Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you guys located?
What will happen when I get to your office?
Where will my massage or bodywork treatment take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during my treatment?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork treatment feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
Why are your services more expensive than other massage establishments?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork treatment?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork treatment?
How many treatments before I start feeling better all the time?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where are you guys located?
We are located at 414 East Loop 281 Suite 20. That's between Jack's Natural Foods and the Car Wash on the south side of the Loop. When you drive in to the shopping center, you'll want to drive to the back of the parking lot into the left corner of the building. Our suite is just to the left of the ADA accessible parking space.
What will happen when I get to your office?
We ask that you print and fill out the necessary intake forms prior to your first appointment. You could also arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your appointment the first time in order to complete the necessary intake forms. Once checked in, your Practitioner will get you from our lobby and take you to begin your treatment.
Where will my massage or bodywork treatment take place?
Your massage or bodywork treatment will take place in a comfortable, quiet room. Music may be played during your treatment, and you will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. You are welcome to bring or listen to the music of your choice.
Must I be completely undressed?
Orthopedic / Medical Massage is usually performed with the client partially clothed: usually basketball or running shorts for guys, and ladies tend to be most comfortable in running or spandex shorts with a sports bra or tank top. Deep Tissue and Therapeutic treatments can be full body. You should undress to your level of comfort, and you will be properly draped during the entire session.
Will the Practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Should you choose to disrobe, the Practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.
Will I be covered during the session?
Orthopedic / Medical Massage is normally performed undraped while the client is wearing some clothing, and while there is no necessity for a blanket, you are more than welcome to one for your comfort. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
Orthopedic / Medical Massage targets one specific area (shoulder, neck, hips, etc). Deep Tissue and Therapeutic full-body treatments will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, shoulders, and gluteals - unless you specify otherwise. You can elect to not have a specific body part, or parts, massaged.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Orthopedic / Medical Massage consists of releasing each layer of fascia until the deep fibers are reached and realigned and there is minimal oil or lotion used in order to facilitate heat and friction used in the application of the techniques. If you were to go to a physical therapist who performs massage, the PT would likely be using some of these techniques to assist in the treatment of the patient. Therapeutic treatments are Deep Tissue with an applied therapeutic technique to one trouble area. Deep Tissue treatments aim at releasing deep held tension in areas of chronic stress. While a feeling of general relaxation can be achieved, the goal of the treatments is therapeutic in nature. A relaxing Swedish massage is often what would be received at a spa, and not a service we provide at this time. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that your Practitioner can utilize another approach. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
Why are your services more expensive than other massage establishments?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork requiring various levels of education. The Body Mechanics Practitioners are specialists in the massage arena that has received specific training, as well as certification, in advanced massage techniques and/or corrective postural education. Orthopedic Massage describes a comprehensive system, rather than a single technique, that involves therapeutic assessment, manipulation and movement of soft tissues to resolve pain and dysfunction. The focus is restoring function and structural balance throughout the body for both prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunction as opposed to relaxation and pampering. Orthopedic Massage takes a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach that looks to resolve the origin of the pain and dysfunction either from trauma-induced injuries or postural imbalances that exacerbate the pain through daily activities. Common orthopedic conditions can stem from sports injuries, postural imbalances due to poor work ergonomics, chronic pain, and scar tissue from surgery or traumatic injury. The Body Mechanics is a specialty based rehabilitation facility and our Practitioners have undergone extensive training that yield incredible results. We are more in line with a Physical Therapy Clinic than a Spa.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork treatment?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). The therapeutic process is interactive and conversation is encouraged. Most people ask questions about what they are feeling as well as what the Practitioner is feeling and why "that hurts right there", The Practitioner will try to answer to the best of their knowledge. Some people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, responding to Practitioner questions, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask at any time.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork treatment?
Orthopedic / Medical Massage is results driven as opposed to relaxation driven. Most people feel very relaxed after the treatment. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension created by either trauma, posture, or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, increased range of motion, and greater productivity which can last for days or even weeks.
How many treatments before I start feeling better all the time?
Orthopedic / Medical Massage is results driven. Most people see a significant change in how they feel almost immediately after the first treatment. Each person, and each pain, is entirely different and therefore will yield results at different times. The general rule in homeopathic circles is that 'for every year you have dealt with the trauma or injury, it will take one month of consistent treatment to see long lasting results'.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes!! That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the Practitioner conducts a thorough Health History and Intake. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required. In some instances, medical conditions or injury may require a prescription from your physician. Some treatments may be covered by medical insurance, All treatments are reimbursable through your HSA and FSA accounts.