Total Health Center
...total pain relief

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clinical Massage able to help with migraines?
The answer is a resounding YES! Since 1993 I have only had a couple of extreme cases of migraine headaches that I have not been able to completely resolve. With headaches there is typically a blood flow problem due to constriction of the blood vessels supplying oxygen to the head. Some specific and critical pathways need attention, but with proper techniques and correcting the posture to retain the treatment, I have seen many success stories.

Is Clinical Massage able to help with scoliosis (curvature of the spine)?
Scoliosis is more common than you think. Due to trauma or simply sitting at a computer too long, almost everyone has some postural distortion. By utilizing a whole body approach to correcting posture and releasing the muscles pulling us out of alignment, the results are not only amazing, but lasting as well. Remember, muscles pull the bones out of alignment to keep our eyes level on the horizon. Once the posture is in balance it tends to want to stay there. 

How many sessions does it usually take?
Now that’s the million dollar question. Each case and each person is different. I will say that after the third session we will most likely have a good idea about whether or not we are a good fit. Many critical problems are relieved in the first session or two. Complete restoration may take more time. The key difference is a patient’s ability to adapt their lifestyle to promote healing and health.

Some people do come in periodically for maintenance, or what we call a tune-up, in order to stay away from a pain syndrome that tended to reoccur in the past. Or they come back because they re-create the pain due to a repetitive motion or lack of motion, such as sitting all day.

Where will my bodywork session take place?
Your bodywork 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.

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?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the treatment, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

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 is 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, you tell me about 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 prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

You have a long list of treatments, which ones do you do?
I primarily practice NER (Neuro-energetic Release), NMT (Neuromuscular Therapy and MFR (Myofasical Release). Though I utilize many other techniques from my vast toolbox of experience, these tend to promote the most rapid form of healing for a person's pain.

Why would I visit you instead of a pursuing the medical field?
I concur that a medical doctor should be seen to rule out any medical condition I'm not licensed or competent to treat. I'd would like to refer you to "My Story" on the About the Practioner page. 

What are the long term advantages to this type of treatment?
Setting the body back to balance with both the posture and muscle tone have long term effects. Once your eyes rest level on the horizon and you do not have muscles pulling the bones out of place, you will most likely be pain-free and remain that way. 

Do I only need a treatment when I'm in pain?
Many of my patients come in for a regular "tune-up" to prevent their symptoms from ever reoccurring. The amount of time between visits depends on how long you go before re-creating the distortion in your body. Much of that depends on what you do, in terms of your career, your activity and exercise level, your diet and state of mind.

Do you have any specials or discounts?
I do offer packages of 10 or 20 at a discounted fee.

Will my health insurance cover massage?
I see cases where worker's compensation and auto insurance reimburses my patients.  People also utilize their Health Savings Account or similar benefit. Most often your insurance will not pay outright without a doctor's referral and/or prescription. Insurance is much more confining and complicated than it was in 1993 when I started, but depending on the situation I am confident that your payment to me will be less than your co-pay for treatment by a physical therapist or other medical practitioner.

What makes you different from other massage therapists?
I entered the field in search of pain relief. I'm not here to give you a relaxing, feel-good massage. I'm here to eliminate pain through scientific, proven and practical methods.

Does it hurt?
It most certainly does not have to. I am capable of relieving pain without administering it.  It is something that involves our open communication during the treatment.

Do you work with kids? Babies? Pregnant women?
Yes, yes and yes. We are all put together in the same basic way, it is just different sizes and circumstances that determine the type of treatment.

Will I wear clothes during my massage?
You can, but I do rely on my sensitivity to feel dysfunctional tissue and knowing when it has regained its normal tone and length. Clothing also limits the number of techniques that I can use. Having said that, it is most important that you are comfortable and able to feel safe, secure and relaxed. Note: You will be properly draped during the entire session.

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