Which is better for me, a Clinical Massage or a Relaxation Massage?
It depends on your goals for the massage. If you want to decrease stress and are looking for a nurturing experience to create a feeling of overall calm — sort of like an hour's vacation — a Relaxation Massage is for you. Relaxation massage relieves general soreness, increases flexibility and leaves you feeling relaxed, re-centered and renewed.
A Clinical Massage focuses on your painful problem areas to relieve specific soreness or injury with therapeutic techniques such as Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Trigger Point compression and myofascial stretching. Although Clinical Massage is sometimes called “deep tissue,” the pressure used should always be comfortable for you.
At each appointment we will review your treatment goals and decide which kind of massage is best for you. Whether your goal is relaxation or specific pain relief, I always adjust my pressure and techniques for your comfort, preferences and physical condition.
I’ve never had a massage before, what should I expect?
You should expect your therapist to explain the treatment and its benefits. Massage therapists are trained to screen for possible health risks of massage by discussing your health history before each treatment. Also, your therapist should provide for your comfort and privacy at all times. I will ask for your feedback and adjust the pressure and techniques to your preferences during the session. Please let me know what you prefer.
Professional draping procedures will keep you warm and will allow me to work on you without exposing the private areas of the body. Professional massage therapists adhere to strict industry standards and codes of ethics, and sexual behavior is never part of a professional massage. See the links below for massage therapy ethics.
Is massage good for everybody?
Massage can be applied in many different ways for each person's needs, physical conditions and imitations. However, there are medical conditions for which massage must be adapted or may not be recommended.
Any time you are considering a massage, you should expect the therapist to review your health history and to plan a treatment that is safe and will give you the most benefit. It is important that you keep your massage therapist informed about changes in your health, medications and current medical conditions.
I am not qualified to diagnose or treat medical conditions, but I am happy to coordinate with your physicians and health care team for your best care.
What is Neuromuscular Therapy?
Neuromuscular Therapy [NMT] is a very effective kind of specific and scientific massage for pain relief. Trigger Point therapy, myofascial release, and deep tissue massage are all part of NMT. Patient participation such as strengthening exercise is part of the comprehensive recovery process and NMT complements all other health care modalities.
NMT is derived from over fifty years of combined work and study of noted European and American physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, naturopaths and massage therapists.
I have been certified in NMT since 1995 and have continued my advanced study of NMT for the past twelve years through the NMT Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. See the link below for more information about NMT training and certification.
Is massage covered by insurance?
That would depend on your individual health insurance policy and is best answered by your insurance carrier. Health insurance usually reimburses only for medically necessary care, which necessitates a diagnosis and referral from a physician or licensed health care provider. Talk to your doctor about prescribing massage therapy.
As a sole practitioner, I am not able to provide medical billing services and I require payment for all services at the time of treatment.
105 Chestnut Street, Suite 35, Needham, MA 02492 | Ph: 781-444-5144
