massage therapy FAQs
FAQs for your massage at The Rustic Remedy
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax, and the table can be warmed. You will lie on the massage table, specially designed for your comfort, with extra cushions, bolsters, and pillows available.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. Some people choose to leave their underwear on, and some completely undress. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly and modestly draped under a sheet and a blanket during the entire session, and only the area being worked on at the time is exposed. You are welcome to wear comfortable, stretchy clothing as well.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Once your goals and treatment plans are discussed, the practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax on the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and warm blanket. You will be given plenty of time, and the practitioner will knock before reentering.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly and modestly draped under a sheet and blanket at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. However, you may choose to remain fully clothed if you wish.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. However, you can specify, for example, back and shoulders only. Gluteal and hip work is generally done over the sheet upon consent.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish Massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Aromatherapy can be used to complement your session.
A therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage is more focused on a specific problem or group of muscles. Sometimes there may be discomfort, but within a comfortable threshold. We don’t work beyond the body’s natural reaction to pain, as that is counterproductive. Please communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting. On the other hand, you may request firmer pressure if the massage techniques are too light and feel ineffective. Your massage therapist will use their best discretion to avoid harming you and themselves. If the requested amount of pressure and deep work is beyond a massage therapist’s threshold, or we feel it is no longer safe and effective, you will be referred out.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session, or what if I’m uncomfortable?
Please speak up if you are experiencing pain or discomfort, need an adjustment with pressure, or get too hot/cold. Just do your best to relax. Feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the techniques used. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, and sometimes briefly fall asleep, while some people prefer to talk. Either is fine with me!
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days. It is advised to schedule a massage on a day that is not so busy or won’t require extreme physical activity.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
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.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. You must inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork before any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
Do you accept insurance or HSA or FSA, or a doctor's prescription for tax exemption for medical massage?
We do not accept health insurance, nor do we bill insurance companies for claims. We do, however, accept HSA and FSA, but it is the client’s responsibility to check with their HR department and Physician before using these benefits to pay for massage therapy. To receive a tax exception for medical massage, please obtain a prescription from your healthcare provider that includes the duration and frequency of massage therapy. This must be kept on file for up to 7 years and updated accordingly.
What measures are taken to ensure my health and safety?
We follow strict guidelines when it comes to our clients’ health and safety. After every appointment, all linens, towels, and blankets are removed for laundering. An approved disinfectant is used to wipe down the massage table and face rest before clean linens and blankets are in place. All counters, door knobs, light switches, self-checkout systems, clipboards, pens, and anything else that may have come in contact are disinfected as well. As massage therapists, we practice strict personal hygiene by frequent hand washing and keeping our nails trimmed and manicured. We will ask to reschedule your appointment if we feel under the weather, and ask our clients to do the same. Massage is contraindicated with fever and could potentially worsen symptoms of illness. When in doubt, reschedule.
What products will be used during my massage?
We use natural, hypoallergenic jojoba from HobaCare to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) extract, while commonly referred to as “jojoba oil,” is actually a liquid wax. The liquid wax esters in jojoba are the closest thing in the plant world to the sebum our skin produces. With an indefinite shelf life, jojoba is nontoxic, nonallergenic, noncomedogenic, and compatible for all skin types of all ages. Most importantly, it makes your skin feel amazing! Upon request, we offer complimentary aromatherapy using Plant Therapy organic essential oils and topical (drug-free) CBD pain relief cream from Cause+Medic. Our linens are laundered with allergen-friendly detergents that are dye-free and scent-free.