Covid Response

• Swedish:
  The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy is both relaxing and energizing. 
• Deep Tissue:
  Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in your body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage  may be therapeutic - relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries.
• Sports Massage:
  Sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training - before, during, or after sports events. Commonly used to promote flexibility and help prevent injuries. Also helps muscle strains and aiding healing after a sports injury. 
• Prenatal Massage:
  During pregnancy, the body goes through major changes. Prenatal massage can help with these changes by reducing stress, decreasing arm and leg swelling, and relieving muscle and joint pain. Massage may be particularly helpful during a time when medication and other medical options may be more limited. 

On your first visit you will complete a confidential client intake form. Your therapist will assess and create a treatment plan for you. At this time it is important to inform your therapist if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. To fully understand your position your Massage Therapist listens to your concerns and your individual needs as well as other factors that may be  contributing to your situation. With your health history information your  therapist will develop a treatment plan with you so you receive the appropriate treatment that will help you return, as much as possible, to your normal activities.   

You only need to take off only as much clothing as you’re comfortable removing. You can leave your undergarments on if you choose, as massage can be done through clothing. The massage therapist will give you privacy while you undress and leave the room. During the massage, the  therapist will use a sheet or towel to drape the parts of your body that are not being massaged.
A massage is meant to be relaxing and we want you to be comfortable at all times. Don’t be afraid to speak up and tell us what you would like to be changed. Your comfort is important to us!

It is best not to eat for at least 90 minutes before your massage treatment and only a light meal at that time. The body needs time to digest food. This is the same caution you would take when you go swimming or exercising. The digestion process directs the blood flow away from your peripheral tissues and concentrates it on digestive tract. Massage draws the blood flow to the area tissues being worked on, therefore drawing the blood away from the digestive tract causing poor digestion and possible discomfort. 

It is best not to imbibe before your massage treatment. You may feel more "relaxed", but alcohol or other substances can dampen your body's ability to sense discomfort which can decrease your ability to alert your therapist to an appropriate technique or level of pressure. This can potentially lead to injury. Alcohol can also dehydrate your tissues causing potential injury or increasing any soreness post-massage. Massage draws the blood flow to the area tissues being worked on, and alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of this process. Last, but not least, substances can impair your ability to get on or off of the massage table safely. As always your comfort and safety are two of our biggest priorities. For these reasons and more, we do not recommend coming to a session impaired. Thank you in advance for your discretion in this matter.

There is no requirement to have a referral to see a Registered Massage Therapist. You may only need a referral if you are seeing us for an insurance approved session, or for medical massage. Some people are approved to use their HSA / FSA to pay for their massage. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance in advance to make sure it is an approved service to use your HSA / FSA benefits.

It is important to let your massage therapist know (this will be one of the questions on the client intake form you will be asked to fill out on your first visit). Massage therapy is not recommended for people who have hemophilia.  

We are currently only contracted with Regence insurance. Jesse is the therapist you would work with for your coverage, as the other therapists are not contracted with any insurance at this time. Some people may be reimbursed for massage sessions through their insurance, and we can provide a super bill for you to submit to your insurance upon request. Some HSA / FSA accounts allow payment for massage. Check with your insurance or benefits team to find out in advance if massage is covered / an approved use.