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Massage Questions and Answers
(Massage Q&A)
Do you have Questions about Massage Therapy? Questions and Answers are found here. Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) about Massage Therapy that you might have been thinking about:
Definitions | Rates/Hours | Dressing/Draping | General Questions | Medical Conditions
Draping: A cover for the client, usually a sheet or towel(s) used to protect the client's modesty and keep him/her warm during the massage.
Incall: Massage therapy services performed in the Massage Therapist's office, clinic, or salon.
Massage Therapy: "Means the manipulation of soft tissue by hand or through a mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage and includes effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and Swedish gymnastics. (State of Texas)"
Outcall: Massage therapy services performed at the client's home, office, hotel, or other location.
Registered Massage Therapist: In the State of Texas, a person having completed the education requirements, written and practical tests required to become authorized by the State of Texas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Board to perform Massage Therapy. Essentially registration is a license. In Texas all persons performing massage therapy must be Registered Massage Therapists or otherwise licensed to perform massage therapy such as a Physical Therapist.
Definitions | General Questions | Medical Conditions | Rates/Hours | Dressing/Draping
Rates/Hours
Q. How much will a massage cost? What are the rates I can expect?
A. Charges for incall massage therapy in San Antonio vary from $40 per hour to $75 per hour in a non-spa environment. Average is about $55-$65. Charges for outcall massage are usually in the range of $75 to $125 per hour in the immediate San Antonio area.
Q. Do Massage Therapists in San Antonio accept Credit Cards? How about Checks?
A. Some Massage Therapists accept credit cards and some do not, just ask when you make your appointment. As for checks, most Massage Therapists will accept local checks with ID, but not out-of-town checks.
Q. What are the hours for Massage Therapists? When is Massage in San Antonio available?
A. Hours vary. Each independant Massage Therapist makes their own hours. The Massage Therapists on this site usually operate between 7am and 9pm. Just ask the Massage Therapist or see their individual websites.
Definitions | General Questions | Medical Conditions | Rates/Hours | Dressing/Draping
Q. How should I dress when I go for Massage Therapy?
A. Dress as you would normally dress. Personally I dress as comfortably as possible when going for massage therapy. It enhances the relaxation after the massage.
Q. Do I need to be undressed? Can I leave my clothes on?
A. You don't have to be undressed for all types of massage therapy. Some forms of massage therapy like Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Ortho-Bionomy, Natural Reflex Therapy, and Chair Massage can be done while you remain clothed. For other types of massage therapy such as Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Hot Stone Massage and some others, undressing is definitely a plus for you. You really don't need to worry, most professional therapists "drape" you with a sheet or towel(s), your modesty can and should be preserved. I use full draping and expose only the body part actually being massaged.
Q. Will I be undressing in the presence of the massage therapist?
A. No. The massage therapist will leave the room while you are undressing and making yourself comfortable on the massage table.
Q. Even with draping I still would like to leave on my underclothes, is that OK?
A. Absolutely. Undress only to your level of comfort. If a therapist tells you that you MUST take off all clothing, find another therapist.
Q. I'm really open about my body and prefer to receive massage without draping, is that allowed?
A. In Texas that is really a choice that you and your massage therapist make together. It's not required by law at this time; however, massage therapists are not required to allow undraped massage in their practice. If a massage therapist does allow undraped massage they may require that you make the request in writing. Check with the massage therapist prior to making your appointment.
Definitions | General Questions | Medical Conditions | Rates/Hours | Dressing/Draping
General Questions
Q. How long will my massage last?
A. Good question. Massage therapy sessions vary from about 30 minutes to 2 hours. A 30 minute massage is great for working on one part of the body such as the back. The most typical amount of time for a full-body massage is 1 hour with 90 minutes being the next most common. A 2 hour massage is less common and is usually only given to those used to receiving massage frequently.
Q. What kind of massage can I get in San Antonio?
A. Massage therapists in San Antonio are trained and experienced in several styles of massage therapy and will use any combination of them to suit your needs. In no particular order: Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports massage, Medical Massage, Myofascial Release, Myopractic, Muscle Energy Technique, Hot Stone Massage, Couple's Massage, Four Hand Massage, Reflexology, Ortho-Bionomy, Natural Reflex Therapy, Pregnancy (prenatal) massage, and Rhythmic massage.
Q. Do Massage Therapists in San Antonio take health insurance, Personal Injury Plan (PIP), or Worker's Compensation (Workman's Comp) as payment?
A. Some do some of the time. Not all insurance plans in Texas will pay for Massage Therapy, check your benefits. Worker's Compensation is another story...it will pay for Massage Therapy including Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, or Therapeutic exercise for relief of pain and/or dysfunctions. If you have a Worker's Compensation claim, and your physician wants you to receive massage therapy, call your therapist.
Q. How often should I have massage therapy?
A. Another good question. How often you have massage therapy depends on your goals. For more information about frequency of massage therapy call a massage therapist.
