|
Thank you
for choosing Mindful Massage Milwaukie |
|
Whether this is your very first time getting a massage/bodywork treatment or just your first time booking a session with me, I want your experience to be comfortable and helpful. With that in mind, I have created this page for you to read over in order to give you an idea of what to expect.
Massage therapy assists the body's natural ability to heal itself. By helping boost the immune system, unwind tight and often painful muscles, unblock energy channels, and create the time, space and assistance the body needs to heal, massage therapy is no longer seen as a luxurious indulgence, but instead as a powerful tool that is helpful throughout all stages - birth to end of life - and useful all along the entire spectrum of health and well-being.
The Mindful Massage experience is centered on a partnership between the client and the therapist to create the right opportunities for positive change to occur in the body. By jointly investing in your personal health, I can help you manage chronic pain, recover from injuries, relieve tension/anxiety/depression, and achieve relaxation.
It truly is therapy for the body, mind, and spirit.
But, are there risks and contraindications to massage?
Yes, there are. While massage is generally recommended for most people and many conditions, there are certain health conditions that may be aggravated or respond negatively to massage. Local contraindications are specific areas that should be avoided, while a systemic contraindication is when massage should be avoided altogether. Additionally, there are certain conditions where a doctor's approval is required before any treatment can begin. It is also very important to take any medication into massage considerations.
For these reasons, it is very important to be honest and thorough with your therapist.
Here is a list of such contraindications:
Massage therapy assists the body's natural ability to heal itself. By helping boost the immune system, unwind tight and often painful muscles, unblock energy channels, and create the time, space and assistance the body needs to heal, massage therapy is no longer seen as a luxurious indulgence, but instead as a powerful tool that is helpful throughout all stages - birth to end of life - and useful all along the entire spectrum of health and well-being.
The Mindful Massage experience is centered on a partnership between the client and the therapist to create the right opportunities for positive change to occur in the body. By jointly investing in your personal health, I can help you manage chronic pain, recover from injuries, relieve tension/anxiety/depression, and achieve relaxation.
It truly is therapy for the body, mind, and spirit.
But, are there risks and contraindications to massage?
Yes, there are. While massage is generally recommended for most people and many conditions, there are certain health conditions that may be aggravated or respond negatively to massage. Local contraindications are specific areas that should be avoided, while a systemic contraindication is when massage should be avoided altogether. Additionally, there are certain conditions where a doctor's approval is required before any treatment can begin. It is also very important to take any medication into massage considerations.
For these reasons, it is very important to be honest and thorough with your therapist.
Here is a list of such contraindications:
|
Local Contraindications
~ acute sprains/strains ~ blisters ~ bone fractures ~ bruises ~ bunions ~ burns (including sunburns) ~ contagious skin conditions ~ cuts/open wounds ~ cysts ~ fungal infections ~ gouty joints ~ moderate to severe varicose veins |
Systemic Contraindications
~ acute or contagious viral or bacterial conditions ~ acute systemic inflammatory conditions ~ acute burns ~ acute gout ~ aneurysm ~ fever ~ fungal infections that cover large areas of the body ~ intoxicated clients ~ pitting edema ~ recent surgery |
Clearance from a Doctor
~ aneurysm ~ atherosclerosis ~ cancer ~ burns ~ impaired cardiovascular system ~ pregnancy ~ traumatic brain injury ~ recent major surgery ~ thrombosis/DVT |
It all starts with The Intake...
Once you decide to make your first appointment via online or by phone, a digital intake form will be sent to you. This includes a past and present health history (including medications), informed consent to treat, contact information, and policies and procedures. These forms are easy to fill out via the secure and HIPAA compliant scheduling software, thus saving time and allowing more time to discuss the goals/treatment plan. The point of the interview is to insure your safety as well as plan the session around your unique, individual needs. This is why it is important to provide your therapist with accurate and honest information.
Getting on the Table
You will have complete privacy getting on the table. Hooks, a shelf, and a small bench are available for your clothes, jewelry, and belongings. The type of massage/bodywork session you will be receiving as well as your comfort level will determine how much you disrobe. You will get on the table under the top sheet and blanket either face up or face down (which will be determined by our treatment plan). I will then enter the room and adjust anything to your comfort.
