If you have been in auto accident or have been involved in a workman’s comp claim, your massage may be covered by the insurance company.  Please call Janet to discuss the details.  At the time of this writing health insurance does not cover massage in a stand-alone massage clinic.  When the legislature passes the licensure requirements for massage therapists in the state of Minnesota, massage therapy will be covered by health insurance.  Your flex credits or Health Savings Account can most likely be used for massage therapy reimbursement.

Many people seek therapeutic massage and bodywork as a natural means to promote healthy body functioning or to enhance their body's own restorative powers. An experienced therapist will tailor the session to fit your needs. Some of the most common reasons people participate in therapeutic massage and bodywork are:

• Relief from sore or tight muscles
• Relief from tension or migraine headaches
• Relaxation
• Improved circulation
• Aid recovery from sport injury
• Revitalization
• General health and fitness
• Motor vehicle accident
• Compliment other health care, such as chiropractic

It is important that you are comfortable during the session and that you know your options.

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.

It depends on the techniques used. Generally, a Swedish massage will start with broad, flowing strokes which will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As you become relaxed, pressure is gradually increased to further release specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Your session will be conducted by Janet L. Richards, CMT, a highly trained Certified Massage Professional. She has been trained in a variety of techniques allowing her to tailor every massage the client’s needs. You may request a certain technique or modality.

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room on a table designed especially for your comfort. Soft music may be played to help you relax.

Traditionally, most massage and bodywork is performed with the client unclothed; however, you decide what your comfort level is. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

Make yourself comfortable and relax! The therapist may move you gently or ask you to move (such as lifting your arm or turning your head). Many people close their eyes and try deep, slow abdominal breathing to help them relax. Some people like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask your therapist questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.

A typical full-body session includes your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet and back. However, your desired outcome and reason for your session would determine how extensive the massage would be.

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes and applications of pressure to specific areas. Ask your therapist about the methods she uses.

The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts about one hour. A half-hour appointment is designed for a partial massage; such as neck, shoulders and back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a one, to one and a half hour session for optimal relaxation and therapy. It is preferred that you allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, baths, steam baths and saunas can assist in relaxation after the massage.

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.