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Q & A

Reflexology

 

Q: I have the sniffles, a cough, or just a sore throat, other than that I feel fine. Can I come in for my massage?

A  Unfortunately no. You should really stay home and take care of yourself. The health and wellbeing of our clients and team members is of the utmost importance to us. We ask that you only come into the office for your appointment when feeling completely healthy. IF at ANYTIME over the last 24-72hours(1-3 days) you have experienced a fever, body aches, unusual headaches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, loss of taste or smell we ask that you please give us a call to reschedule your appointment.

If you arrive at the office with any of these symptoms, you will be asked to reschedule your massage.

 

 

 

What are the benefits of getting massage and bodywork on a regular basis?

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being.

What’s the difference between Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy?

Both massage and bodywork therapists manipulate their clients’ soft tissues to promote and maintain health. Though these practices have a great deal in common, bodyworkers tend to focus on pain relief and restoring body function. Massage therapists can also help clients meet these goals but place a greater emphasis on relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being

 

Who should I book with for my first session? 

Each Licensed Massage Therapist at KPMT specializes in different modalities. We have specifically hand picked a "team" of therapists whom work together in order to get you back on track with your wellness goals. After listening to your goals we will be able to customize every session. Trying each therapist will give you a chance to experience our style. The more experienced therapists you have to work with, the better your body will feel. 

Is it okay to talk during a massage session?

The amount of communication you should engage in during your massage depends on your goals for the session. If you want a relaxing massage,talk as little as necessary and let your mind and body enter a meditative state. You can even practice mindful breathing, which lowers muscular tension and increases the benefits of your massage.  But, be sure to communicate if you need anything, increased/decreased pressure or even just a tissue, communication is key.

Q What happens if I fall asleep during my massage?

It’s quite common for people to fall asleep during relaxing massages. Massage therapists typically take this as a compliment and a sign that they’re providing maximum relaxation to their clients. Enjoy your massage experience and don’t expect yourself to stay awake and alert at all times. Many clients allow their bodies and minds to “reset” in deeply relaxing states.

What if my stomach growls during a massage—or worse?

Massage therapists create “judgment-free zones” with their clients and understand that massages can sometimes lead to clients making strange noises, passing gas, or even have deeply emotional experience. If you feel the need to recall a memory, laugh, or even cry, your practitioner will understand and may ask you if you want to continue the massage or take a break.

Will I be naked during my massage?

No matter what type of massage you receive, you’re in charge of how much you undress during your massage therapy session. Talk with your practitioner before your massage and specify the areas of your body on which you want them to work—and which to avoid. Your massage therapist will only expose the parts of your body they’re working on. If you feel uncomfortable with your massage, you can pause or stop it at any time.

Additionally, it should be noted that not all massage and bodywork techniques require the client to undress such as CranioSacral Therapy with Caitlin and Active Release Therapy with David Edwards-Smith.

What do I do during a massage treatment?

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.

Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time

 

How long will a massage treatment last?

The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60 to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation, while others who experience major fatigue or stress may opt for a longer session (120 minutes)

Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

How often should I get a massage?

"Some is better than none." What does that mean? Well, it varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you.

However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30 or 60 minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place. 

Frequency of sessions should be discussed with your practitioner after your treatment when he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your particular issues.

Q Do you have Insurance you want to bill for your massage or ART session?
A Well we can't do that for you, but you can! Make sure your insurance has your referral from your Doctor or Chiropractor. On the back of your insurance card there is an address under a header that usually reads Submit To: Send your referral 
(if not already on file) and receipt(s) to this address and voila! You have billed your insurance, you can sit back and await reimbursement. 

RESPECT FOR CLIENT-THERAPIST BOUNDARIES

You agree to be open and honest with your massage therapist at all times during your session (including but not limited to:  temperature, pressure, music volume, working on a certain area longer or moving on to the next body part, or anything that makes me feel uncomfortable.) You understand that you may leave on as much clothing as needed for comfort, refuse or request to change any massage methods, or stop the session at any time. You understand that you will be modestly draped for the entirety of your massage session and that only the area being worked on will be uncovered. You understand breast and genital areas will be avoided at all times. Any inappropriate advances or requests will not be tolerated, and any attempt to do so will result in your session being terminated immediately with no option to reschedule, as well as being reported to the proper authorities.

When to Avoid Getting A Massage

-Contraindications-

a contraindication is “something (such as a symptom or condition) that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable.” Therefore, massage contraindications are preexisting conditions or medical complications that may prevent you from receiving massage therapy.

It’s pronounced “contra-indication,” like the opposite of “indication.” Indications are reasons you should get a massage (stress, back pain, etc.), contraindications are reasons you shouldn’t get a massage.

Massage is a relatively low risk form of therapy. However, there are certain conditions which are contraindicated for massage therapy.

Please help us keep our staff and other clients healthy. Avoid visiting when you have symptoms of a communicable disease. Including but not limited to:

    •    Fever

    •    Chills

    •    Sore throat

    •    Cough

    •    Runny Nose

    •    Nausea/vomiting

 

Please call the office if you have questions on whether or not you should re-schedule your appointment. 907.420.0820

 

Local Contraindications
The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by:

  • Varicose veins

  • Undiagnosed lumps or bumps

  • Bruising

  • Cuts

  • Abrasions

  • Sunburn

  • Undiagnosed pain

  • Inflammation, including arthritis

  • wart

Total Contraindications
When you have any of these conditions, please do not book a massage:

  • Fever

  • Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu, no matter how mild it may seem

  • Under the influence of drugs or alcohol- including prescription pain medication

  • Recent operations or acute injuries

  • Neuritis

  • Skin diseases

  •   Appendicitis

  •  Autoimmune diseases (during flare up)

  • Cardiac arrest

  • Chickenpox

  • Cholecystitis (during flare up)

  • Cirrhosis of the liver (if due to viral agent)

  • Diarrhea (if due to infection)

  • Embolism

  • ncephalitis 

  • Gallstones (during attack)

  • German measles (aka:Rubella)

  • Gout (acute phase)

  • Hemorrhage

  • Hepatitis

  • Hives

  • Hypertension (if not controlled by diet exercise, and/or medication)

  • Infectious diseases

  • Influenza

  • Intestinal obstruction

  • Jaundice

  • Lice

  • Lupus (during flare up)

  • Measles

  • Meningitis

  • Migraine headache (during episode)

  •  Mononucleosis

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Mumps

  • Pancreatitis

  • Pericarditis

  • Pharyngitis(due to infection)

  • Pleurisy(if caused by infectious agent)

  • Pneumonia

  • Preeclampsia

  • Psychiatric diagnoses of manic depressive  psychosis, schizophrenic psychosis, and paranoid conditions

  • Pulmonary embolism

  • Pyelonephritis

  • Rabies

  • Recent injury

  • Recent surgery

  • Respiratory distress syndrome

  • Under the influence of drugs or alcohol

There may be other conditions not mentioned in this list which massage therapy is contraindicated.

When in doubt, DON’T.  If you suffer from a particular illness and are unsure if it safe for you to receive  massage therapy, please check with your medical doctor before scheduling an appointment

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