QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is the difference between chiropractic, massage therapy and physical therapy?

Here is what the American Medical Association says: "Manipulative therapies attempt to treat illness by moving parts of the body. Manipulative therapies include chiropractic, massage therapy and physical therapy.... Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the structure of the body (primarily the spine) and how the body works. It is based on the belief that health can be restored through manipulation of the spine. Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissue of the body to relieve so-called restrictions (tightenings) and return the tissues to normal function. Physical therapists evaluate a person's physical abilities and develop and carry out a treatment program designed to help regain muscle strength, mobility, flexibility, and coordination."
Having been a client of chiropractors, massage therapists and physical therapists, I know each one of them has a proper place in healing and supporting an individual's health and wellness plan.

When is massage NOT indicated?

With certain circulatory ailments, especially phlebitis/thrombosis; high fevers; infectious diseases; cardiac problems; certain skin conditions; inflamed or infected injuries; areas of hemorrhage or heavy tissue damage; recent fractures or sprains...
Deep massage is contraindicated in people with active cancer or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. It taxes a system already overloaded by the trauma of cancer and it's treatment.

What type of massage do I use in my practice?

The type or "modality" of bodywork will relate to: a. the purpose or objective of the massage i.e. relaxation or pain relief b. how long you have available for the session and c. whether you prefer table massage or seated massage. For example three different modalities --- Swedish, deep muscle, and myofascial are all provided on a massage table. I provide all three of them as part of my In-Home Massage Service. These home visits can vary in length from 45 to 90 minutes for the actual massage session itself plus another twenty minutes to set up and take down the equipment. Seated massage -- is given in a special ergonomically designed massage chair with the client fully clothed. The focus is on the upper body including the lower back, the mid back, the upper back and shoulders, the neck and scalp. The face, arms, hands, and fingers are also be included in a seated massage.

How much does a massage cost?

A visit to your home or office is $89, and includes up to 90 minutes of massage. If you prefer to come to my home a 45 minute full body table massage is $49.

Do I need to remove my clothes in a table massage session?

Certain types of table massage--can be given while you are on the table fully clothed. Traditionally, though, if you are receiving a relaxation Swedish massage, you will remove your clothing and be draped with a sheet.

How much actual time will the massage session take?

The amount of time for your session includes three separate but important phases a. the health assessment--where you answer questions about your general health b. the actual time while you are receiving the massage, and c. and some brief follow-up discussion after the session. For all three phases it usually requires about seventy five minutes for the massage session.

Payment

Imprinted check or cash. I don't accept credit cards.

Other information about my massage practice.

The last time I counted I had given over 900 individual massages in my seventeen years, and during most of those years I was only working a few hours a week. People ask me how many clients I see in a day, and my answer is some days I don't see any clients, and many days I only see one person, but if I was pressed as to how many sessions I could give in an eight hour day, it might be four.
Privacy--Massage is a personal service. I treat relationships with my clients as would any health practitioner--with utmost respect and privacy. In other words I don't talk with anyone about my clients--period!
Referrals--Occasionally, you may ask me if I would suggest the name of a doctor or other health practitioner. For instance, because I am looking at your skin, while I am giving you a massage, I may see something on your back where you would have trouble seeing yourself, that is suspicious and should be examined by a skin specialist (dermatologist ). If that should occur, I would recommend two or there persons and it would be up to you to talk with them before making your appointment
My Office or your home--I have a separate space set aside in an RV next to my home office where clients may come for their appointment. The fee is $49 an hour. A house call is also available. The fee is higher because of the transportation to and from your location, and expense of bringing and setting up my equipment there The fee is $89 for ninety minutes of massage.

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