Massage/Bodywork Time
During your massage you will be covered by a sheet and blanket so that any part of you that I am not working on is covered. I make the experience as comfortable as possible by using a high quality table, a comfortable fleece pad, a table warmer if wanted, and bolsters, towels, and pillows. Depending on the type of work you will be receiving, I will be asking for feedback regarding pressure and technique. Some forms of bodywork require very little interaction between client and therapist (like Swedish), and some forms require more (like Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Therapy). This is a collaborative effort for what is best for you and your healing.
Getting off the Table
When your treatment is over I want you to take your time getting off the table. Again, you will have complete privacy. It is best to roll on your side and sit up on the table, pausing there to take a few breaths before standing up. Sometimes people stand up too quickly and can feel lightheaded. If assistance is needed, I have a method of helping you off the table while maintaining your modesty. Once you are dressed, I will return to the room and offer you some water to drink while we wrap up our session.
Session Wrap-up
Our post-treatment talk will include me asking some questions about how you feel, what felt particularly helpful or not, and also give you an opportunity to ask me any questions you might have. I will discuss any findings and offer additional self-care suggestions that you can do on your own to further your healing. If you want to book another appointment we can do that at this time. If we are doing a series of treatments, I will make some notes on what to focus on for next time or things to do differently in the future. If you have not paid ahead of time, you will now pay for your session via credit card, check, or cash.
After Your Session
When clients participate in their own healing the rate and success of improvement jumps greatly. My hope is that you will continue to add self-care activities to your life outside of the massage room. I will kindly offer suggestions for additional self care if you are interested. There may be times when I might recommend icing, heat, or salt baths when appropriate.
I also recommend that you stay well hydrated.
I wish you well on your journey to health and healing.
Once you decide to make your first appointment via online or by phone, a digital intake form will be sent to you. This includes a past and present health history (including medications), informed consent to treat, contact information, and policies and procedures. These forms are easy to fill out via the secure and HIPAA compliant scheduling software, thus saving time and allowing more time to discuss the goals/treatment plan. The point of the interview is to insure your safety as well as plan the session around your unique, individual needs. This is why it is important to provide your therapist with accurate and honest information.
Getting on the Table
You will have complete privacy getting on the table. Hooks, a shelf, and a small bench are available for your clothes, jewelry, and belongings. The type of massage/bodywork session you will be receiving as well as your comfort level will determine how much you disrobe. You will get on the table under the top sheet and blanket either face up or face down (which will be determined by our treatment plan). I will then enter the room and adjust anything to your comfort.
Massage/Bodywork Time
During your massage you will be covered by a sheet and blanket so that any part of you that I am not working on is covered. I make the experience as comfortable as possible by using a high quality table, a comfortable fleece pad, a table warmer if wanted, and bolsters, towels, and pillows. Depending on the type of work you will be receiving, I will be asking for feedback regarding pressure and technique. Some forms of bodywork require very little interaction between client and therapist (like Swedish), and some forms require more (like Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Therapy). This is a collaborative effort for what is best for you and your healing.
Getting off the Table
When your treatment is over I want you to take your time getting off the table. Again, you will have complete privacy. It is best to roll on your side and sit up on the table, pausing there to take a few breaths before standing up. Sometimes people stand up too quickly and can feel lightheaded. If assistance is needed, I have a method of helping you off the table while maintaining your modesty. Once you are dressed, I will return to the room and offer you some water to drink while we wrap up our session.
Session Wrap-up
Our post-treatment talk will include me asking some questions about how you feel, what felt particularly helpful or not, and also give you an opportunity to ask me any questions you might have. I will discuss any findings and offer additional self-care suggestions that you can do on your own to further your healing. If you want to book another appointment we can do that at this time. If we are doing a series of treatments, I will make some notes on what to focus on for next time or things to do differently in the future. If you have not paid ahead of time, you will now pay for your session via credit card, check, or cash.
After Your Session
When clients participate in their own healing the rate and success of improvement jumps greatly. My hope is that you will continue to add self-care activities to your life outside of the massage room. I will kindly offer suggestions for additional self care if you are interested. There may be times when I might recommend icing, heat, or salt baths when appropriate.
I also recommend that you stay well hydrated.
I wish you well on your journey to health and healing.
