Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Take Insurance?
I no longer work with insurance companies. However, I am happy to provide you with a receipt which you may be able to submit to your insurance company, FSA or HSA. You will likely need a referral, and it certainly helps if I can include diagnosis codes on your receipt.
In most cases, I will with auto injuries (PIP); however, I will not bill 3rd parties unless you are working with an attorney (who will help ensure that I will be paid for my treatment. In these circumstances, you will need to pay for your treatment and then get yourself reimbursed. In all cases you will need a referral from your physician in order for your insurance to cover massage therapy.
What Is Appropriate Etiquette During A Massage?
Arrive on Time
Please arrive on time or a few minutes early for your appointment. You will want to arrive 5-10 minutes early for your first appointment in order to fill out paperwork if you haven’t already done so. If you arrive up to 15 minutes late to an appointment, we will work within the remaining time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, the session will need to be rescheduled and 50% of the session fee may be assessed.
Appropriate Behavior
Therapeutic massage is non-sexual contact. Although relaxation and the intimate touch associated with massage can prompt a physical response, this is not the intended outcome. No sexualized language or behavior is appropriate either by the client or the therapist. Any breach of this will cause the session to be terminated. The client will not be reimbursed.
Cleanliness
It is expected that clients will arrive clean to an appointment. This doesn’t mean clients need to shower right before they come (though a hot shower can really help to loosen muscles), but general cleanliness is expected. Your therapist will respond in kind!
Talking
It is your decision whether to talk about other issues during the massage. Some clients like to have a conversation. Others prefer a quieter environment. Communication with your therapist is essential for optimal results; however, chit chat can remove focus from your treatment. In any case, it’s important to keep voices low so as not to disturb others.
Music
It is your choice whether or not to have music. Feel free to let your therapist know your preference.
What Is Myotherapy and How Is It Different From Massage?
Massage is a collective term that includes many different types of treatment. However, most people consider massage to be a relaxing experience with gliding strokes to loosen muscles and improve circulation. Myotherapy is literally “muscle therapy.” It, too, has many different forms, but the focus is to treat and rehabilitate injured muscle and connective tissue. This may include increasing the range of motion in a joint, decreasing pain caused by tight muscles and trigger points, relieving pain caused by poor posture, softening and realigning scar tissue, and treating various conditions and injuries like whiplash, carpel tunnel syndrome, and low back pain.
Does Massage Therapy Hurt?
A massage therapist should always work within your tolerance, and massage therapy does not have to be painful. However, some types of treatment, like trigger point therapy and friction used to realign scar tissue, may be uncomfortable. But it is important to remember that “healthy tissue doesn’t hurt.” If there’s pain, there’s a reason, and the therapy should provide lasting relief in exchange for that temporary discomfort. Any discomfort felt should be minimal, meaning that it is not unbearable and that you can breathe through it without tensing up protectively. Be sure to communicate with your therapist! He or she should be glad to adjust the pressure for you.
Do You Treat Children And Young Adults?
As a former teacher, I enjoy working with children and young adults, both of whom can benefit from massage therapy. Like adults, children and young adults can find life stressful, have surgeries and injuries, and are active and involved with sports. I am happy to provide massage therapy for children and young adults, but only with a consent form signed by a parent for those under 18. For those under the age of 14, a parent or legal guardian is required by law to be in the room for the duration of the session. For those between 14 and 18, a parent is welcome to remain quietly in the room, but it is not required by law.
When Shouldn’t I Get A Massage?
Certain conditions require you to delay getting a massage. Fever, the onset of cold or flu (at the tale end, massage can be helpful), a herpes outbreak (even oral, as this form can spread through the air), rashes, and other contagious conditions are contraindications for massage. You should reschedule your appointment. I am happy to reschedule you without penalty even within 24 hours of your appointment.
However, other conditions may simply be local contraindications that your therapist can work around. For example, small wounds that are covered but haven’t closed, bruises, and localized acne can be easily avoided during a massage. Let your therapist know before the massage what you have going on.
If you have questions about a specific condition and whether massage is compatible, feel free to contact me.
Why Should I Drink Water After A Massage?
Tight muscles and trigger points are constricted tissues and have restricted circulation. This causes metabolic wastes produced by natural cell function to build up. These substances can irritate surrounding tissues. Massage helps to return circulation to these tight areas and to move these irritating substances can be eliminated. Drinking water helps with this flushing process. Additionally, 70% of our bodies is comprised of water, and proper hydration is essential for our systems to function.
Sound Body Myotherapy & Massage 