Common Questions and
Answers about Massage
Compliments
Of:
©
2005 Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
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Massage provides relief to people from all walks
of life — the weekend or competitive athlete, the home gardener, and the overstressed executive struggling to keep pace in today’s economy. Secretaries, laborers, waitresses — anyone can feel a need for massage at some point in time. The older population, as well, will benefit from massage, as it enhances flexibility and circulation. The bedridden can also be helped in this regard. There are some conditions where massage is not recommended, however. Your practitioner should ask for information regarding any specific health conditions from which you may be suffering in order to determine if massage, bodywork, or somatic therapies are contraindicated. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctor’s permission before providing services. Taking Care of Yourself Care of your body should be list. You will feel and look steps regarding health increased longevity. Stress
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
are also known to promote better
sleep, improve
concentration, reduce anxiety,
and create an
overall sense of well-being.
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 ask 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. Many practitioners may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor. 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 afterward. What Will the Massage or Bodywork Feel Like? It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your nervous system and at ease exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax and relieve specific areas of muscular tension. You should communicate with your practitioner 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. What Should I Do During the Massage or Bodywork Session? 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. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask practitioner questions about massage and general or about the particular Must I Be Completely Undressed? Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. You will be properly draped during the session. Will the Present When I The practitioner will leave undress, relax onto the with a clean sheet or
Massage
for Pain and
Emotional Problems With many chronic ailments, massage can relieve the pain and help heal. As with physical problems, emotional problems may also be stimulated into self-healing with massage. In many cases, this helps eliminate the need to take harmful chemical drugs, which will unnecessarily burden the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs. Massage is considered to be among the oldest of all treatments used by man. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years documented its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians used forms of massage for some ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, massage is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and has proven beneficial to many chronic conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, and bursitis. Massage helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living. Will My Insurance Cover Massage or Bodywork Services? If you are in a car accident or have a job-related injury covered by workers’ compensation, insurance may cover massage, bodywork, or somatic therapies when prescribed by a physician. If your insurance covers chiropractic or osteopathic services, the services of a bodywork professional may be covered when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. Therapies provided as part of the prescribed treatment by a physician or registered physical therapist are often covered. The best thing to do is check with your insurance company to see exactly what is covered under what circumstances.
Do you accept insurance?
In the state of Idaho, very few medical insurance companies cover massage. However, car insurance and health savings plans MAY cover massage, and in those cases, YES we will accept your insurance. Please contact your plan administrator or insurance claims adjuster to verify that insurance will cover the treatment. We will also need to contact them for instructions on filing claims. 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? You and the practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female). Will Lubricant Be Used? A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used should hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed. 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 reeducation, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Ask the practitioner about the methods she uses. How Long Will the Session Last? The average full-body massage or bodywork 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- to 90- minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths, and saunas can assist in the relaxation process. Where Will My Massage or Bodywork Session 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. Who Will Perform the Massage or Bodywork? Your session will be conducted by a professional who has received proper training, often in a variety of techniques. Some massage and bodywork practitioners are licensed by the state, while others are locally regulated. Although no two massages are exactly alike, you may request a certain technique or modality. You may also request your preference as to a male or female therapist. |
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