|
|
Frequent Asked Questions What is really your profession about? Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and relieve pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; helping to promote health and wellness. How could someone know that needs this kind of therapy? what are the symptoms? Basically pain, muscle tension and stress. But even if a person doesn't have these symptoms, massage it's a priority part as a preventive medicine. Getting a massage in regular basis its part of a good health like eating well and sleeping well. If having good health its a necessity, then getting a massage its not a luxury, its a necessity. But people still think massage its a luxury because its too expensive. You don't value your health until you get sick. When its too late, you have to spend lots of money for X-rays, MRI's, doctor consultations, medications AND massage. So? why wait to that point and not just prevent by taking care of your body now? Is your body not worth it? Why you? what do you bring to the client's experience that sets you apart from other massage therapists? First, I don't massage mechanically following the same routine to every client. Each session is tailored to my client’s specific needs on that day. Every session is unique. Second, I am a neuromuscular therapist, specially trained in posturology. I offer my clients a free postural analysis, and I can check if the cause of their problem and pain might be by a postural misalignment. Third, I can help my clients to customize shoe inserts made especially for their feet and they will pay whatever the manufacturer charge for this shoe inserts, I won't be charging more for them like some doctors do trying to make a profit with it. Fourth, I have additional training in medical insurance billing, so if the client has been injured in a car accident, I can help to get the reimbursement from their car insurance for the massage therapy sessions. Fifth, the client doesn’t need to drive and struggle in traffic to get the massage. The client can get all of this at its own place. Will receive a full session and not 10 or 15 minutes less that at spas would usually get. And finally, I offer also hot stone therapy at the client's place. A modality that usually people only get at spas. So what is exactly Neuromuscular therapy? Is the treatment of trigger points: areas that are tender to pressure and that refer pain or other symptoms to another part of the body. That’s why is also known as Trigger Point therapy. This modality specializes in softening the muscles, correcting postural distortions and biomechanical dysfunctions. What causes a poor posture or misalignment? A postural misalignment can be caused by different ways: What are the consequences of having a postural distortion? The feeling of pain on several areas of the body (head, neck, back, legs, feet), numbness, tingling, cramping, tiredness, stiffness, decreased flexibility, diminished breathing, constipation among other consequences.. Who needs to start thinking about their posture – just those who are worried about it, or everyone? Well, gravity doesn’t discriminate between people that believe in it and those that don’t. Everyone, at every moment, is being pulled toward the center of the earth with great force. The way you manage that compressive force will have significant effect on your body’s frame and on your health. What are the long-term consequences for a person that needs this kind of treatment and don't take it? That person will get soft tissue and joint degeneration and might need a surgery. But for some people even a surgery wouldn’t help and will need to take strong medications and injections for the rest of their lives. So why you don’t take care of your body now before it’s too late? Why did you choose massage therapy as a profession? Massage therapy is not only my profession, it’s my passion. Making someone else feel good and healthier is the biggest reward. In this chaotic and stressful society we live in, its very rewarding to help people relax their bodies and minds, while the troubles of the world are put on hold. It is relaxing and healing for me as well.
About a Massage Session What should I expect in the first appointment?I supply a professional table, clean linens, music and the finest professional oil/cream. First time clients will be ask to fill out an intake form. Be aware about all the contraindications for massage indicated at the end of this page. I will talk with you about what problems you may be having .This will help me to fit the massage to your needs. On follow-up visits you will be asked about any new problems or on-going issues. For new serious medical conditions, you will be ask fill out another intake form.What would you suggest before getting the massage?- Find a room that is quiet and spacious enough for the massage.The more space I have to move around the table the more fluid your massage will become.- Take a warm shower 15 minutes before the massage to begin relaxing and warming the muscles. If the appointment is for deep tissue or NMT, I would highly suggest to use a hot pack 20 minutes before the session, in case you have one. - Refrain from drinking alcohol, coffee, taking pain relievers or smoking cigarettes before the massage. - Breathe deep and RELAX! Will the massage hurt?Massage on normal tissue is almost always a pleasant sensation. Massage in the area of an injury or chronic pain may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens noticeably in the first few minutes. The therapist will always try to work within your comfort zone. Tell your therapist if you feel any discomfort so she can make adjustments.What will I feel after the massage?After a massage session, most clients feel relaxed. However, some people feel energetic. The next day or so you may also experience flu-like symptoms but should not be concerned. Often the client that has never had massage before or who has waited a long time in between massages will feel those symptoms. This is due to the built up of toxins in the body that are now being released. It is recommended that you always drink plenty of water after your massage to help flush out those toxins, and not do heavy work or exercise. Six regular follow-up visits are usually recommended to appreciate the benefits of the therapy. For trouble areas you may wish to receive a massage once a week until the issue is under control. For regular maintenance it is recommended that a treatment be scheduled once every two weeks.How often do I need to get a massage?The frequency of massage therapy treatments varies with every client. For general stress reduction it is recommended that the client have regular sessions ranging from once a week to once a month. For the client with high stress levels in their work or personal lives, once a week is usually the norm. For specific medical conditions, please consult your doctor, as well as, your massage therapist for recommended session frequency. As with any therapy, whether it be massage therapy, reflexology, chiropractic care, or physical therapy, regular sessions are necessary to acquire the most benefits and to make those benefits last longer.When is massage not recommended?People with a history of Thrombosis or Phlebitis should not receive massage due to blood clots breaking free resulting in possible heart attack or stroke. Severe injuries or surgery sites should not be manipulated directly until you have consulted with your doctor. If you have an acute infectious disease; skin rashes or infections, fever, or recent heart attack, massage is contraindicated. Cancer patients undergoing radiation and/or chemotherapy should not receive massage without first consulting with their physician. It is very important that you inform the massage therapist 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. A recommendation or approval from your doctor may be required. Massage Therapy is not intended to take the place of supervised medical treatments by a licensed physician. Massage Therapy may enhance those treatments but no suggestion is being made for you to discontinue any medical treatment you are currently receiving which benefits your condition.Specific contraindications are:1. Total contraindications When you have any of these conditions, please DO NOT book a massage: Fever, inflammatory conditions, recent operations or acute injuries, neuritis, skin diseases, under the influence alcohol or drugs (including pain medication) and first trimester of pregnancy.2. Local contraindications The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by: Varicose veins,Undiagnosed lumps or bumps,Pregnancy, Bruising,Cuts,Abrasions, Sunburn, Undiagnosed pain and inflammation (including arthritis).3. Medical Contraindications Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, hypotension,heart conditions,etc),Oedema,Psoriasis or eczema, High blood pressure, Osteoporosis, Cancer, Nervous or psychotic conditions, Heart problems, angina, those with pacemakers, epilepsy, diabetes,acute rheumatism and hemophilia. Please be aware of all these contraindications before you sign the consent_form and receiving massage therapy. Thankyou.
|
