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Q1: What is massage therapy?
A1: Massage therapy is the art of moving the soft tissue of the body for therapeutic purposes. Massage can have a sedative or energizing effect on the body. The massage therapist may use a combination of techniques depending on what your needs are. Oils and lotions are used to reduce friction and increase the comfort of the techniques. The intensity of the pressure used depends on what the client is looking to achieve with massage, i.e., deep tissue work vs. relaxation.
Q2: What types of massage do you do?
A2: I am trained in Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, occupational injury, Structural Relief Therapy (SRT), Active Isolated Stretch (AIS), and chair massage.
Q3: If you do so many types of massage, how do I know which one to pick?
A3: All you need to pick the length of time you would like your session. You don’t need to know the difference between deep tissue and SRT. I will make a professional judgement, on each and every visit, as to which is the most appropriate for you.
Q4: I have a fair amount of experience with massage. What if I want to pick, Swedish ONLY, or SRT ONLY. How do I do that?
A4: Please pick the length of time you would like for your session and tell me at the beginning of the session you would specifically like “x” type. If you wish, you can leave me a brief note when you schedule.
Q5: My friend said, “Ask Deb for that ”thing she does” to help your pain.” What is my friend talking about? and will it help me?
A5: Great question! The “thing” your friend is talking about is a technique called Structural Relief Therapy or SRT for short. Here is a brief description of how that “thing” works. First, I have to find the SRT tender point. Next, I position the body until the client tells me the SRT tender point is gone or mostly diminished. And finally, I hold this position for 90 to 120 seconds, then return the body to a neutral position.
This is so different from the traditional massage that uses oil and creams to treat sore areas, hence the reason clients will call it “that thing you do”. Clients are unsure what to call it, as it’s not traditional oil massage that they are used to. What clients do know is: when I re-check of the area of pain, the tissue immediately feels better. It has less pain and more fluid range of motion.
The definition of SRT, according to Taya Countryman: SRT changes the body by decreasing involuntary muscle contracture which decreases pain and increases range of motion. It is a blend of therapies including: Positional Release Therapy, Strain and Counterstrain, Muscle Energy, and fascia release. Click here to read more about Taya and this technique.
Q6: Is massage safe?
A6: Massage Therapy is safe for most people. You will be asked to fill out a medical history form prior to your first treatment. Please be ready to list all medications, recent surgeries or other pertinent medical conditions you may have. This ensures that the treatment you receive is appropriate and safe.
Q7: What professional organizations do you belong to?
A7: I belong to the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) to maintain my certification as an athletic trainer. I am required to attend 50 hours of continuing education every two years. I also belong to the American Massage Therapy Association. The AMTA requires me to attend 48 hours of continuing education every four years.
Q8: What is a sports massage?
A8: Sports massage is specifically designed to soothe athletes’ aching muscles. It can be done pre-event or post-event. It is appropriate for someone with or without an injury. The goal of sports massage is to improve your athletic performance.
Q9: What should I wear during the massage?
A9: The therapist will leave the room to allow you privacy to undress and to get on the table. Many clients wear just their underclothing. You may undress down to what you are comfortable wearing. You will be COVERED at all times with a sheet and blanket during the entire session to ensure your privacy. Treatments that are strictly AIS or SRT sessions allow clients to stay clothed.
Q10: What else should I know?
A10: After your massage you may feel either energized or relaxed; either way you will feel great! My office is located within the Gleason Family YMCA. Please remember that you are a guest in this facility. You may sit in the lobby if you are early for your appointment or take a walk around the building on the outside track, but please do not wander into the building unless you are a Y member.
Q11: Do I need an appointment?
A11: Yes. An appointment is needed for all services. Please call (508) 965-3974 to schedule or click HERE to schedule online. Please fill out this medical history form prior to your first visit.
Q12: What if I need to change my appointment?
A12: If it LESS than 24-hours until your appointment and you need to change, you will need to call (508)965-3974 to leave a voice mail. Please call as soon as you know you have an appointment conflict.
If it is MORE than 24-hours until your appointment, you can use Schedulicity to cancel and re-book your appointment time. Or, you can call and leave a voice mail.
If you are a no-show for your appointment you will be charged full price for your treatment. Generally, giving 24-hours or more notice of canceling is customary and appreciated. You may incur a cancellation fee if you cancel less than 24 hours and it is NOT an emergency. If you are ill or have a family emergency, please call to cancel as soon as you are able. Cancellation fees for emergencies are waived. Voice mail is accessible 24 hours a day, (508) 965-3974.
More information is available on my blog about what to do when you are sick.