FAQS & POLICIES
  

FAQS

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What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the use of manipulation techniques on the muscles to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasms, and stress.

Why Massage Therapy?

Stress and tension due to the demanding strains of our current lifestyles can be reduced by use of massage therapy. In addition, muscle pain has become so common to many people that they believe it is normal.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymphatic flow in the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ, the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins and amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve headache and migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally

Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, and therapeutic), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen. Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance massage provides can often be just as valuable as the physical benefits.

Profound Effects

In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

The benefits of Massage therapy are endless, it can increase lymphatic drainage, reduce water retention, the appearance of cellulite, tension and muscle pain as well as increase oxygen and blood flow throughout the body. 

The ability to relax deeply allows our body to heal from the stresses of day to day life, from the inside out.

POLICIES

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What should I expect during my first visit?

As a guest to The Muscle Therapy Center, we ask first-time guests to complete a brief health checklist on check in, if not already completed by visiting the Documents page of this website. The massage therapist will greet you, and show you to the treatment room. Your intake profile will be discussed, and the massage therapist will ask any pertinent questions during this discussion. Based on the information ascertained, the massage therapist will determine the type or types of modalities used in the therapeutic massage. The massage therapist will explain how she would like to begin the massage and what the session will involve. Hypoallergenic massage oils and lotions are used in each treatment. Once the session is complete, the massage therapist will give you guidelines as to how to maintain this feeling of relaxation.

Should I tell anyone about a physical or medical concern?

When making your appointment, we encourage you to discuss any health conditions that may affect your experience. To ensure the best possible experience and to maximize your safety and comfort, you will be asked to complete or update a brief health form. This will allow your therapist to be informed about your health and history. The information provided is confidential and will enable our therapists to personalize the service to your individual health/skin care needs. Some services may not be recommended for guests who are pregnant.

It is important to inform us of any health conditions or allergies you may have, or of any health care treatment you may be receiving; some services may be contra-indicated for your specific health needs. The initial and subsequent visits to The Muscle Therapy Center always involve the therapist acquainting themselves with your present concerns, and individualizing each treatment to your specific needs.

What is the dress code for a massage?

The massage etiquette varies for clients. Some clients prefer to completely disrobe, while some will remain partially clothed. Either option is fine, as the massage therapist will work around whatever option you decide. In certain situations if a specific massage was previously chosen that is best delivered with minimal clothing on, then an alternative massage would be selected to accommodate the choice of the clients dress at hand. Our massage therapists have been trained to be discreet and to respect the privacy of our guests. Each massage therapist is trained in the art of proper draping in order to ensure your comfort and privacy. You will be draped with sheets and blanket throughout your massage. The etiquette your massage therapist will follow is to only uncover the part of the body they are working on, ensuring that your modesty is respected at all times.

What should I expect during my massage?

This is your time to unwind and destress. There is no need to talk to your therapist and your relaxation and quiet time is our top priority. Allow your therapist to do all the work. As these treatments are therapeutic, the massage therapist will check with you throughout the massage regarding depth of pressure, room temperature, breathing techniques, etc… Our therapists are trained to move your limbs to exactly where they need to be in order to perform the most beneficial treatment(s). Please allow yourself to sink into the warmed treatment table and escape your thoughts while we work our magic! Falling into a deep slumber is always an option.

Can I ask my therapist to make adjustments for my comfort?

We encourage you to communicate with your therapist and the staff regarding technique, pressure, room temperature, and any other matter in order to provide you with the best possible experience during your visit.

Appointments & Scheduling

All services are by appointment only. Please call in advance or schedule online through our Mindbody site to make an appointment. We recommend that guests check in at our reception desk at least 10 minutes before your scheduled service.

Late Arrivals

With any late arrivals for service, the management and staff will make every effort to provide a full treatment, however the normal service fee remains unchanged.

Cancellation Policy For Our Valued Guests

Your appointments are very important to all members of our team.  We appreciate your business, and respect the time you have set aside to be with us.  We, in turn have the same expectation.  We continue to strive to make our environment safe for all clientele. If you have a cold or flu like symptoms, please call to reschedule your appointment.  Our team and clientele truly appreciate your courtesy.

 

If you need to cancel, please contact the office 24 hours in advance, so that cancellations and rescheduling can be appropriately made.  Please understand that at times our staff is functioning in an "on call" status and have often traveled here specifically for your appointment.   When you DO NOT SHOW or LATE CANCEL an appointment, not only does the massage therapist lose your business, but potential business from another client that would have booked in is lost as well.  

Cancellation Fee's

Cancellations requested 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time will not be charged.

 

Cancellations requested less than 24 hours, but not more than 5 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time will result in a $40 fee.

 

NO SHOWS and LAST MINUTE CANCELLATIONS (Within 5 hours of your scheduled appointment time) will result in a full service charge fee.  

 

We thank you kindly for your understanding and continued support!!

Cell Phones

To ensure an atmosphere of relaxation and as a courtesy to our other guests, we ask that cell phones, laptops, and any other electronic devices be turned off while in treatment.

Parking?

Parking is provided on the side of the building.

Jewelry & Valuables

Most of our treatments involve some type of work on the neck and hands with creams or aromatherapy blends. It is advisable not to wear jewelry and to keep any other valuables at home. Each of our treatment rooms has a small bowl where valuables can be placed while receiving a service. The Muscle Therapy Center, LLC cannot be responsible for any lost items.

Payment

We accept Cash, Check, Credit -Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, as well as HSA or FSA cards from your employer for services and gratuities.

Tipping & Gratuities

Extending a gratuity as a result of your experience is at the discretion of our guests and appreciated by therapists. Gratuities are not included in any of our treatment prices or gift cards. Tipping is usually 15-20% of the regular price of the treatment. For the convenience of our guests, gratuity envelopes are provided at the reception desk upon checking out.