Massage Therapy
FAQ's
- How much does a massage session cost?
- When is the best time to get a massage?
- Is there any time that I should not receive massage?
- Does massage fix chronic pain?
- Can I get massage at the same time I am receiving other types of treatment (chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.)?
- Will my insurance cover massage?
- Do you do deep tissue massage?
- Can you come to my home to give massage?
- Will massage cause more pain?
- I have a medically diagnosed condition, (such as diabetes or high blood pressure, etc.), is it okay if I receive massage?
- Can I get a massage when I am pregnant?
- Is it too soon after my (accident, surgery, injury) for massage?
- Do I have to undress or am I clothed for a therapeutic massage?
- What is the difference between a treatment massage and a relaxation massage?
- Do you do sexual massage?
- Where did you get your training?
How much does a massage session cost?
The average cost of a one hour massage session in our region is $60. I charge $60 per hour with your first visit discounted to $50. I run special offers, so please check the "Rates and Specials" portion of this page.
When is the best time to get a massage?
If you are healthy and have no acute injury massage is generally safe anytime. As a relaxation technique, massage is appropriate in most any situation provided your massage practitioner is well informed of your health history and current issues regarding your health.
Is there any time that I should not receive massage?
Yes. If you have an acute injury, illness or very recent surgery you may not be ready for a systemic massage. If you have any health concerns they should be discussed prior to your massage. In many of the above mentioned cases massage may be performed in areas other than the acute site to help relieve stress and promote overall healing. In these cases I also highly recommend adding Reiki to your treatment or possibly a full Reiki treatment forgoing massage all together. See the "Reiki" portion of my website for more information on this healing technique.
Does massage fix chronic pain?
Therapeutic massage is a healing technique in nature. There are many variables involved in healing chronic pain. I have had many cases in which a chronic problem had been relieved. Some though, may return or only become less intense. In chronic cases I highly recommend adding Reiki to your treatment also. See the "Reiki" portion of my website for more information on this healing technique.
Some variables that affect chronic pain are a persons overall health condition, their level of involvement in their treatment, lifestyle, etc. I am happy to work with a client and their other health care practitioners to help them break the chronic pain syndrome.
Can I get massage at the same time I am receiving other types of treatment (chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.)?
Yes. Massage is complementary to most types of treatment. In some cases your primary health practitioner
will have to be consulted before you receive massage. But, unless you are infectious or have a systemic condition
that could intensify with an increase in circulation, there is a massage for you.
Will my insurance cover massage?
Here in the Puget Sound area we have health insurance that recognizes the benefit of therapeutic massage. Most companies will have some massage benefits. In the case of an auto accident or job related injury, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Labor and Industries (L&I) insurance generally covers massage as well.
I am a provider for most insurance plans and would be happy to check your insurance coverage benefits for you. Please go to the "Gift Certificates and Forms" page of this website and fill in the appropriate "Insurance forms".
Do you do deep tissue massage?
I do not practice the style of massage known as "Swedish Deep Tissue Massage". I do, however, incorporate some of the techniques from that massage style. I base my massage on the individual’s tissue. My therapeutic massage style is generally a slow, even pressure which increases as the area being worked warms and "allows" me to work on a deeper level. My clients often tell me that I am very thorough and find areas they didn’t realize affected the original pain, but felt immediate relief.
My philosophy is to work with the body, not on it, so if you are a person who feels you must have a deep, painful massage for it to be beneficial, I am not the practitioner for you.
Can you come to my home to give massage?
Typically I do not travel with a massage table and supplies. There are exceptions that I am willing to discuss. If you will be a regular client (once per week or more) and have room for me to safely store my equipment between sessions I am more likely to work in your home. Other details will need to be discussed before any commitment is agreed upon.
There are times when a person will feel an increase in their pain after a massage. The increase should be bearable and for a brief time, such as before bed but waking feeling better. If I work exceptionally deep or for an extended period on one area I may forewarn you of possible residual pain. In those cases we will discuss options for relieving the pain and what a reasonable expectation would be.
I have a medically diagnosed condition, (such as diabetes or high blood pressure, etc.), is it okay if I receive massage?
If your condition is stable and you are in the care of a Doctor, most likely massage is perfectly safe. If there is any doubt, check with your Doctor.
Can I get a massage when I am pregnant?
Yes. If no complications have been diagnosed by a Doctor massage is safe. There are LMP’s that specialize in Pregnancy massage and are able to work with complications. I do not have that training but am trained in healthy pregnancy massage.
Is it too soon after my (accident, surgery, injury) for massage?
If there is doubt, check with your Doctor. In most cases massage is very helpful in any healing process by a LMP. We have been trained to massage post-injury clients and can be quite effective in helping to relieve inflammation and pain and to help your body increase it’s own healing power.
Do I have to undress or am I clothed for a therapeutic massage?
The most effective treatment will be through bare skin. Therefore a client will be undressed to some degree. If your treatment is strictly neck and back you may only remove your shirt. Most often a client will disrobe completely (in private) and lie on the massage table completely covered with a sheet and blanket. I uncover only the area I am working on, such as the back or an arm and recover it when I move to the next area. At no time are any genitalia exposed.
There are clients who will leave their briefs/panties on as is their comfort level. As a LMP I am a trained health care practitioner and reiterate that I will not expose the genital area at any time. In my professional opinion the best, most complete massage experience will include the upper leg muscles, the gluteals and related muscles. Working through clothing can have an effect although not nearly as much as through bare skin.
Ultimately, your comfort level is important to me. If you are uncomfortable with any area of your body
being uncovered or touched that would normally be part of the massage, please let me know before we start. I will
honor your request with absolutely no judgment or explanation required.
What is the difference between a treatment massage and a relaxation massage?
Treatment massage will address specific physical concerns, like neck pain, tenderness in an injured area, rehabilitation of a sprain/strain, etc. Relaxation massage is mostly slow, smooth movement often using more oil, sometimes including aromatherapy and heat. My personal style is that I usually combine treatment and relaxation unless one or the other is specifically requested or decidedly needed more.
Absolutely not.
Where did you get your training?
I am a graduate of Brenneke School of Massage, Seattle, Washington
Namaste