What is Medical Massage?

 

More than a few massage therapists claim to perform Medical Massage. By definition, medical massage is a therapeutic massage prescribed by a physician and performed following the directives of that physician. Medical massage does not refer to any specific treatment method and can include various massage protocols and modalities. Medical massage is outcome-oriented instead of time-oriented. That means that instead of booking a client for a 50 or 60 or 90 minute session and working on their entire body with a little more emphasis on the back, neck or other affected area and charging your standard rate for a relaxation massage, the medical massage therapist will treat only the part of the body that the physician prescribes treatment for and can bill according to a usual customary rate schedule, adjusted by the region of the country that you live in. 

 

What is therapeutic massage? 

 

A systematic manual manipulation of the soft tissue of the body for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxing the muscles, relief from pain, and the restoration of metabolic balance.

 

What are the benefits of therapeutic massage? 

 

Therapeutic massage can improve circulation, help to loosen contracted muscles and stimulate weak muscles. Therapeutic massage can also aid relaxation, help to reduce stress, help to prevent and relieve pain from injuries and muscle spasm, and improve sleep and flexibility. It promotes deeper and easier breathing, improves posture and strengthens the immune system. Therapeutic massage and bodywork also fosters a peace of mind and a feeling of well-being, promotes mental alertness, and enhances one's ability to calm thinking and creativity. It also increases the awareness of mind-body connection. Move waste products out of the tissues, speed up the healing process, improve athletic performance, and satisfy a plethora of social, psychological and emotional needs. 

 

Who can benefit from massage therapy?

 

Any age. There are massage techniques that are used with premature infants through those who are in hospice. Women throughout their pregnancy as well as people requiring physical or post-traumatic stress rehabilitation.

 

Who performs the massage?

 

Your session will be conducted by a trained professional who has been granted a license to practice massage therapy. (e.g. Therapists in Kansas and Missouri are required to complete a 500 hour accredited training course in massage therapy, be nationally certified and belong to a national massage therapy association, and increase their skill level by taking required continuing education workshops and seminars).

 

Where does the massage 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.

 

How early should I arrive for a massage therapy appointment?

 

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled reservation to allow ample time to check in and change if needed or just relax in our lounge. Please note that late arrivals will have treatment times adjusted accordingly to ensure timeliness for the next scheduled guest and you will be charged for the full treatment that was originally reserved.

 

What should I expect when I receive a massage for the first time?

 

Prior to the actual massage session, the practitioner usually asks the client to fill out a client information form to document pertinent medical information and to ensure there is no preexisting condition that would influence your session and to determine the course of your treatment goals and needs. The practitioner will then speak with the client and discuss the treatment.

 

Feel free to ask any questions about your session or discuss any and all concerns with your therapist. 

 

Settling in: The therapist will leave the room so that you may undress to your comfort level and lie comfortably under the sheet on the table. Except for the region the therapist is working on, you will remain covered the entire time.

 

The therapist will announce when he will enter the room to begin the massage.

 

Do I have any responsibilities during themassage?

 

A person receiving a massage should give the therapist accurate health information and always report discomfort of any kind, whether it's from the massage itself or due to room temperature, volume of music, or other distractions.

 

Must I be completely undressed?

 

Different forms of massage and bodywork therapies require different levels of unclothing.

 

Medical Massage: If you come in for a medicaltherapy session (for help with a specific problem or pain), and dictated by prescription, the amount of clothing that needs to be removed depends upon the problem, the part of the body involved, and the treatment method. Feel free to discuss with your therapist any concerns, fears or areas of discomfort.

 

Well being massage: Some clients choose to leave their underwear on, others keep undergarments or gym shorts on. Many people choose to disrobe completely for more freedom and less chance of interfering with the massage techniques. You remain covered and properly draped and warm by the sheet at all times, except for the part being worked upon. Your privacy is always respected. If you are uncomfortable with removing your clothes, you may choose Shiatsu, Acupressure, Thai, Cranial Sacral Therapy or other massage or bodywork therapy that requires wearing only loose fitting comfortable clothing. These therapies are performed through clothing. Comfortable clothing made of natural materials works best.

 

Are any oils or lotions used in the massage?

 

A light oil or lotion may be used to permit certain massage methods to be used without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used should hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed. All oils, or lotions are hypoallergenic and water-soluble.

