Hours:
M: 9am - 6pm
T: 9am - 6pm
W: 9am - 6pm
Th: 9am - 6pm
F: 9am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 2pm
Sun: Closed
And in our
Lobbies
You will find such items as...
Hair & Body Products
Meditation & Relaxation CDs
Massage Related Books and Charts
Bath Therapy Products
Candles and Incense
Massage Oils and Lotions
Earthlite Massage Equipment
Unique Greeting Cards
Gemstone Pendant and Bracelets
We use and sell:
Redkin, Aquage, Nioxin, Abba, O.P.I.,
American Crew for men,
Bioelements, and our own Private Label Body Products
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You are joining a growing number of men and women who
have found therapeutic massage to be a valuable addition to their
health and fitness routines, and an effective compliment to other
health care services. Many people seek therapeutic massage
as a natural means to promote healthy body functioning and to
enhance the body’s own restorative powers.
As with any new experience, you probably
have many questions about what to expect in your first massage
session. This brochure is designed to answer some of the
most frequently asked questions from newcomers to therapeutic
massage, and make your first visit as comfortable and productive
as possible.
WHY ARE YOU
GETTING A MASSAGE?
One of the first things your massage therapist
will want to know is why you are getting a massage. An
experienced massage therapist will plan the session to address
your needs and desires. The most common reasons are:
• General Relaxation
• Revitalization
• Relieve Sore or Tight
Muscles
• Relieve Tension Headaches
• Recovery from Sports
Activity
• General Health and
Fitness
• Improve Circulation
• Complement to Other
Health Care
Let your therapist know in the initial
interview what you are looking for, and discuss how his/her
approach can help you.
WHAT ARE YOUR CONCERNS ABOUT THE SESSION?
Discuss with the massage therapist any
concerns you have about the upcoming session. It is
important that you are comfortable during the massage, and
that you know your options. Here are some commonly expressed
concerns of newcomers to massage:
Modesty: In a standard massage session,
you will be draped with a sheet or large towel. You
may choose to be totally or partially unclothed under the drape.
As each part of the body is being massaged, it is uncovered.
Genitals and women’s breasts are covered at all times. Many
people prefer to wear their underpants during a massage. Feel
free to ask about the draping method to be used, and let the massage
therapist know what you are comfortable with. Some forms of
massage, such as shiatsu and seated massage, may be performed with
the client fully clothed.
Talking: Talking during a massage
is optional. Some people prefer silence, especially
during a massage for general relaxation, while others like
more social interaction. Always feel free to give the therapist
feedback on anything causing discomfort. The therapist may
request feedback from you, especially when addressing a specific
problem.
Oil: Oil, lotion, or other lubricant
is commonly used to enable the therapist’s hands to slide over
the skin without causing chaffing or pulling hair. Inform
the therapist of any allergies you have which might be aggravated
by the lubricant used. You may also inquire about removing
the lubricant after the session, if you are concerned that it may
stain your clothes.
Make-up and Hair: Massage of the
face, scalp or neck may result in disturbing your makeup or
hair-style. Let the therapist know if this is a concern.
They may either modify their technique, be especially careful,
or skip an area altogether.
Pain: Whether you will feel any
pain during a massage depends on many factors, including
your physical condition, the reason for the massage, your pain
tolerance, and the therapist’s technique. Discuss this
before the massage, and give feedback to the therapist during the
session. Tense muscles are often sore, and may hurt a little
when massaged. Sometimes there is delayed soreness after a
massage. Take a hot shower or bath, and drink plenty of water
to help remove waste products flushed out during a massage. This
is especially important after the first massage. The more massage
you receive, the less likely you will experience post-massage soreness.
Length of Session: Massage sessions
generally last from ½ hour to 1 1/2 hours. The
amount of time depends on the purpose of the session, the therapist’s
schedule, and the availability of your time and resources.
ARE THERE ANY RESTIRCTIONS?
There are certain situations in which
caution should be taken before receiving therapeutic massage.
It is generally agreed upon that persons with uncontrolled high
blood pressure, heart disease, recent surgery or fractures, phlebitis,
fever, and other problem conditions should consult their doctors
for any restrictions on receiving massage. In some cases,
limited restrictions apply, and in rare cases, massage should be
avoided altogether. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
WHAT HEALTH INFORMATION SHOULD I PROVIDE?
You may be asked to provide certain information
to the massage therapist about your past and current health.
This information is used to help plan the massage session,
and to insure your safety. Important information includes
any major health problems you have, medications you are taking,
allergies, state of pregnancy, and recent accidents or injuries.
There may be a written form to fill out. More information may
be requested if a specific
health problem is being addressed than
for a general massage session.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Discuss financial matters before the session
to avoid any misunderstandings.
Payment: Payment is usually due
either immediately before or after the session. Method
of payment varies. If you are expecting to charge the
session on a bank card we accept debit, Master Card and Visa.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in
certain situations, and not in others. It is common
practice to tip the massage therapist in places such as health
clubs, beauty salons, or resorts.
Missed Appointments: It is a courtesy
to give at least 24 hours notice if you must cancel an appointment.
You may be asked to pay for appointments missed without notice.
Insurance Coverage: Check with your
insurance company first, if you are expecting them to cover
the cost of therapeutic massage. This varies from company
to company, and state to state.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A MASSAGE THERAPIST?
Which massage therapist is right for you
depends on many factors. Some common considerations are
approach or style, qualifications, and gender.
Qualifications: Training and experience
of therapists vary. Some states and municipalities
require licensing of massage therapists. Indiana doesn’t.
Check your therapist’s credentials, especially if you are seeking
massage for problem conditions. All therapists working at
Alternatives for Health are trained here and most have pursued additional
modality training.
Gender: The gender of your massage
therapist is mainly a matter of personal preference.
Cross gender massage is common today. Your massage therapist
should be someone you feel comfortable with and with whom you can
relax.
Approach or Style: Many massage
therapists use an eclectic approach to their work, combining
several different massage styles. The two most common
general styles are traditional Swedish massage, and Oriental bodywork
styles such as shiatsu and acupressure. Some massage therapy
approaches have specific applications. Talk to your massage
therapist to find out if his/her style is suitable for the goals you
have set for your massage session.
SOME GENERAL ADVICE
Be an active participant in the session.
Ask questions about things you don’t understand, make your
wishes known, and let the therapist know if you are uncomfortable
at any time. Above all, relax and enjoy your massage!
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