Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in a massage THerapy Treatment
Professionalism: In accordance with my training and the Utah Massage Therapy Practice Act I will always be using established draping techniques to keep you covered and modest. It is always acceptable to ask for an adjustment to pressure, technique, temperature, etc... if you are at ANY point uncomfortable during a massage treatment, that goes for anywhere else too!
Responsiveness: I will respond to your areas of concern, make adjustments when necessary to meet your specific goals and listen to your body for any information it has to offer.
Individualized Approach: Each body is different, there are patterns and trends but everyone is a little different. I promise to listen to your concerns, medical history, and goals and use the best techniques suited to address them in a way that is responsive to your unique patterns. Client feedback is always welcome in a session.
For a broader answer and deeper context on massage therapy as a whole see this article:
http://www.medicinenet.com/massage_therapy/article.htm
Responsiveness: I will respond to your areas of concern, make adjustments when necessary to meet your specific goals and listen to your body for any information it has to offer.
Individualized Approach: Each body is different, there are patterns and trends but everyone is a little different. I promise to listen to your concerns, medical history, and goals and use the best techniques suited to address them in a way that is responsive to your unique patterns. Client feedback is always welcome in a session.
For a broader answer and deeper context on massage therapy as a whole see this article:
http://www.medicinenet.com/massage_therapy/article.htm
How should i prepare for my Appointment?
Arrive at least 5-10 minutes early to fill out an intake form and so that we're not rushing to get your full time. the goal is to relax the nervous system not create anxiety!
Give yourself enough extra time after to not be rushing off - Remember, you may feel slightly altered, woozy or different after a massage. Take a seat for a few minutes if you need to get your bearings.
Hydration: People tend to respond better to massage when hydrated, remember to use the restroom before your treatment especially if you go overboard with hydration drinking out of that gallon jug. It a good idea to avoid any large meals right before a massage because it can lead to some discomfort.
Talk to your doctor: ask your primary care physician about any contraindicated health conditions for massage, also if massage is a medical necessity prescribed by your doctor you may be eligible to use HSA/FSA cards to pay for services.
Give yourself enough extra time after to not be rushing off - Remember, you may feel slightly altered, woozy or different after a massage. Take a seat for a few minutes if you need to get your bearings.
Hydration: People tend to respond better to massage when hydrated, remember to use the restroom before your treatment especially if you go overboard with hydration drinking out of that gallon jug. It a good idea to avoid any large meals right before a massage because it can lead to some discomfort.
Talk to your doctor: ask your primary care physician about any contraindicated health conditions for massage, also if massage is a medical necessity prescribed by your doctor you may be eligible to use HSA/FSA cards to pay for services.
How often should I come in?
I will always leave that up to you. I will let you know that I see great benefit in getting regular massage and that variety is the spice of life.
Weekly: In order to make progress in some cases, especially after Auto injury, Surgery, or any other event disruptive to your overall physiology or movement I recommend making at least 4-8 weekly visits to get the most thorough recovery. If at all possible I prefer a note or recommendation from your PT/Chiro AND primary care physician
Twice a month: In order to manage pain, support a new workout routine, maintain wellness after outpatient rehab. twice a month seems to be enough to keep things improving
Once a month: is great because its affordable, it gives us a chance to continue to monitor and check in on old injuries and keep things moving in the right direction. if you are active, doing therapeutic exercise, recovery, and mobility work, and otherwise taking good care of your body - monthly is a great plan, we can keep on top of any trouble spots and prevent future injury.
Occasional: or only coming in when something is wrong is totally acceptable, I will not pressure you into more massage than you feel like is helpful for your body, I will always recommend that you make sure you continue to do any corrective exercise and stretching between occasional massage so you don't come back as one of my weekly patients.
If massage is something that you're responsive too I recommend getting it. If you need recommendations for Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, or other providers I typically have someone in mind I would be happy to refer you to.
