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Women's Center Karate Club for women and girls only - at 520 8th Ave between
36 & 37)
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What you can expect during a massage therapy session Receiving a massage the first time? I've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions. Click on any one of the following questions for more information |
Where will my massage session take place?
All massage treatments take place in my office which is a
comfortable, quiet room. Appropriate music may be selected to fit your choice
of bodywork. Feel free to bring your own music or to request total
silence.
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Who will perform the massage?
I have received professional training at the
Swedish Institute of Massage and I am a New York State licensed massage
therapist. The Swedish Institute, established in 1919 is the oldest massage school in the United States.
Other training and/or certifications include nutrition, aromatherapy,
pregnancy massage, personal training and martial arts (karate and juijistu).
With the exception of martial arts, I may incorporate elements of the
aforementioned training into a massage or flexibility treatment.
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Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean towel.
Massage sessions for
flexibility or Therapeutic Stretching session - I provide disposable
underwear.
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Will I be covered during the session?
During massage treatments you will be draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable.
Only the area being worked on will be exposed for Swedish type sessions.
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What parts of my body will be massaged?
We will discuss the desired outcome of your session.
This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your head, neck,
shoulders, arms, legs, hands,
feet, and back. You will not be touched on or near your genitals.
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Will lubricant be used?
For Swedish type massage, I usually use a light non-greasy cream to permit your muscles to be worked on
without causing excessive friction to the skin. The cream also hydrates the skin and is readily absorbed.
No oils or creams are necessary for craniosacral therapy, flexibility and seated massage.
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Are there different kinds of massage?
You may choose from numerous types of massage; various techniques utilize different strokes,
including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, pressure to specific points, etc. For a description of treatments
such as medical massage, pregnancy/prenatal massage and more please refer to
Massage Treatment Choices
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What should I do during the massage?
Make yourself comfortable! I will either move you or tell you what is needed throughout
the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Feel free
to ask me questions about massage in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
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What will the massage feel like?
It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort. I can easily adapt to you needs. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting. You may even go into a very pleasant semi-meditative state certain types of massage treatments.
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How long will the session last?
A thorough whole body massage session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time
for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, or legs and feet.
You will derive the most benefit from a session of at least one hour.
An hour and a half session is ideal for optimal relaxation.
A 90 minute session is advisable if you are very large or have numerous
musculoskeletal issues to be addressed. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Arrive 5 to
10 minutes before your scheduled table time. Sessions end on time - you will
be expected to pay for the full cost of the session even if you arrive late.
Out of respect for your precious time constraints, this policy ensures that I
will not keep you waiting.
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What should I expect to pay for the massage?
The going rate in the Manhattan area is $80- $100 for a basic one-hour therapeutic
massage by a licensed and insured therapist.
Expect to pay more in most day spas.
Day spas rates can range from $90 an upward for an hour massage depending on what is included.
I offer discounts for buying a package of sessions.
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Will my insurance carrier pay for massage?
At the current time, massage is not a covered expense for most health insurance plans.
Ask your insurance carrier. I suggest you phrase the question to your
insurer as "Under what conditions do you cover massage therapy?"
PS.
It may be possible to apply payment for massage treatments if your
employer offers a flexible spending account program. Another option is to have your session costs applied to your medical out of pocket expenses as a tax write-off.
Ask your employer about flex spending accounts (FSAs) and ask your tax advisor about
out of pocket medical spending rules.
Health Savings Account (HSAs) - CLICK HERE to read a brief introduction about these new types of medical accounts.
It can be well worth your while to have
your job or the government help you receive massage treatments!
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(*
Women's Center Karate Club for women and girls only - at 520 8th Ave between
36 & 37)