Question 1

What are the general benefits of soft tissue release and massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Some of the many benefits to massage therapy are as follows:

Physiological: -Relaxes tense muscles and activates weak or dysfunctional ones. -Reduces pain. -Increases local circulation and venous flow. -Improves joint mobility and flexibility. -Increases lymphatic flow, resulting in improved immune response. -Increases body awareness. -Helps push metabolic wastes from muscles into venous and lymphatic flow. -Improves immune function.-Relieves postoperative pain and aids in recovery. Enhance exercise and sport performance.

Mental and Emotional: -Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system, causing a general sense of relaxation. -Increases mental clarity. -Helps you become more in tune with your body -Reduces anxiety and initiates a general feeling of calm, comfort, and well being. Helps ease the symptoms of depression. Releases unexpressed emotions. -Releases oxytocin and dopamine, endorphins associated with relaxation, comfort, and joy.

Question 2

How is a medical massage different than a spa service?

Accepted Answer

Although all types of massage can be beneficial in different ways, medical massage is a detailed and thorough approach to relieving pain and restoring or enhancing function.  Medical massage modalities, techniques, and protocols are done with deliberate and calculated intention and the goal will always be communicated to you so that we can follow up with your progress.

Question 3

When do I schedule and how often?

Accepted Answer

When you come in for your first visit, your practitioner will do an assessment  on your posture, range of motion, and address any concerns you have. After your first treatment, they will help you set up a treatment plan if needed. After that, you can choose to stay on a maintenance appointment cycle. Elevated has pricing to help you get discounts for receiving consistent therapy and regular massage. For athletes, a good time to get a massage is pre and post event and before and after strenuous work-outs. Also, routinely during periods of rest and as a part of recovery and maintenance. Like exercise itself, your benefits are cumulative. The more regularly you receive a massage, the more you’ll reap the advantages of them. Massage is an important part of preventative maintenance as well as recovery. Remember that consistency is the key. A lot of athletes get several massages a week. Some people make weekly or bi-weekly appointments. Even getting massaged once a month regularly has long lasting positive impact. Speak with your massage therapist after your first massage and see if they recommend anything based on what they concluded about your session. There are great discounts for multiple massage packages and you can book them in advance in the scheduling tab.

Question 4

What kind of medical conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

There are some things that massage therapy has  been proven to be medically beneficial for. We call these conditions massage indicated. These are some examples of conditions that massage is good for though there are many more as well. Ask your therapist if you have any questions:

-back, neck or shoulder pain

-muscle spasms and muscle weakness

-jaw pain and dysfunction, TMJ

-whiplash of any joint

-nerve injuries and entrapments

-carpal tunnel syndrome

-sciatica symptoms and pain

-Parkinsonism/Parkinson's Disease

-poor circulation

-tendinitis, tendonosis, bursitis, arthritis, and osteoporosis

-cerebral palsy, bell's palsy

-fibromyalgia

-Emotional tension, stress, grief, anxiety, and depression

-headaches and migraines

-scar tissue impingement, surgical site recovery

-degenerative, herniated, or ruptured disks

-Auto accident and sports injuries

-Cerebral Palsy

- Thoracic outlet syndrome

-Restless leg syndrome

-Eye strain and vision impairment

-Tennis and golfers elbow

-Rotator Cuff Conditions

-Pain, strain, or pulls in joints

-Ankle and foot conditions, fallen arches, plantar fasciitis

Question 5

Are there any conditions that massage is not good for?

Accepted Answer

Some medical conditions are massage contraindicated and massage is not recommended. Some of those conditions are as follows:

-fever

-acute injury or accident (less than 48 hours)

-dizziness or nausea

-deep bruises, open wounds

-rashes or severe sunburn

-history of thrombosis

-intoxication (including narcotic pain medications)

-certain medications that affect the circulatory system (please let us know if you are on any blood thinners)

There are additional conditions where massage therapy could cause adverse effects. If you have any condition (chronic or acute), or are taking any medications, you should consult with your primary healthcare provider before seeing a massage therapist. In some cases, massage may be appropriate with some changes to the techniques or session. In the interest of personal safety, you must disclose all medical conditions to the therapist and will be asked to do so at your initial visit and throughout any changes while you are still receiving treatment.

If you need a doctor referral form, request one from your therapist.

Question 6

Do you accept insurance as a form of payment?

Accepted Answer

No we do not take insurance directly but you may bill your services if you are filing an injury claim. Contact your attorney or insurance to verify coverage.

Question 7

How should I prepare for a massage and what should I do after?

Accepted Answer

Before: It’s good to come to a massage treatment well hydrated to help so that your skin, muscle tissue, and organs are ready to receive the work. Being in comfortable clothing and being able to relax is important. Your body will hold itself tense especially when it feels discomfort. It is important to remember that you receive the best results of massage therapy when you are fully relaxed. Steady deep breathing throughout your treatment is recommended.

After: Drink 16 or more oz of water to help flush your system of toxins and biowaste and rehydrate your body. Follow up with your massage therapist for your treatment plan and/or next appointment.

Question 8

What is Structural Energetic Therapy, S.E.T.?

Accepted Answer

Check out our page on S.E.T. here and contact the office if you have any more questions.

Question 9

What is cupping? Will it leave marks and does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Cupping is an ancient healing modality that is present in many histories all over the world, dating back thousands of years. The general idea behind cupping is to lift, via suction, the tissue and muscle and invite a fresh flow of blood, lymphatic fluids, and oxygen, while softening and relieving tension in the area.

Cupping will sometimes also leave marks that look like suction circles or that in color from light pink to dark purple. These marks happen depending on many factors including the particular technique the therapist is using, how much tension or adhesion the person has in a particular area, whether or not the person is hydrated, if the person has sensitive skin, and a variety of other reasons that will always be discussed prior to your treatment. Cupping marks can feel like nothing or have a light soreness but are usually not painful and will fade completely within 5 to 10 days.

Question 10

Do you do speciality massage treatments for children?

Accepted Answer

We do! For ages 5 to 16. Whether your child was in an accident, is very active, has a lot of stress, or all of the above, we can address their issues with consideration taken in about their age and development. Just as in our other treatments, we do guided breathing and help improve body awareness as well. A waiver needs to be signed for all minors under 17. When your child is 16 or older, you can book any other regular massage treatment for them.

Question 11

Do you do speciality massage treatments for people over 65?

Accepted Answer

We do! Medical massage for people over 65 addresses client specific needs around recovery and aging. Range of motion, balance, circulation, reaction time, tension and pain relief, and to help restore physical and emotional vitality are a few benefits of this massage. Just as in our other treatments, we do guided breathing and help improve body awareness as well.

Question 12

How do I prepare for a cupping treatment and what do I need to know for after?

Accepted Answer

Because cupping treatments directly pull on the skin, trying to be well hydrated for several days before your appointment will help your overall recovery. If you are planning to be in photos where you would not like your cupping marks to be seen or if you plan to get a lot of direct sun, either plan your treatment around it or communicate to your therapist about your plans so we can avoid specific techniques. Check out our section on cupping for more information.

Frequently asked questions