Q. Are the Massage Therapists listed on this site licensed to perform massage therapy?
A. Absolutely Yes. They are Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT), registered by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Massage Therapy Board. Additionally, some are licensed Massage Therapy Instructors (MTI), and Certified Neuromuscular Therapists (CNMT).
Q. Will the Massage Therapists on this site send a picture to me?
A. No. Most Massage Therapists don't believe their looks are important except to note that they dress in an appropriate and professional manner.
Q. Does the Massage Therapist expect me to "chat" during the massage?
A. No. The decision to "chat" is entirely yours. Being quiet can enhance your relaxation during the massage and the therapist understands and welcomes that enhancement. If you wish to chat during the massage, the therapist will probably accommodate you. During therapeutic massage procedures the therapist may ask you pertinent questions.
Q. Will the massage be painful?
A. No. Relaxation massage shouldn't be painful and therapeutic massage including Deep Tissue techniques should seldom be more than slightly uncomfortable. You should feel free to let the therapist know if the pressure being used is causing you pain. You can get great results without pain.
Q. Can massage help me with pain from my medical condition?
A. Yes. Massage can help to lessen or eliminate pain stemming from a wide range of medical conditions that include low back pain, whiplash, fibromyalgia, lupus, myofascial pain syndrome, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, tmj pain, migraines, rotator cuff injuries, and others. Massage Therapists may also use other methods for pain management and relief such as Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue Massage, and Ortho-Bionomy. There are some conditions for which massage is contraindicated, make sure to tell your Massage Therapist what condition you're seeking relief for, and check with your doctor.
Q. I bruise easily, can I still get a massage?
A. Yes. You should inform your Massage Therapist that you bruise easily and why i.e. medications (coumadin, plavix, heparin, etc), medical condition, etc. Your Massage Therapist can adjust his pressure and technique to prevent or minimize bruising.
Q. Can massage help me with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) from my workouts?
A. Yes, most experts agree that massage is effective in reducing pain from DOMS.
Q. Another therapist I went to said that my knots had to be relieved by "digging them out" which was quite painful, is that right?
A. To my knowledge it's not right. Knots in muscles, even deeper muscles, can usually be relieved with light or moderate pressure that causes little discomfort.
Q. I'd like to know how good these Massage Therapists are before I make an appointment. Do you have any testimonials to put on your website?
A. The Texas Department of State Health Services, which regulates massage therapists, has rules in effect that prohibit a Registered Massage Therapist from placing testimonials in any advertisement including websites.
Definitions | General Questions | Medical Conditions | Rates/Hours | Dressing/Draping
Medical Conditions
NOTICE: The information presented here regarding the use of massage therapy in assisting with medical conditions, while believed to be accurate, is presented for informational purposes only. This information does not take the place of advice from your physician. You are STRONGLY advised to seek the advice of your physician before seeking massage therapy treatment, and to permit (even encourage) your massage therapist to communicate with your physician regarding your medical condition before, during, and after treatment.
Anxiety | Arthritis | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Cramps/Spasms | Depression | Diabetes | DOMS | Fibromyalgia | Foot Pain | Headaches | High Blood Pressure | Low Back Pain | Neck Pain/Stiffness | Parkinson's Disease | Plantar Fasciitis | Rotator Cuff | Sciatica | Shin Splints | Sleep Problems | Tennis Elbow | Thoracic Inlet/Outlet Syndrome | TMJ Pain/Dysfunction | Whiplash
Anxiety is often temporarily relieved and may be lessened in the long term with massage therapy. Research by the Touch Research Institute of the University of Miami indicates that anxiety and associated levels of cortisol (a "stress hormone") and norepinephrin are lower after massage. This was found to be true especially in persons suffering depression as well as anxiety.
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While there are literally hundreds of different types of "arthritis" the most common is osteoarthritis which is sometimes called Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD. Osteoarthritis/DJD occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears away or is damaged by trauma. Muscles and connective tissues around joints with mild to moderate osteoarthritis/DJD tend to tighten to support the joint. This tightening is one of the reasons arthritis is accompanied by muscular pain. Massage therapy is usually successful in relieving muscular pain associated with this type of arthritis and may even help prevent further deterioration of joints.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a diagnosis of abnormal pressure on the median nerve in the wrist as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Pain and numbness or tingling is generally felt in the thumb, first two fingers, and palm area as well as the wrist. In many cases special forms of massage therapy such as Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) and Myofascial Release (MFR) can ease pressure on the nerve from tendons passing through the carpal tunnel and excess fluid in the area. Massage therapy can also help relieve conditions which might mimic CTS such as Pronator Teres Syndrome, or referred pain from muscles in the arm or shoulder.
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Cramps or Spasms are painful contractions of the body's muscles. They are caused by a number of reasons including poor electrolyte balance such as low potassium, calcium, or sodium; the muscles are dysfunctional due to trigger points; muscles are over-worked/stressed; or even emotional distress. Massage therapy is a great treatment for cramps/spasms when electrolyte imbalance is not involved. The massage therapist can relieve trigger points in muscles and relieve stress upon them using Neuromuscular Therapy and a special set of stretching techniques called Muscle Energy Technique.
