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For information on what regular bodywork can do for YOU, and why Touch Tone Massage is different, please peruse the following questions and answers.
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What can I expect from massage?
Massage has beneficial effects on every system in the body. While most of us think in terms of reducing muscle pain, its benefits go far beyond that. Muscles exert force on our skeletal system, so relaxing a tight muscle can affect our posture. One example: if you have chronic pain between your shoulder blades you may well need work done on your pectoralis (chest) muscles. Releasing the pecs can alleviate shoulders that round forward, taking strain off the rhomboids - the muscles between the shoulder blades.
Massage also increases circulation of both our blood and lymph. This results in better feeding and waste-removal for every cell in the body, and strengthens our immune system over time.
Massage calms the nervous system, assists the digestive process, improves respiration, and helps tone the skin.
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How often should I get a massage?
This answer varies with your needs and expectations. For optimum health everyone - even healthy people - should have a massage at least 2 to 4 times a year. If you work out regularly, spend too many hours in the car or in front of a computer or in general abuse your body in work or play, we recommend a massage once a month. If you have skeletal distortions, chronic pain, or tend to reinjure yourself often, you should consider bi-weekly or weekly sessions. If you have recently had an injury that has left you with limited mobility or constant pain, you may need multiple sessions per week for a few weeks.
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Do I have to undress?
Generally, yes. The exceptions to this would be for chair massage, which is done fully clothed; Myofascial Release, which is done in shorts (and a sports bra for ladies); and reflexology, which only needs access to the feet and lower legs. For all other types of bodywork done at Touch Tone Massage Therapy you will be alone in the room to undress. It is at your discretion whether you are completely nude or leave on your 'skivvies'. You get on the table and under the top sheet before the therapist enters the room. Draping is used, meaning that only the body part being worked at any given time will be exposed. The exception to draping is the gluteus muscles, or buttocks: these are worked through the sheet. Private parts are NEVER exposed or touched.
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Is an "hour" massage really 60 minutes, or only 50?
Yes, an hour really means an hour. You may purchase either a 30, 60 or 90 minute session. This is your time ON THE TABLE. Please come a few minutes early. Your first time at Touch Tone Massage requires a short medical history form to be filled out, and discussion about your needs and expectations. Future sessions require just a short verbal update of any changes in your medication, pain, progress, and desired outcome. A few minutes are also required for undressing, dressing, and payment, so your total time will be approximately 10 to 15 minutes beyond your session time. An exception to this is if you are late arriving for your appointment (less than 5 to 10 minutes ahead of time), your session may be shortened so that the next client is not kept waiting.
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What should I expect after a massage?
You will be given a bottle of water before you leave and told to drink a lot of water for the next 24 hours. This is because toxins have been released from your muscle tissue and will be reabsorbed by your lymphatic system. The water assists in flushing these metabolic waste products from your body.
You may want to sit in the waiting area for a few minutes before you leave. Massage is so relaxing that it can temporarily make you feel a little disoriented. Just sitting for a few moments clears this and you'll be safe to drive in no time!
You may be a little sore the next day. Bodywork of any kind is a 'work out' for your system. If you've never had a massage before, or it's been a long time since your last one, you are more likely to have some soreness the next day. It should pass by day 2. Drinking lots of water in the first 24 hours post-massage helps to keep this to a minimum. If you have any concerns about anything you feel afterwards, do not hesitate to call us to discuss it.
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How does Touch Tone Massage Therapy differ from other massage places?
WE DO MORE THAN JUST MASSAGE. Neuromuscular Therapy and Myofascial Release, in particular, are very intense forms of bodywork that can make substantial changes in your structure, your pain level, and your way of thinking about your body. WE LEAVE THE "FLUFF AND BUFF" TO OTHERS. If you are looking for real pain relief and major changes to your body, that's our specialty.
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What is your cancellation policy?
We always ask that you give us as much notice as possible, so that someone else may have the benefit of a session if you don't plan to make yours. Anything over 24 hours notice does not entail a cancellation fee. 6 to 24 hours results in a $20 fee ($30 for 90 minute sessions.) Less than 6 hours results in a fee equal to your full session price. We generally will not charge you if it's an emergency, however we do reserve the right to ask for full payment in advance before scheduling any future sessions, or refuse service to someone who abuses this policy.
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I'm embarrassed about my body and don't want a stranger touching it / seeing it.
It is not our place to judge another person. You are interested in healing; we are interested in assisting you. Remember that draping is used and you will not be "exposed" at any time. We can even do a massage through sweat pants or other fabric so long as it's not too tight / slippery / heavy (jeans would not work well). Just be aware that the benefits will not be as pronounced as they would be directly on your skin.
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How should I dress for a massage?
For the most part it really doesn't matter. We do ask that you bathe or shower, and preferably apply no creams or lotions. You will be removing your clothes before getting on the table, so just wear something easy to get in and out of that's comfortable to wear home after your massage. For ladies coming straight from work, you may not wish to struggle back into pantyhose, so throwing a pair of sweats in the car that morning is a good idea.
If you are getting a chair massage or reflexology, you won't be removing your clothes, so make sure you wear something that will be comfortable during your session. However, heavy or bulky sweaters aren't good for chair massage, so if you forget and wear one, it's perfectly okay to remove it during your session. For a Myofascial Release session bring or wear shorts you can move freely in, and a sports bra for ladies.
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