What modalities do LMMT Massage Therapists use?
LMMT Massage Therapists are trained in a variety of modalities and adjust the session based on the client’s needs and preferences.
The most commonly used modalities by our LMTs include: Neuromuscular & Trigger Point Therapy, Friction Massage Techniques (including Deep Transverse Friction, Cross-Fiber Friction, and Circular Friction), Swedish Massage Techniques (Effleurage, Petrissage, & Tapotement), Gliding with Passive Range of Motion (PROM), Pin & Stretch, Cranial Decompression, Traction, Vibration, and Fascial Techniques (including Myofascial Release, Fascial Stretching, Skin Rolling, and Cupping).
Some techniques require Active Range of Motion (AROM) by the client such as Stretching against Eccentric Contraction, Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) Stretching, and Pumping.
We do have a Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) certified LMT on staff. Lymphatic work is great for before and after surgery, reducing edema (swelling), and as a part of healthy maintenance practices annually or semiannually.
I noticed you didn’t list Deep Tissue. Is Deep Tissue massage available?
Deep Tissue massage does not have a set definition across the Massage Therapy industry, and we are generally against perpetuating the idea that it is its own modality or that you should be charged more for it. If you want heavier pressure, we will happily apply heavier pressure. Our LMTs work on low tables, allowing them to use body weight as needed without tiring quickly. If it seems like a muscle will respond best to deep stripping (a stroke where heavy pressure is applied to a small “tool,” such as a thumb, while gliding), we will do that. Please always feel free to communicate with your LMT about pressure or technique preferences. What we want most is to provide the session you are looking for.
A NOTE ABOUT HEAVY PRESSURE: We are well aware that most clients who come in have received some sort of heavy pressure or “deep tissue” massage before, leaving them sore for days before they experience the benefits. We also know most of our athletes have a mindset of “No Pain, No Gain.” We have it too…when building muscle tissue…but not necessarily when receiving massage. Some of our clients respond best to very heavy pressure. In our experience, most respond better to lighter pressure than what they have been used to previously. This does not mean there is no discomfort. It just means heavy pressure isn’t necessarily the answer—especially when treating. When our work is specific, we find the body does best if we work with it rather than attack it. When soft-tissue is injured or unhealthy, simply bringing better blood flow to the area can be enough to make it extremely responsive and probably uncomfortable. We take into account your body’s stress response and soft-tissue response when applying pressure. That being said, we are still always happy to adjust pressure based on your desires.
Do you offer Sports massage?
Similar to Deep Tissue, Sports Massage is not a specific massage technique. Most understand it to be a more dynamic session that is centered around supporting optimal athletic performance. Yes, we do that. It’s our jam.
Do you charge for any add-ons?
We do not charge additional for most add-ons including in-session applications of Kinesiotaping (K-tape), Biofreeze & Cryoderm (topical analgesics), Phuel (magnesium foam) , and Essential Oils. We do charge for CBD product use during the session due to the substantially higher cost incurred by the clinic. The pricing offsets our cost. We do not profit from its use.
Do CBD products really make a difference?
In certain situations, we find the answer to this question is, “Absolutely, yes.” In cases where there is a lot of general tension held over a large area, or the whole body, we notice a faster change in muscle tension when using CBD Massage Cream. In these cases, its use can allow for more change to be accomplished in a single session. You can request this massage cream for an additional $5 for half body or $10 for whole body. CBD Max Strength cream can be extremely useful in relieving joint pain quickly. Our clients with arthritic joints typically find relief for 2-3 days per application. We can apply CBD Max Strength cream during treatment for $5 per joint or area. We also have CBD Max Strength cream available for sale.
How often should I receive massage care?
Massage frequency needs vary client-to-client based on physical demands from life (hobbies, work, and athletic activities), stress levels, and the amount of self-care (targeted stretching and self-massage) performed by the client.
Will I receive the same massage every visit?
No. At the beginning of each session, you will complete a brief check-in form letting us know how your body is doing that day. Life stressors, work demands, and activity levels can all impact how your session should most ideally be conducted. Our LMTs will take into account your long-term goals and recent activity, as well as how your body is doing when you come in, to provide the most appropriate treatment each visit.
Can I get a Relaxation session?
Of course! Even if you are in the middle of treatment for a specific goal, just let your practitioner know at the beginning that your goal for the session is relaxation, and that will be honored. We are very aware of the role a healthy nervous system plays in overall health and are happy to ensure a relaxing treatment whenever needed.
Do I have to get undressed?
Not all sessions require undress for best results. Clients undress only to their level of comfort. Most commonly, that is to sports bra and/or athletic shorts, underwear only, or completely nude. Any undressing or redressing will take place once the LMT has left the room and shut the door. If a client is not comfortable undressing or is in such pain that the undressing would intensify the pain, we will work through clothing utilizing compression and friction techniques. We are unable to perform gliding techniques over clothing.
Do you take insurance?
We do not process insurance in our clinic. Doing so would generally limit our ability to treat holistically. We recognize that root causes for pain issues in a body are often too far away from the location of the pain for insurance to permit treatment. We don’t want to be limited in this way. We are able to provide a superbill upon request. This is the form needed by insurance companies for you to request reimbursement if they provide out-of-network coverage, however please note that reimbursement is at the discretion of your insurance company. We do accept HSA and FSA accounts.