What is the difference between “therapeutic” and “relaxation” massage?
Therapeutic massage addresses specific muscles issues that the client may have. For instance, clients who work on the computer of 80% of the time at work, Cindy will check the neck, pectoral, traps, upper and lower arm muscles. If something is going on, she may spend the whole hour on the upper body massage.
Relaxation massage is a more general whole body massage in which all the major muscle groups are addressed. Not much time is spent on any specific group of muscles.
Cindy will address therapeutic issues first and if time permits, she will cover the rest of the muscles groups. Some clients book hour and half sessions so that Cindy can address “specific” muscle groups and well as cover the major muscle groups.
What differentiates Cindy from the other massage therapist?
Cindy will use her background in nutrition, science education and counseling to educate her clients on helpful health tips. She may talk about healthy goal setting, exercise and food tips.
- She gives her clients free exercise DVD on one condition that they must use it within 30 days. If the client fails to use the DVD at the end of one month, she will ask for it back to share with other clients interested in improving their health status.
- She honors the “grandfather clause” whereby the rate a client comes into her practice is their rate for life.
- She offers the preventive maintenance program where the 10th massage is free on cash/check paying clients.
- Referral program where clients can earn a free massage when they refer four new clients.
- Community Service – Maile’s Dream. Cindy’s story of how she got into massage after spending 13 plus years in the school system. Maile’s Dream will be held on 3/8/08. Students at Washington Middle School create activities that will raise awareness of differences. This event raises money for Easter Seals of Hawaii. Cindy’s community service includes Maile’s Dream and Special Olympics.
What should I expect on my first appointment?
First, you will need to complete a two sided intake form (see intake form). Second, you need to decide if you prefer to get a massage with or without lotion. If you prefer to leave your clothes on, please choose loose fitted gym type clothes that are softer in nature. Tank tops with gym shorts would be most ideal. If you prefer lotion, you may leave your underwear on and a drape is used over your body. Third, give Cindy feedback on pressure you prefer. She will start light and then gradually increase pressure as the massage continues. Her pressure is usually firm but may seem deep with injured muscles. Feedback is important to avoid bruising. A feel good pressure is about 7 on a scale of 1 – 10. You need to let Cindy know if it hurts as 8 – 10 pressure will leave you sore for a few days after the massage. Finally, when you have completed the massage, drinking more water for the first 24 hours after a massage helps remove toxins such as lactic acids out of the muscles. Drinking extra water helps eliminate these waste products out of the body.
How often should I receive a massage?
For worker’s compensation or auto accident, your doctor’s note will usually dictate how many time(s) per week you need to come in for maximum benefit.
For chronic pain condition or recent injury, clients usually come in weekly for a few weeks and gradually lengthen the time between appointments. Every client has different needs, resources and philosophy of life, so “how often” really is what ever works best for you whether it be once a week, biweekly, monthly or as need be basis. |