Weekly: In order to make progress in some cases, especially after Auto injury, Surgery, or any other event disruptive to your overall physiology or movement I recommend making at least 4-8 weekly visits to get the most thorough recovery. If at all possible I prefer a note or recommendation from your PT/Chiro AND primary care physician
Twice a month: In order to manage pain, support a new workout routine, maintain wellness after outpatient rehab. twice a month seems to be enough to keep things improving
Once a month: is great because its affordable, it gives us a chance to continue to monitor and check in on old injuries and keep things moving in the right direction. if you are active, doing therapeutic exercise, recovery, and mobility work, and otherwise taking good care of your body - monthly is a great plan, we can keep on top of any trouble spots and prevent future injury.
Occasional: or only coming in when something is wrong is totally acceptable, I will not pressure you into more massage than you feel like is helpful for your body, I will always recommend that you make sure you continue to do any corrective exercise and stretching between occasional massage so you don't come back as one of my weekly patients.
If massage is something that you're responsive too I recommend getting it. If you need recommendations for Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, or other providers I typically have someone in mind I would be happy to refer you to.
How can I maximize the benefits of massage?
Get a good night's sleep: getting enough sleep keeps your nervous system and endocrine system functioning better. this means lower stress, greater awareness, and better responsiveness to massage (which is a neuromuscular therapy, not just mechanical)
Foam rolling: can be helpful to loosen up tight muscles and fascia and promote blood flow before and after massage. Regularly foam rolling will help you tolerate greater pressure and loosen up the web of connective tissue that wraps your whole body.
Epsom Salt/Hot Spring soaks: Soaking in epsom salts or at one of our many lovely hot springs helps relax tight muscles (because of the heat) but also mineral soaks seem to decrease inflammation, improve muscle function and metabolism, and decrease spasticity or cramping. also it feels nice. so try to get a soak in either between massages or around the time of massage to keep the benefits rolling
Eat healthy: If you are not sure where to start I recommend browsing the PDF at the bottom of the page. Some foods are known to be inflammatory (Sugar, Alcohol, gluten, and dairy. Some data suggests grains, legumes, and nightshades are inflammatory as well) If you have an inflammatory condition that is degenerative and chronic, it may be good to lower the amount of inflammation your diet brings to the table. If you are otherwise healthy keep doing what you're doing!
https://nutritionfacts.org/daily-dozen-challenge/
Foam rolling: can be helpful to loosen up tight muscles and fascia and promote blood flow before and after massage. Regularly foam rolling will help you tolerate greater pressure and loosen up the web of connective tissue that wraps your whole body.
Epsom Salt/Hot Spring soaks: Soaking in epsom salts or at one of our many lovely hot springs helps relax tight muscles (because of the heat) but also mineral soaks seem to decrease inflammation, improve muscle function and metabolism, and decrease spasticity or cramping. also it feels nice. so try to get a soak in either between massages or around the time of massage to keep the benefits rolling
Eat healthy: If you are not sure where to start I recommend browsing the PDF at the bottom of the page. Some foods are known to be inflammatory (Sugar, Alcohol, gluten, and dairy. Some data suggests grains, legumes, and nightshades are inflammatory as well) If you have an inflammatory condition that is degenerative and chronic, it may be good to lower the amount of inflammation your diet brings to the table. If you are otherwise healthy keep doing what you're doing!
https://nutritionfacts.org/daily-dozen-challenge/
Do you accept insurance?
Let's check and see! some insurance companies will reimburse for massage therapy services. I work with HerMedic Therapeutics and can bill health and auto insurance. I take insurance patients primarily on Thursdays and Saturdays from 1-8pm though happy to work with you if another time is necessary
HerMedic Therapeutics
1155 E Wilmington Ave suite #250
I also can accept HSA/FSA/MSA regardless of my location
For HSA/FSA/MSA: I recommend having a letter of medical necessity (LMN) stating massage is medically necessary and outlining frequency of visits. This protects you from potentially having to pay out of pocket down the line during an audit.
HerMedic Therapeutics
1155 E Wilmington Ave suite #250
I also can accept HSA/FSA/MSA regardless of my location
For HSA/FSA/MSA: I recommend having a letter of medical necessity (LMN) stating massage is medically necessary and outlining frequency of visits. This protects you from potentially having to pay out of pocket down the line during an audit.