Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

If you are new to massage therapy, we understand that you might have some questions.

Below are the answers to the questions that are most commonly asked about massage therapy treatment. Should you have additional questions please feel free to contact us.

 

Question:

How will massage therapy benefit me?

Answer:

Effects of massage therapy include but are not limited to:

• Pain control
• Increasing circulation
• Reducing blood pressure
• Increasing lymph flow
• Reduction of swelling
• Rehabilitation from injuries/ surgery
• Reduce restrictions and adhesions that develop after surgery, injury or immobilization.
• Improve respiratory functions
• Boosts immune system
• Reduces stress, anxiety and depression
• Disease and injury prevention
• Postural alignment and
• Over all soft tissue and joint health

Question:

How does massage therapy work?

Answer:

Massage can address the source of pain by blocking painful signals from reaching the brain.  Opioids; such as seratonin and dopamine, are natural endorphins that are 200 times stronger than morphine.  They are released during a massage therapy treatment to the area in your brain that makes you feel pain.  As opioids are released, they block the painful stimulis from occuring so that I can effectivly treat your painful area.  Left untreated, Pain often begins with spasms that reduce local circulation. Adhesions, fibrosis, trigger points and facial restrictions develop, leaving a decrease in nutrient and oxygen delivery to the tissue. 

Massage can address pain by:

 

• Increase circulation: 10 min of massage will double blood flow, which last up to 40 minutes after treatment (Wood, Becker, 1981)
• Decrease swelling: Specialized massage techniques (MLD) are proven to increase lymphatic flow by 9 times the normal rate of lymph flow.  (Yates, 1990)
• Eliminate spasms: Clinical application of technique applied to gamma motor system; which effects your muscle tone, decrease the spasm and increase the total resting length of muscles.  (Gelb, 1985, DeLisa, Gans, 1993)
• Reducing fascial restrictions:  Clinically, massage is effective in reducing adhesions and fibrosis in sub acute and chronic injuries.  (DeLisa, Gans, 1993) 
• Treatment of muscular dysfunction:  Trigger points were eradicated from muscles following 10 separate treatments of repetitive massage.  (Travell, Simons, 1992)
• Reduce stress and improve immune  function:  Stress is known to decrease the immune response, resulting in susceptibility to illness.  (Selye, 1974; Porth, 1990) 
• Promotes whole body well being.  Massage can be shown to have a positive effect on almost any condition.  (Knaster, 1994)
   

 

Question:

How often will I need treatments?

Answer:

Your body will let you know. Some people require only a few sessions to treat a specific problem, while others become regular users of massage therapy as both proactive and preventative healthcare.  A treatment plan will be determined upon your initial assesment, and is unique to each individual. 

*The best results are achieved by those that take an active part in their healthcare and do the exercises and homecare that has been prescribed. 

 

Question:

How old does a person need to be to receive massage therapy?

Answer:

Any age. Massage therapy treatments are effective from birth until palliative care stages.  I also teach a infant massage class!   I love showing new mothers and fathers an additional way to bond with their baby!  If your interested in an infant massage class, Just le me know! 

Question:

Will massage therapy increase my muscle tone?

Answer:

No, massage therapy does not increase muscle tone or muscle strength.  Exercise helps these issues, and I am qualified to prescribe a personally tailored exercise plan that is specific to your condition.

Question:

Will I experience muscle soreness following a massage therapy treatment?

Answer:

Most people report feeling very relaxed, and often experience significant relief from aches, pains and stress after a massage session. However some people, especially those who require deep-tissue massage, experience mild muscle soreness which may last a day or two. Once the soreness is gone, they often notice heightened energy levels and an increased range of motion.

Question:

Does massage decrease your cellulite?

Answer:

No, massage does not directly decrease the amount of cellulite you have.  We are all born with a certain number of fat cells.  These cells do not replicate, they just increase in size.  Only through exercise and proper dieting can you rid your body of cellulite. 

Question:

Do I have to take off all of my clothes?

Answer:

One of the keys to the success of a your massage therapy session is your ability to relax and feel comfortable. Therefore, the decision is yours; remove only the articles of clothing that you are comfortable with removing. Traditional full-body massage treatments work best administered directly, without the barrier of clothing on the areas massaged. During a session you will be fully covered with a table sheet/blanket, only the area of your body that is being worked on is uncovered.  Before and after the session, you will undress and dress in complete privacy.

Question:

Will my extended healthcare plan cover the costs of massage therapy treatments?

Answer:

Yes. Most extended healthcare plans include massage therapy and some even have on-line billing. Some plans ask you to first receive a physician's referral.  I recommend getting your doctors note for massage therapy before your first treatment for your insurance company, to ensure a quick reimbursment of your claim.

Question:

Do you offer massage gift certificates?

Answer:

Yes I do!  Massage therapy is a great way to show someone how much you care.