Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Expect From My Massage?
After undressing to your comfort level, your massage therapist will have you get completely under the sheets on specialized table. If we’re working a specific body part, everywhere else is covered. We never under any circumstances interact with an area you don’t want touched. Most anxiety around massage comes from the unknown - never be afraid to ask questions or adjust your session to be more comfortable for you!
What Is Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to move excess fluid buildup away from your tissues and toward working lymph vessels and lymph nodes so the body can drain itself of built up waste product. The pressure level is often much lighter, as your lymph system is above your muscle. Your therapist often combines standard massage and lymphatic work to improve the body’s overall wellness, but a session specially for drainage is often a great option for those suffering from lymphedema, hormonal imbalances, or recovering from a cosmetic surgery (such as tummy tucks or liposuction). If you’d like to read more, try this handy guide!
Keep in mind, if visiting us for post-surgery work, that not every surgeon is fully up-to-date on the benefits of lymphatic massage for your recovery. There is no risk to you beyond standard massage, and many larger cosmetic surgery centers keep their own lymphatic therapists on staff to ensure the best results possible. During our intake and after the session, we discuss a treatment program based both on your procedure and your body’s response to treatment.
What Is Oncology Massage?
Wherever you are on your cancer journey, your therapist is trained to help. For some, that’s helping to tackle the stress and physical discomfort. For those farther along after treatment, it’s establishing a care routine to restore your body’s muscle tone and treat scar tissue after surgery. Often there are more serious barriers to a safe massage, but that’s what your therapist has studied for! For a longer list of the benefits, see this handy guide!
Keep in mind, insurance will often reimburse clients for massage to treat the long-term effects of cancer treatment. Consult with your doctor/insurance provider for details. We keep detailed session notes to provide to your doctor/insurance provider as part of your treatment journey, in addition to providing itemized receipts upon request. We also accept HSA.
What Is Pre/Post-Natal Massage?
Pre-Natal massage is any massage done prior to the birth of your child. Often this involves adjusting the way the client relaxes on the table, based on where you are in the pregnancy. Your body goes through a phenomenal amount of structural changes during pregnancy, and even just one pre-natal massage can improve birth outcomes. Most providers recommend waiting until the 12th week of your pregnancy to get a massage, as well as avoiding massage in the event of a high-risk pregnancy. For more information, see this handy guide!
Post-Natal massage is massage done after the birth of your child, typically within the first few months after giving birth. With hormone levels plummeting and your body beginning to shift its structure back to pre-birth locations, you’re often exhausted and sore. I often highly recommend a post-natal (especially as a gift!) as a chance to regulate leftover hormones from birth and take a little “me-time” with a newborn at home.
What is Cupping?
While cupping is traditionally practiced as a form of ancient Chinese medicine, there’s been a lot of research into the benefits of Medical Cupping, or Medicupping. This style is more associated with the physical benefits of increased blood flow and the stretching of fascia. Despite most depictions of cupping, your therapist will only ever use plastic/silicone cups, often along the structure of the muscle to “pin” the fascia in place. This is often combined with manual therapy for the best results. Our practice never uses glass, heat, or piercing of the skin.
What is Sinus Drainage Massage?
Did you know that the CSRA is one of the worst places in the country for allergies? Most Augusta transplants like myself learned that pretty quickly. Sinus Drainage Massage comes from a combination of lymphatic practice, manual work of the face, and temperature contrast therapy. Primarily, it dislodges blockages and excess mucus while reducing inflammation caused by chronic sinusitis or infection. Expect a reduction of pressure, either during the treatment or within an hour after. This form of massage is considered an add-on, often only taking 10-15 minutes of the session time.
It’s important to inform your therapist of any procedures or conditions that could cause scar tissue of the sinuses, as well as any potentially contagious sinus infections you may be suffering from.
Don’t See a Specific Service or Accreditation for Your Specific Problem? Just Ask!
For simplicity’s sake, I don’t often give the entire list of the courses I’ve taken since I’ve started practicing. Some are courses I’ve trained in but didn’t feel a particular call to practice (like Reflexology or Assisted Stretching) but most are often absorbed into creating a more robust practice. Sinus Drainage Massage, for example, is a combination of lymphatic drainage massage, temperature contrast therapy, and a touch of research into the vestibular anatomy of the skull and neck. I’ve always held a passion for clients with something “tricky” going on - it gives me an excuse to take a new class or research in a new direction. I’ve worked with TMJ, neurodegenerative conditions, stroke survivors, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, scar tissue realignment, amputations, PTSD informed therapy, and a myriad of injuries. If you’re seeking treatment for a specific condition, expect that you’ll be treated with all the care and preparation you deserve. Even massage for relaxation can set long-term goals - don’t be afraid to reach out to get more information on my certifications and specialties.