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FAQ
Hello, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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What is massage?
Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues-muscular structure, through rubbing and/or kneading. It's one of the oldest forms of healing the body naturally. A tried and true ancient method that dates back as far as 3000 BCE or earlier. Over the years modern culture has adapted some form of massage therapy or technique.
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What should I expect during a massage?
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For an initial massage, the licensed massage therapist will have a brief consultation with you to discuss your goals for the session.
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Then, the massage therapist will explain-guide you where to place your belongings, how to lay on the massage table (face up, face down, or sidelying), and give you the option to undress to your level of comfort. Some people prefer to leave on their underwear, others prefer to remove them to allow the therapist to work their gluteal area. Regardless, of which option you choose the only part of your body that will be undraped is the area the massage therapist is working on.
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Next, the massage therapist will step out of the room while you get undressed and on the table. Then, re-enter once they have given you adequate time.
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During the actual massage, the therapist will check in with you to ensure the pressure is okay for you. If you feel it's too much or too little, at any time feel free to speak up, so the therapist can adjust it to your preference.
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Note: Some of these steps may vary depending on what type of massage you are receiving. For example: during a Thai session, you would stay fully clothed.
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Massage Contraindications:
There are a few general instances when you should either avoid getting a massage, be advised medically by a doctor, or the massage therapist may need to locally avoid working a particular area due to the possibility of massage making it worse. Minor contraindications need to be considered too, before receiving deep tissue work.
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General:
Note: acute means severe and sudden onset, if you have one of the conditions it should be medically monitored by a physician.
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Fever, cold, or illness
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Contagious diseases/skin conditions
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Blood clots, Acute aneurysm
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Uncontrolled high/low blood pressure
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Pitting edema
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Implants: textured implants cannot be massaged, pace makers
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Severe Osteoporosis (systemic)
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Active/Acute: Neurological: parkinson’s, guillain-barre syndrome, vertigo; Reproductive disorders: endometriosis, inflammation of pelvis, ovarian cysts; Inflammatory diseases: phlebitis, cellulitis, lupus, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, arthritis; Liver, kidney, & urinary conditions: hepatitis, cirrhosis, renal failure, gout, kidney removal (some of these conditions you can still receive massage if they are not flared up in the chronic stage such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, endometriosis).
*Get a doctors note/permission before attempting to get a massage*
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Advanced Stages of Diabetes: Neuropathies, Poor Circulation, Infections
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Blood Thinner Medications: Coumadin, Lovenox, Heparin, Daily Aspirin, Vitamin E, Ginger (bruising can occur)
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Acute Compromised Auto Immune Systems: AIDS, Lupus, Lymes, MS
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Cancer
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Recent major injuries and surgery:
***Joint/Spinal (3-12 months depending on surgery)
***Lasik eye surgery (within 7 days)​
***Injections (steroid, cosmetic) within 7 days
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Common local contraindications (you can receive a massage, but these areas must be avoided during the massage):
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Varicose veins
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Bruises
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Burns
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Broken bones, fractures
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Cuts or open wounds
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Skin conditions (inflamed/severe open skin psoriasis, eczema, or acne; cold sores; open sores)
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Recent surgery
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Unexplained swelling
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Ashiatsu contraindications: due to the deep pressure that can be given during this type of massage, more consideration is taken. Along with everything mentioned above, these other conditions are unsuitable:​
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Breast Implants within 9-12 months post surgery.
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Calf, Pec, Gluteal implants (locally avoid massage).
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Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure: on/off medication, unable to workout or be in heat w/o side passing out
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Blood Disorders: Hemophilia (unable to clot, can cause internal bleeding); Severe Anemia
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Protruding or ruptured spinal discs
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Frail physique
03
Types of massage:
What's the difference between an integrative therapeutic, Thai, and Ashiatsu massage?
Integrative therapeutic: this type of massage combines western techniques with eastern modalities. A variety of manual techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point work, Swedish strokes, Thai stretching, somatic experiencing, acupressure points, etc. are used to relax and reduce acute/chronic tension in the body. This approach targets the physical body by alleviating muscular aches and pain, while calming the nervous system. Thus, bringing awareness back into the body.
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Traditional Thai Massage: a whole body approach, that includes working the sen lines, deep relaxing compressions, and passive yoga like stretching. The massage therapist uses their hands, elbows, arms, legs, knees, and feet to apply pressure and gently improve joint mobility and range of motion. The client stays fully clothed throughout this stimulating massage.
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Ashiatsu (Ashi means foot, atsu means pressure in Japanese): often referred to as barefoot massage, this technique utilizes only the bare feet to massage the body. A slow rhythmic movement of long gliding strokes, lengthen the fascia, while the deep compression relaxes the muscles. The massage therapists body weight, along with gravity, and slow consistent broad strokes; lengthen the muscles fibers allowing for a deep tissue massage.
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Intuitive Healing: What is it?
Intuitive healing is the gentle approach to unlocking blockages within the body. It's a supportive method whereas the practitioner uses their innate intuition, to assist the client in releasing or bringing awareness to emotional and physical imbalances.
General Policies:
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No call, no show: No-shows will be charged 100% of the total service price. No exceptions.
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Late Arrival: If you arrive late to your appointment, you will be charged for the entirety of the session booked. Due to the late arrival, there will also be a reduction in your session time.
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Cancellation: We ask that you please reschedule at least 24 hours before the beginning of your appointment or you may be charged a cancellation fee of 50% the price of your scheduled appointment.
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Illness/Covid: If you cared for someone, been diagnosed, or experienced any cold, flu-like symptoms, and/or COVID-19 within 7 days of the appointment; we ask that you consider the wellbeing of others by rescheduling until your feeling better.
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Increment/unforeseen weather: If increment weather happens to occur on the day of your scheduled appointment, we will courteously reschedule your appointment. Increment/unforeseen weather is defined as any severe or harsh weather related conditions that make it unsafe or impractical to travel or commute safely. Typically, local news will also report on these conditions.
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Regardless, of the circumstances these general policies are implemented to protect our practitioners' and keep the supportive healing services we provide equitable for all clients. Thank you for understanding.
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