"What is 'Medical Massage'?"
You will be required to
complete a "new patient" information packet and supply your current and past health history. Information
regarding any medications, prescription or over-the-counter, you are currently taking needs to be given to the therapist
for consideration. If you are currently under a physicians care for a specific health concern a
written authorization from that physician may be required. The therapist will review your information with you
in order to set a therapy goal and determine the best possible treatment to help you achieve that goal. You may receive
information regarding the possible causes of discomfort and suggestions for self care such as stretches and modifications
for physical activity.
"I've had massage at a spa and
they didn't require any health information from me, why do you?"
In general, a spa promotes "luxury"
through ambiance. Even though a client can achieve some level of relaxation the treatment is not specifically designed
to improve your overall health and the therapists do not necessarily have medically oriented training. Evaluating your
health history helps prevent the use of techniques that could have adverse physical effects and helps determine
the best treatment protocol for you at that time.
"What
is 'rehabilitation massage'?"
Rehabilitation massage specifically targets damaged tissues. The damage could
be the result of injury, surgery or illness. This treatment is employed to reduce adhesions (scar tissue), promote healing
and retrain the muscles and nerves.
"Will
I have to take off my clothes?"
That depends. If the treatment is for a specific area of the body, that area will
need to be free of clothing. However, if one area is not fully functioning it can affect other seemingly "unrelated"
areas. If therapy would be more successful by treating all related areas you may have to fully disrobe. In
this case, you will be completely covered by a sheet (draped) except for the area receiving treatment.
"Why do you come to me?"
Service is provided at your residence
for your convenience. If you are recovering from an injury, have a chronic condition or a high level of stress
receiving therapy at home allows you to relax before and after treatment.
"What
is corporate or 'on-site' massage?"
"On-site" massage is therapy provided at your place of employment,
for demonstration purposes or as a promotional service. Many employers are recognizing the benefit to their employees
of offering therapeutic massage on a regular basis. Employers can save expenses related to employee absenteeism, work
related injuries or chronic stress. Often a gym or chiropractic office will provide therapeutic massage demonstrations
to illustrate the benefit of integrative therapy services they offer. Sometimes an established business will provide
mini massages as a gratuity for their existing customers or to attract new clients. Mini massages are sometimes
offered at wedding showers or similar events. In any case, this type of therapy is provided while the client remains
clothed. The massage therapist may provide a massage chair or massage table depending upon the workspace available.
"Why do I have to drink water?"
Although there are varying opinions
on what is considered proper hydration, the body needs sufficient water in order to perform basic functions, especially on
a cellular level. Any massage (soft tissue manipulation) promotes the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. When
areas of soft tissue have become contracted they tend to inhibit circulation of body fluids promoting accumulation of waste
products at these sites. When stimulated by massage these waste products ("toxins") are released back into
the blood to be processed by the liver for elimination. This can affect the blood viscosity and create reactions such
as light-headedness, nausea and headaches. Being sufficiently hydrated prior to receiving therapy can lessen these adverse
reactions. Drinking additional amounts of water throughout the day post therapy continues to dilute and flush these
toxins out of the body. These reactions reduce over time with continuous therapy and the immune system becomes
more efficient defending against illness.