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Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS is often caused by overworking muscles in eccentric contractions. In other words trying to contract the muscle while it is lengthening. Negative reps in weight lifting are an example of a cause of DOMS as is running down hill while trying to maintain a slower pace. DOMS is not currently believed by researchers to be caused by lactic acid, but almost all researchers say that massage therapy is valuable in decreasing the pain from DOMS and helping with recovery.
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This painful, full-body, condition is characterized by pain, sleeplessness, decreased range of motion in joints, tender points, and sometimes depression. Fibromyalgia often goes through cycles of "flare-up" and remission that make it difficult for the sufferer to manage their condition. Massage therapy is quite effective in managing pain and dysfunction in Fibromyalgia. Some Fibromyalgia sufferers have even been able to reduce or eliminate some medications (with doctor approval) due to receiving regular massage therapy.
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Foot pain is very often relieved by massage therapy. Sources of foot pain include pain from muscles of the foot and of the lower leg, particularly the calves. By addressing the soft tissue sources of pain the massage therapist can help relieve foot pain.
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Just ask any doctor, most headaches are from muscular tension. Even some headaches labeled as "migraine" or "cluster" headaches are actually from muscular tension and muscular pain referral from "myofascial trigger points", especially from the neck and shoulders. Massage Therapy is usually very effective in relieving headache pain on a long-term basis.
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Although there are many causes for Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), stress and muscular tension can be at the root of the problem. Massage therapy can help reduce stress, and reduce muscular tension to help control or lower some forms of High Blood Pressure. Ask your doctor if massage therapy might help you.
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The causes of Low Back Pain are as diverse as the people who suffer from it. No other problem causes as much lost time at work or as much suffering. Low Back Pain is very often muscular in nature and responds very well to massage therapy treatment. Don't be surprised however if the massage therapist tells you that problems with abdominal muscles, hips, or even lower legs are causing your low back pain or making it worse.
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Neck pain and/or stiffness affects millions of people. There are many causes of neck pain including "sleeping wrong", poor ergonomics at work, or various injuries. In most cases the muscles of the neck and upper back are the problem although postural issues farther down may be causing the problem. Massage therapy is very effective at relieving neck pain and restoring full range of motion.
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Sciatica is a painful condition in which the roots of nerves leading to the back of the leg are abnormally compressed by the spinal disks. This condition is characterized by pain and/or numbness down the back of the leg often as far as the foot. Although, it is often thought that herniated or bulging disks are the problem behind sciatica they often are not. Abnormally tight muscles in the low back can cause sciatica symptoms as can muscles in the buttocks area which can press on the sciatic nerve. There are even muscles which "refer" their pain in a pattern which mimicks sciatica. In these cases Massage Therapy, particularly Neuromuscular Therapy, can minimize or even eliminate the pain and numbness.
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Muscular tension and pain often prevent people from sleeping well. Additionally, being stressed and in a "fight or flight" mode will prevent good sleep. Massage therapy is often just what is needed to sleep better. It can reduce muscular tension and pain as well as pull the plug on stress, letting you slow down and unwind for a good night's sleep.
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Thoracic Inlet/Outlet Syndrome
Characterized by pain and/or numbness from the neck or shoulder down the arm, this condition is actually from a number of potential sources. The syndrome may be caused by pressure on the nerve roots leading to the arm by muscles in the neck, by the clavicle (collar bone) and first rib, by a muscle of the chest called pectoralis minor, or a combination of all of them. Massage therapy, especially Neuromuscular Therapy, and Myofascial release are often completely successful in treating this syndrome.
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Characterized by pain in the jaw, clicking when opening or closing the jaw, headaches and grinding of teeth, TMJ Dysfunction is no laughing matter. Many things can contribute to TMJ Dysfunction including missing teeth, trauma to the jaw from accidents or sporting events, stress, or even postural distortions. Massage therapy, in conjunction with care by your Dentist, can relieve tension and holding patterns in the muscles and connective tissues of the head, neck, and jaw to help normalize jaw function and relieve pain. Additionally, postural patterns which pre-dispose a person to jaw problems may be corrected by massage therapy.
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Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers Provided By: Massage By Ben and Lydia's Massage Therapy
Sports Massage in San Antonio | Neuromuscular Therapy in San Antonio | Hot Stone Massage in San Antonio | Massage By Ben - San Antonio | Lydia's Massage Therapy - San Antonio | Deep Massage | Deep Tissue Massage in San Antonio | Pregnancy Massage in San Antonio | Outcall Massage San Antonio | Massage By Ben - Laredo | Chair Massage in San Antonio | Therapeutic Massage in San Antonio | Couple's Massage in San Antonio | San Antonio Massage | Massage Soup | Mister Article
Copyright 2004-2008 Ben Crabtree, LMT, CNMT