massage?
Any time is a good time to get a massage. You don’t need to wait until you’re stressed or injured. Massage works wonders as preventive care for body and mind. Regular massage is a wonderful way to cope with stress, both physical and emotional, and to keep it from causing discomfort or harm to your body.
Massage can also be beneficial in the healing process. If you’ve found yourself dealing with a nagging minor injury, sore muscles, or stress, contact us to see what we can do to help you.
When should I NOT get a massage?
If you have any of the following conditions, you should not get a massage:
- Fever
- Any type of infectious disease
- Systemic infections
- Severe cold
- Fracture, bleeding, burns, or other acute injury
- Liver and/or kidney diseases
- Blood clot
- Pregnancy-induced diabetes, toxemia, preeclampsia/eclampsia
- High blood pressure (unless under control with medication)
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Open skin lesions or sores (therapist may work around them if localized)
If you’re unsure about whether a condition prohibits you from getting a massage, call us before your appointment. If you have a chronic medical condition, check with your doctor before proceeding on a course of massage therapy.
At your initial visit, your therapist will have you fill out a new-client form. Included on this form are places to record any medical conditions or allergies. Once you’ve completed the form you’ll have a chance to discuss your answers with your massage therapist.
What happens during a massage?
This depends on the type of massage you’re receiving. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes early to fill out a new-client form. This form will include your personal information and will guide the therapist toward your unique preferences or needs.
Once you’ve finished the intake forms, your massage therapist will give you some privacy to get ready for the massage. Depending on the type of massage you’re receiving you may be lying on the floor or table under a drape, or on a mat wearing comfortable clothing. If you have any questions on how to prepare for the massage or how to position yourself, be sure to ask.
Do I have to be completely undressed?
You should undress to your comfort level. We suggest to clients that they be completely undressed under the drape, but they should leave on whatever clothes are necessary for them to be relaxed during the massage. If removing all your clothes makes you unable to relax, then you won’t obtain the optimal benefits from your massage. Alternatively, if you are most comfortable without any clothing, then you should disrobe completely under the drape to achieve maximum comfort.
Can I talk during a massage?
The key to a massage is relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the experience. If you feel most comfortable talking during your massage, you may. Focusing on your breathing and relaxation during the massage will enhance its benefits to you. If anything makes you uncomfortable at any time during the massage, bring it to the therapist’s attention.
How often should I receive a massage?
If the massage is to relieve chronic tightness or pain from an injury, weekly sessions may be necessary to build on the improvement from each session and bring relief. If the massage is for preventive care, once a month is normal. Massages are also beneficial in relieving stress and promoting relaxation even when received infrequently.
Most people receive massages due to what their pocketbook allows. More and more health care providers and insurance companies are recognizing the benefits of regular massage therapy. Check with your insurance provider to see if any massage therapy benefits are covered under your plan.
Do you accept insurance?
As insurance policies vary, we recommend you contact your provider to determine your coverage. While we do not bill your insurance carrier directly, many carriers offer reimbursement for covered services.
Can I purchase gift certificates?
Yes. Gift certificates are valid one year from the date of purchase. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
What should I keep in mind before/after my massage?
To flush away toxins released during your treatment, we recommend drinking at least 64 ounces of water throughout the day of your massage (before and after your session).
After your massage session you may notice slight “microshifts” in your body due to the release of tension and stress in muscles and connective tissues. These “microshifts” or slight changes in ergonomics are not serious, but care should be taken during physical activity to avoid injury. We urge our clients to be gentle with themselves for a few days during workout sessions or physical activities to avoid any stress to the muscles and connective tissues treated during their sessions.