Massage Therapy Frequently Asked Questions in Rochester MN

Massage is the stretching and kneading of soft tissue of the body with the intention of helping the body toward a more comfortable position that moves more easily with less pain and less tension.

Studies have shown massage benefits include reducing stress, promoting relaxation, increased range of motion, decreased pain and stiffness in soft tissues, and aid in function of the immune system.

Here at Quality Life Chiropractic & Massage we see clients coming in with:

• Neck and back pain
• Tension headaches and migraines
• Shoulder pain/injuries
• Sciatica
• Knee pain/injuries
• Tendinitis
• Planter Fasciitis
• Pulled muscles
• Stress

Sometimes clients present with symptoms that are contraindicated for massage, meaning massage may not be safe to receive at that time. It might be a temporary condition like a fever or illness or a situation that needs to be evaluated by another medical professional before massage intervention, like an acute injury/pathology. In these cases, massage therapists will postpone treatment. We know it is not fun to reschedule a massage you are looking forward to, however it is always the massage therapist’s intention for you to receive the best care for your body in a safe and helpful way.

Here at Quality Life Chiropractic & Massage we offer Swedish massage, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, and Lymphatic Drainage or a customized blend of these techniques. For our expecting clients we offer Prenatal Massage with either the proning prenatal bolster or sidelying support. We also offer static and dynamic cupping, and heated flaxseed pillow massage services that can be incorporated into any session where appropriate.

We offer 30, 60, 90 and 120 minute massages. Each massage includes up to a 5 minute pre-interview and up to 5 minutes at the end to re-dress.

Your massage session will begin with a conversation with the therapist to discuss your health and needs or goals for the day. Then the massage therapist will leave the room for a minute to allow you to undress to your comfort level and get on the massage table under the sheet and blanket.

During the massage the areas being massaged will be undraped, techniques will be applied and then the area recovered. Bolsters and pillows may be used for positioning and comfort. The massage therapist will check in with you about pressure and your comfort but do not hesitate to speak up if you need something adjusted at any time.

Most clients prefer not to chat during the session as it is a time to relax and disconnect. While massaging around the neck and head you may be asked not to chat and instead to focus on some breathing.

At the end of the massage the therapist will give you any after-care suggestions based on your session. The massage therapist will leave the room again to allow you to redress. When you are dressed proceed to the front desk and check out, please leave the treatment room door open.

Massage therapy does not have to be painful to work, and it shouldn’t hurt. It’s so important for clients to tell the massage therapist when a spot or technique hurts. It is common for a client to feel pressure or discomfort when an area of pain or restriction is being massaged but when the feeling crosses over to painful that’s the body saying stop and reassess.

After a massage muscles can feel like they have been worked out, or you become aware of all the tender spots that were massaged. It is not uncommon after your first massage, or an extended time between massages, to feel this as soreness or a headache as your body resets. Staying hydrated, gentle stretching or exercise, heat or ice may help with these symptoms.

Clients are invited to undress to their comfort level and are covered with sheets and a blanket. The massage therapist uncovers the area being massaged and recovers it when moving on to a different area. Any clothes the client keeps on are considered a boundary and will remain covered with the sheet. Massage techniques may still be applied over the sheet with the client’s consent.

It really is about the client being comfortable and how that guides the techniques being used. Here are few things clients may consider: Long flowing strokes, myofascial release, and skin stretching techniques are difficult over sheets. Compression, kneading, shaking or rocking, and tapotement are commonly used over covers which some clients consider more vigorous techniques instead of soothing. Lotions and oils cannot be applied to covered areas.

You may always discuss what you need with your massage therapist and choose the level of undress that works for you.

The fun answer is, you may get a massage as often as you would like!

In cases of acute (new and sudden) symptoms you and your massage therapist may consider a few sessions closer together and then switch to a maintenance plan of massages every couple of weeks or monthly as your schedule and comfort permit. For ongoing care a bi-weekly or monthly massage may be just the thing to keep you feeling and moving comfortably. Your massage therapist will be able to work with you to come up with a plan that works best for you.

Quality Life Chiropractic & Massage has full-time, qualified massage therapists on staff. They are happy to meet with you and discuss your massage needs and answer questions.

You can also ask for referrals from your Chiropractor, Primary Care Provider, and trusted friends.

There are directories maintained by Massage Therapy Insurance and Certification organizations that list local massage therapists.

MassageTherapy.com, part of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), has a directory: CLICK HERE

American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has a directory: CLICK HERE

All insurance policies differ on their coverage. The only insurance that we bill and has coverage for massage therapy is for a work injury or auto accident. Clients can submit to insurance on their own behalf. If they choose to do so it is between the client and their insurance and subject to their benefits.

As long as you have a treatment plan through a chiropractor that includes massage therapy, have a letter of medical necessity for massage therapy, or have a prescription for massage therapy from your healthcare provider you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for massage therapy. But you can’t use your HSA or FSA to prepay for the services or to purchase gift certificates for massage therapy.