 

Is there anything I should do to prepare for my massage session?

 

It is best to not eat for al least 90 minutes before your massage treatment. Only a light meal at that time is recommended. Drink an adequate amount of water to improve cellular hydration. We also recommend that before you start your session, you use the restroom so that you don't have to interrupt your session.

 

Am I expected to talk during the massage?

 

If you wish to have silence, during a relaxation massage, you should say so at the beginning of the treatment. The therapist may, however, require verbal information pertinent to health findings during the treatment and with a medical massage may communicate directions and actions required for the therapy.

 

What should I do during the massage session? 

 

If the massage is too light or too hard, ask to have the pressure changed. Some massages modalities use only light touch but asking is appropriate.

 

If you are uncomfortable (need heat turned up, less blankets, light moved), say something. Tell the practitioner where you hurt or which areas you especially want the therapist to focus their attention. This way the massage can address your needs.

 

Often breathing deeply can help you get the most out of a massage. Breathe into every cell of you body. Make sure you feel comfortable and at ease on the table.

 

Once comfortable, just listen to the music. 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. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.

 

How long does a massage session last?

 

Medical massage. This is determined by your prescription. Usually a session lasts 15 minutes to 1/2 hour and is approximately three times per week. This is a very focused session designed to address a specific problem.

 

Relaxation massage. The average full body massage session lasts approximately one hour. A half hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60 or 90 minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

 

What should I do and how will I feel immediately after my massage or bodywork session? 

 

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tensions 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.

 

It is sometimes common for soreness to be present the day following your massage even if you did not feel like the pressure was too much. This is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and is due mainly to metabolic byproducts being removed from the muscles. This is a good indicator that a massage was needed and that a follow-up appointment is a good idea. DOMS will be subsided within 24 hours.

 

After the massage appointment is there anything I need to have on hand or anything specific I should do?

 

If possible, rest. Since metabolic byproducts are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink adequate amounts of water following your massage. This helps the body release toxins that you were able to release during the massage. Allow yourself a good night's sleep after your massage and let your body fully regenerate and revitalize.

 

What is the cancellation policy?

 

We request the courtesy of cancelling or rescheduling appointments at least 24 hours in advance. We will do our best to accommodate your needs if an emergency arise. We reserve the right to require payment for an appointment that was cancelled without the 24 hours notice. This applies to appointments made using a gift certificate or a prepaid appointment. A last minute cancellation or a no show prevents us from booking that spot with another client.

 

If I am using a gift certificate for payment, do I have to bring it with me, or do you have a record of it?

 

You must bring the gift certificate with you for payment. If you have forgotten it, we will need to take payment. If the gift certificates is turned within 2 weeks, then your payment will be refunded. Gift certificates are treated as cash, we are not responsible for lost or stolen gift certificates.

 

I bruise easily, can I still get a massage? 

 

It is important to let your massage therapist know (this should be asked on the health history form you will be asked to fill out on your first visit).

 

What if I have a medical condition, whom should I talk to about that? 

 

Let the receptionist know when you are making the appointment, and then be sure to mention it to your therapist. We do not recommend a massage in the first trimester for a pregnant women.

 

When is massage contraindicated?

 

If you suffer from certain circulatory ailments (such as phlebitis or everything ending in "itis), broken bones, recent surgery, acute infectious diseases, certain forms of cancer, cardiac problems, certain skin conditions, or any inflamed or infected tissues, varicose veins, open wounds, fever and blood clots to name a few. Be sure to consult your physician before initiating any massage program. A trained and experienced massage therapist will also be able to tell you when massage is not indicated.

 

When receiving a massage without a physician prescription 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 for a specific disorder or disease, it is advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session.

 

Chinese cupping

 

What does cupping treatment do? What does it mean when the cups leave marks?

 

Cupping, like acupuncture and acupressure, stimulates points along the body’s five energy meridians to rebalance Qi/blood, or life force energy. Cupping is particularly effective at clearing congestion and stagnation and because it draws blood to the capillaries improving circulation. Skin discoloration that occurs during the process can reveal important information about the flow of energy, or Qi/blood, in the body. Occasionally the suction created by the cups will leave minor painless and non permanent red marks, swelling and bruising at the local area which should disappear within 10 to 12 days.