What should I expect during my first Medical Massage visit?
Please bring your insurance card and doctor’s prescription and arrive 15 minutes early. You’ll have forms to fill out in our reception area which can take some time. Afterwards, the therapist will bring you into a treatment room where s/he will begin by reviewing your paperwork, asking questions to establish the best way to proceed. Your massage therapist
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ay also perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and stage of inflammation. S/he will then let you know that s/he will be leaving the room so that you can get undressed to whatever your level of comfort may be and get in-between the sheets, just like getting into bed, i.e. there’s a top sheet and a bottom sheet. You’ll be covered the entire time, except for just the body part that your therapist is working on. Do keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal to be completely disrobed during a massage, although not at all required.
What should I expect during my first Wellness Massage visit?
Please arrive 5 minutes early. Although you won’t be needing to deal with insurance cards, prescriptions, and plenty of paperwork to fill out, we will have a brief form for you to complete. Also, it’s a good time to use the restroom. There’s nothing worse than trying to relax with a full bladder!
Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. Your therapist can adjust the table in different positions, as well as use pillows and bolsters to accommodate injury, pregnancy, or any general comfort need.
What do I wear during the massage?
Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For the vast majority of massage treatments, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.
What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, s/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. If it’s a medical massage session, the therapist will likely need to check in with you regularly about their pressure, as well as potential pain or discomfort. For wellness massage, many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We wish we had a definitive answer to this, but really it depends on the day and times that you’re wanting and how many other people have been in a car accident or other injury lately. Of course, the sooner you call us, the better. We endeavor to schedule anyone who’s just had an injury within 24 hours. If you’re wanting an appointment the same day you’re calling, sometimes there’s openings or cancellations, so do call.
Can I see any of your therapists?
Usually there’s no problem, but in a few instances there are insurance companies that a couple of the therapists aren’t credentialed with, so we’d be clear with you about your choices. Also, if you want a specific modality, such as Intra-oral work for TMJ, or Cancer massage focus, or Cranial Sacral Therapy, then we’d schedule you with the therapists who specialize in these modalities. Although it’s a great idea to settle with a specific therapist who’ll see you through your treatment (for Medical Massage), it’s also wise to get comfortable with an additional therapist so that you have more flexibility when scheduling or in the event that a particular therapist is ill or on vacation.
What types of massage do you offer?
- Specific Injury Treatment
- Swedish Massage
- Deep Tissue
- Myofascial Release
- Cranial Sacral Therapy
- Intra-Oral work
- Pregnancy Massage
- Sports Massage
Will the massage oils used make me break-out?
We use a base of organic jojoba oil which is hypoallergenic. You can choose unscented, or pick a blend with organic essential oils. Jojoba oil is widely used in the cosmetic industry, as it doesn’t clog pores. Also, since it doesn’t come from a nut and is not a true oil (it’s a waxy ester) it is known to be hypoallergenic. It also has mild anti-inflammatory effects which is great for treating injuries. As for lotion, we always have a supply of high quality lotion on hand. However, if you have a favorite lotion or oil that you prefer to use, by all means bring it with you and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.
Is massage always indicated or appropriate for all conditions?
No, there are some medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate (certain kinds or stages of cancer, skin conditions, some infections, etc.) That’s why it’s necessary that you fill out the health history form before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking.
How long is the massage?
A 1-hour massage includes a pre-interview, getting on the table, the massage, getting off the table, and any closing conversation with your therapist. For medical massage, there’s more verbal interaction since the therapist needs feedback and input from you. Whereas, typically there’s less need for conversation for wellness massage. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
Are you a Medicare provider?
Unfortunately, even though we’re licensed as health care providers by the WA Department of Health, Medicare does not credential massage practitioners, so we are unable to become providers, and therefore; unable to bill Medicare.
Do you bill secondary insurance?
No, we do not.
Do you work with people in car accidents?
Absolutely. You simply need to have PIP.
What is PIP?
Personal Injury Protection. Most people have this on their car insurance policy, as you’d have to sign something special, stating that you decline it. If you have declined it, we strongly encourage you to reinstate it, as it immediately covers medical bills for both you, as well as all occupants in your vehicle. Otherwise, you will likely need to retain a lawyer to seek a legal settlement which could take up to 3 years to receive. Of course, if you have health insurance, you may be able to use that, but not the other occupants of your car. They’d each need to have their own health insurance. And keep in mind, with PIP, there’s no deductible, no co-pay, and no coinsurance. The minimum policy covers $10,000 per person in the vehicle per accident. After having treated so many people who’ve been in auto accidents, many of us in this field choose to get the maximum PIP of $35,000 per person, per accident.
Do you work with people in work injuries?
Yes, we do—both L&I, as well as private worker’s comp.
What if I’m driving a work or company car?
Usually that is covered under your L&I, or worker’s comp benefits.
How can I find out what benefits I have?
Pull out your insurance card. Turn it over and look at the backside. Call the customer or subscriber number on it and speak to one of the representatives. They’ll let you know what details they need from you in order to give you accurate information.
Do you take credit cards?
Not at this time.
Should I tip my therapist?
Ahhhh, good question. It’s totally up to you. Typically, tipping is not done for medical treatment, yet it is done for non-medical, or wellness massage. Either way, it’s totally up to your discretion.