Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage therapy is a popular form of alternative medicine that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. However, it is natural to have questions and concerns before committing to a massage session. In this section, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about massage therapy to provide you with a better understanding of the practice.

WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?

Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and enhance overall well-being. All of our therapists are Certified Massage Therapists in the state of California. The massage therapist use their hands, knuckles and forearms to provide different types of techniques to apply pressure, knead muscles, and target specific areas of the body.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY?

Massage therapy offers a wide range of benefits, which include:

RELAXATION: Massage promotes deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.

PAIN MANAGEMENT: It can help alleviate chronic pain, such as backaches and headaches and migraines.

IMPROVED CIRCULATION: Massage stimulates blood flow, aiding in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues which helps to speed up the recovery process.

ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY: Regular massage can increase joint mobility and flexibility. Oftentimes, athletes will receive regular massage therapy sessions as part of their recovery process.

IMPROVED SLEEP: Massage therapy promotes better sleep patterns and aids in insomnia management. Most people fall asleep on the massage table, which is perfectly fine and means we are doing a great job in relaxing entire mind and body.

BOOSTED IMMUNE SYSTEM: It can strengthen the immune system, helping to ward off illness and disease.

INCREASED ENERGY LEVELS: Massage therapy can revitalize and invigorate the body, leading to increased energy levels.

IS MASSAGE THERAPY PAINFUL?

Massage therapy should not be painful, and the level of pressure applied can be adjusted according to your comfort. It is essential to communicate with your massage therapist about any discomfort or pain you may experience during the session. They can modify their techniques to ensure a comfortable and relaxing experience. Most people are taught no pain, no gain but that is not conductive to a therapeutic massage session. During a deep tissue massage, our Certified Massage Therapists gradually increase the depth and pressure according to how the muscle tissues feel. Our Massage Therapists will ask you what type of pressure you prefer and check in with you throughout the massage to ensure you're comfortable and not in pain. Always feel free to communicate with your Massage Therapist, if you need more or less pressure, need the face cradle adjusted ect.

HOW LONG DOES A MASSAGE THERAPY SESSION LAST?

The duration of a massage therapy session can vary depending on your preferences and needs. Typically, sessions can range from 25 minutes to 80 minutes. At R&R, We believe in whole body therapy which is why we prefer to offer 50 hands on minutes or more for our massage sessions. It is advisable to discuss your desired session length with your massage therapist before the appointment to ensure they can accommodate your preferences, sometimes we are able to extend your time if another appointment does not follow directly after yours.

CAN ANYONE RECEIVE A MASSAGE?

Massage therapy is generally safe for most individuals. However, certain medical conditions or injuries may require special considerations. It is crucial to inform your massage therapist about your existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, pregnancy, or recent surgeries. They can adapt their techniques to ensure a safe and effective massage session. Health intake forms are sent via email before your appointment so that our therapists can look over it to decide how to create a massage treatment plan.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RECEIVE A MASSAGE?

The frequency of massage therapy sessions depends on your individual needs and goals. Some people benefit from regular weekly or bi-weekly sessions, while others may find monthly or occasional sessions sufficient. Your massage therapist can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your specific requirements. After your massage session, your therapist will explain what their findings were and suggest more sessions if needed.

IS IT NORMAL TO FEEL SORE AFTER A MASSAGE?

It is not uncommon to experience some soreness or muscle tenderness after a massage, especially if deep tissue techniques were used. This soreness typically subsides within a day or two. It is essential to stay hydrated and engage in gentle stretching to help alleviate any discomfort. We recommend soaking in a warm epsom salt bath to help with potential soreness that may arise. Make sure to stay hydrated before and after your session to help minimize the soreness.

CAN I CHOOSE A SPECIFIC TYPE OF MASSAGE?

Yes, you can choose from various types of massage therapy based on your preferences and needs. Common types include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, prenatal massage, and hot stone massage. We also offer cupping therapy, you can find a complete list of our services by heading to the link below. All therapists are able to customize the massage techniques used to meet your individual needs using what we call an integrated massage style.

Each type offers unique techniques and benefits, so it is advisable to discuss your preferences with your massage therapist. All of our massages are completely customized for you!

HOW DO I FIND A QUALIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST?

To find a qualified massage therapist, It is important to choose a CAMTC Massage Therapist who has undergone proper training and adheres to ethical standards. Additionally, you can research local massage therapy clinics or spas and read reviews to gauge the quality of their services. All of our Massage Therapists at R&R Therapeutic Massage are Certified by the state of CAlifornia and recognized as a certified professional with yearly training through continued education requirements.

DOES YOUR MASSAGE CLINIC ACCEPT MASSAGE INSURANCE?

No, unfortunately with the difficulty insurance companies put on small business to accept insurance, our clinic is unable to offer this resource. If you have an FSA or HSA spending card with a VISA logo, we are able to run the card like a credit card (pending approval from your flex spending account holder).