Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
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.
What should I do after a massage?
Drink plenty of WATER before and after your session (8-12 glasses total) . During a massage metabolic waste, or toxins are released. Increasing your water intake will assist your body in removing those toxins. Rembmer that at least 70% of your body is made up of water and 90% of your blood..it's no wonder water is so important.
Another thing that a person can do is take an Epson Salt Bath - not recommended for those with high blood pressure. How does it work? How does it work? It promotes the release of lactic acid from muscle tissue. An Epson salt bath can be helpful anytime you are suffering from aches and muscle strain. It is also an excellent idea after having a massage to relieve any generalized soreness from treatment to a particularly tight area.
How do I take an Epson Salt Bath?
dd 2-4 cups in a full bath of hot water. Drink 4-6 cups of water during or after bathing to avoid dehydration. Must apply a cool cloth to forehead and neck (carotid arteries) for comfort to prevent the temperature in your brain to become to high. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Lay back, relax and enjoy!
As with any hot bath, get out of the tub slowly. Rinse off to cool your body, with a cool shower, or use a cold cloth when leaving the bath. Rest for about an hour to balance out your body.
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.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks (with a valid driver's license), debit and all major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover)
Can massage therapists diagnose?
Massage therapists are not qualified to perform spinal or skeletal adjustments, diagnose, prescribe, or treat any physical or mental illness, and that nothing said in the course of the session received should be construed as such. Massage should not be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment for any mental or physical ailment only a doctor can diagnose a therapist will only let the client know if he or she has had good results and will not guarantee that it will work for you.
Does insurance cover massage?
At this time most insurance companies do not cover massage therapy. However, a few do, so it is best to check with your insurance carrier directly. We participate with Riverside Risk Management.
If you have actual coverage for massage therapy then we will get paid directly by your insurance. They pay 50% of a one hour massage session. Please call your Human Resources Department or contact Riverside Risk Management to find out if you have coverage. There are only a few companies at the present time that have actual coverage for massage therapy.
Should I tip my therapist?
We leave this up to your discretion. There are many places where tipping for massage is customary, such as spas and salons. There are also places where tipping is not customary, such as medical offices. We fall in between these 2 categories. Our general rule of thumb is if you would like to tip your therapist, please do so. They will gladly accept all tips, but they do not expect tips. In other words, it's okay if you do, and it's okay if you don't.
Remember
The Best Form of Appreciation is a Referral
Please email or give us a call if you have any questions or concerns or would like to book an appointment for a massage.
We look forward to hearing from you.
