About Massage
About Massage
Massage has been around for thousands of years. There is historical evidence of healers using their hands to manipulate soft tissue in almost every society on earth. For many years Western medicine debated, ignored, and even disputed the health benefits of massage, but research in the past several years has given new light to what has been known in other cultures for centuries.
Therapeutic Massage is now being used in conjunction with many traditional Western methods for a wide range of conditions. It is also recognized as an effective way to reduce stress - which has been proven to be very detrimental to overall health and aggravate many conditions - and as an integral part of managing chronic pain or to speed recovery from injuries or surgery. Many insurance companies now cover Therapeutic Massage when used as a complementary treatment.
Some of the many benefits of Therapeutic Massage include:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety - Not only does stress cause fatigue, tense muscles, and headaches, but it has been proven to raise blood pressure, compromise the body's immune system, and prevent every system of the body from functioning properly. Massage has been proven to reduce stress and help the body return to its normal resting state.
Feeling of Well Being - Along with the physical and physiological benefits of stress reduction, massage also helps restore a relaxed, comfortable sense of well being (it just plain feels good).
Improved Blood Circulation - More efficient blood circulation increases oxygen delivery and waste removal from tissues for better overall health. This also helps speed recovery from injuries.
Lowered Blood Pressure - Increased circulation and flushing and relaxing of the muscles to remove restrictions helps temporarily lower blood pressure.
Improved Immune System Function - Increased lymphatic circulation helps remove toxins and waste from tissues, and good overall tissue health allows the body to fight infections more effectively.
Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion - Physical manipulation of tissues helps stretch and loosen muscles, break up scar tissue, and remove adhesions between muscles and fascia for freer, unrestricted range of motion. Loose muscles perform better, cramp less, and experience less post-exercise soreness.
What to Expect
Your first visit to the White Crane Bodywork Center will start with you filling out a confidential intake form with contact information and a brief medical history to see what medical conditions, injuries, medications, etc. you may have that would affect the massage session, or possibly contraindicate massage altogether. These instances are rare, but it is very important for me to know what is happening with your body to ensure your full safety and relaxation. Then we'll take a few minutes to discuss any areas you would like me to focus on and determine what both our goals and expectations are for the session.
After this, I will show you into the dressing room and allow you to prepare and get on the massage table. As a rule, massage therapy is performed with the client unclothed to allow the therapist maximum access to all muscles and attachments, but as comfort levels vary from person to person, some people prefer to wear undergarments or swimsuits during massage therapy. I provide linens, blankets, and/or towels to protect the dignity and comfort of every client. During the massage, only the area of the body being worked on will be uncovered. When you are ready I'll come back into the treatment area and we'll begin the session.
During the session, feel free to make conversation, ask questions, or just listen to the background music and relax. I encourage feedback to ensure that you get as much as possible out of the treatment, so don't be shy. This may include such things as painful tender or ticklish areas of the body, the amount of pressure being applied, or general questions about the techniques and modalities being used. Remember, this is YOUR massage. When we are finished, I'll leave the area again while you get off the table, and when you are ready you will meet me back in the waiting area to discuss how the treatment went and plan what we are going to do in the next session.
To make everything go as smoothly as possible, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Although massage can be very therapeutic and have positive health benefits, it should not replace qualified medical examination, diagnosis and/or treatment. Nothing said or done in the course of this treatment should be considered a substitute for qualified medical attention or advice.
Many reactions commonly occur during massage, such as the need to move or change position, changes in breathing, stomach gurgling/movement of intestinal gas, emotional feelings, energy shifts, falling asleep, memories, etc. They are normal responses to relaxation and should be allowed to happen naturally.
This is a THERAPEUTIC massage. It is NOT in any way sexual in nature. Any inappropriate actions or suggestions will result in immediate termination of the session.
Please show up on time for your appointment. If you arrive late for your appointment, I cannot promise an entire session from the time we start - only to end at the agreed upon time. This is only fair to the next client who may be coming in right after you.
If you do have to cancel (it happens to all of us once in a while), please give at least 24 hours notice. If 24 hours notice is not given, you may still be held responsible for the cost of the appointment.
Payment is due upon receipt of services. I accept cash, checks, VISA/MC, and Gift Certificates as payment. Upon request I can provide a detailed invoice with the proper insurance codes so that you can submit for reimbursement.
Most of all - relax and enjoy!