Frequently Asked Questions
First appointment:
What should you bring with you? Ideally, you should come wearing comfortable clothing. You should remember to bring your identification and any insurance cards. Other than that, we ask that you show up with an open mind so that you can get the most from your sessions!
Does your Health Insurance cover Payment of costs:
If you have any questions about whether your health insurance covers the costs of your treatments, we'd be happy to assist you - just call at (843) 796-1769 so that our staff can assist you.
Sessions:
Coordinated with your schedule.
Our team is dedicated to making sure we are available when you need us to be. Feel free to discuss your schedule with one of us so that we can arrange special accommodations for you if need be. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. If you need to reschedule, please give us a 24-hour notice. Appointments can be scheduled with the different therapists based on your individual needs. If you would like to request a specific therapist, please do so at the time of scheduling. We look forward to seeing you!
What Are the Benefits of Massage?
Massage Therapy helps you to relax, refresh, and renew.
Relieves Stress
Encourages Relaxation
Improves Posture and Circulation
Lowers Blood Pressure
Helps Manage Pain
Relaxes Muscles
Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion
Relieves Tension-Related Headaches
Strengthens the Immune System
Enhances Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Improves Rehabilitation After Injury
Manage Fibromyalgia Pain Naturally
Eliminates Poisonous Toxins from the Body
Develops Sensory Awareness
Recent scientific research also proves that massage therapy increases immune function, decreases stress levels and reduces recovery time in many medical conditions including:
Allergies
Depression and Anxiety
Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Asthma and Bronchitis
Circulatory Problems
Insomnia
Sports Injuries
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
What Can I Expect from a Massage?
You can expect to have massage in a safe, nurturing environment. You can expect to feel peaceful, relaxed and calm afterwards. You will be listened to, you know your body. I cannot "fix" you, since you are not broken. I can assist your body in finding it's way to optimal health through stress-relief and relaxation.
How often should I get Massage?
This really depends on what your goals are, and your budget. I recommend getting a massage at least once a month, as the effects are cumulative. A few of my clients come in once a week, every other week or every 3 weeks, and others once a month. All of them recognize the importance of self-care, and the health benefits that they enjoy from receiving massage on a regular basis.
Will I be sore after my Massage?
Possibly, but not necessarily. It is very important for you to let me know if I am using too much pressure at any time. I do not operate under the "no pain - no gain" theory, so please don't "take" the pressure or pain thinking that it is supposed to be that way. Sometimes working with an injured area might be painful, but even that should be within a good tolerance level...think "good hurt" vs. "bad hurt." If you are not used to receiving massage, it is similar to not being used to working out. Just as you can feel sore after a good workout, you might feel a little sore after a massage, but that feeling should not last more than a day or two. Again, communication is key to getting your best massage. I feel this is extremely important!
What is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a tiny area of irritation in a stressed muscle. Trigger points refer pain, weakness, or numbness to either surrounding or distant areas of muscle tissue. The key clue pointing to a trigger point is that applying pressure to a specific point causes you to feel pain or another sensation someplace else. Trigger points result from trauma, exposure to cold or infection, overuse, misalignment, or chronically contracted muscles.
What are the effects of Chronic Muscle Tension?
Chronic muscle tension inhibits circulation, which means your muscles (and other tissues) aren't receiving the nutrition they need, and waste products aren't being taken away. The lack of nutrition and toxic buildup of waste irritate nerve endings, resulting in weakness and pain. This toxicity also taxes your immune system. Chronic muscle tension also inhibits movement. Movement is accomplished by paired groups of muscles alternately contracting and lengthening to move the bones to which the muscles attach. Chronically tense muscles disrupt the symmetry of balanced forces acting on the skeleton, holding bones out of position and causing misalignments. For every chronically tight muscle, its opposite (the antagonist) is chronically stretched and weak. These unbalanced forces also cause ligaments to become strained as they try to brace misaligned joints. All this makes injury more likely. Chronic muscle tension also used up energy, so you fatigue more easily.
What do I do during a massage treatment?
Most importantly, make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, you will be moved...just go with it. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Most all people close their eyes and relax during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. This is your massage. Never hesitate to ask questions at any time.