Frequently Asked Questions
The work of a medical massage therapist differs from that of a general massage therapist. Medical massage therapists have advanced training and experience that allows them to provide care focused on healing injuries, improving function, or increasing circulation. They typically work in hospitals or clinics, may receive orders from a physician as to the type of massage treatment they should give their patients, and can even be paid through the patient’s health insurance.
On the other hand, general massage therapists typically work in spas with the main goal to provide relaxation for their clients. They may use similar techniques as a medical massage therapist, and they may even be able to alleviate some pain, too. However, a general massage therapist’s main goal is not treating a medical condition, but rather reducing stress and promoting relaxation for their client.
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It gets its title from the town of Epsom in Surrey, Britain, where it was initially found. Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral salt, which comes in much larger granules than the table salt or sea salt you’re used to seeing. Primarily, Epsom salt is a topical treatment for soreness and inflammation. As part of your relaxation routine, it may help soothe aching muscles and relieve feelings of tension. Magnesium is an important dietary mineral that helps your body build proteins, regulate blood sugar, and maintain muscle and nerve functions. It naturally occurs in many foods, from fish and edamame to almonds and kidney beans. Fortunately, your body can also absorb the mineral. Soaking your feet in Epsom salt—which contains the magnesium—may help your body absorb some of the magnesium ions and relieve muscle aches and other pains.
The risks of using an Epsom salt foot soak are minimal. For most people, it may be worth a try. But there are a few instances when it is best to avoid using a foot soak, including when a person has diabetes or has open sores on their feet. Follow the link from the American Diabetes Association for more information regarding Diabetes and Foot Soaks. https://diabetes.org/diabetes/foot-complications
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid or chemical compound found in industrial cannabis plants. Unlike its famous sister cannabinoid, THC, it is non-psychoactive which means you will not get high. CBD binds with and stimulates cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body in the Endocannabinoid System, triggering a mechanism that produces a therapeutic and healing process. A few benefits that CBD can be beneficial with treating include, chronic pain, soreness, arthritis, reduction in inflammation, sprains/strains, anxiety, insomnia and skin irritation. “Naturally occurring CBD is safe and well-tolerated in humans and animals, and is not associated with any negative public health effects, as reported in Forbes Magazine in 2018, by the World Health Organization.
At Mamassage Medical & Spa Massage Therapy, we use CBD TheraReleaf® Professional Massage Cream Extra Strength 1600 mg CBD. Powered by Science, this innovative line of products is enriched with certified organic pure Cannabidiol CBD Extract along with organic Hempseed & Jojoba oils. Other key ingredients include Arnica, Vitamins A & E, Olive Oil, Squalane, and Cocoa Butter. Extra Strength – Contains 25mg CBD per ounce.
Ingredients:
- Deionized Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Emulsifying Wax, Olive Oil (Olea Europaea), Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Organic Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis sative Seed Oil), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Arnica montana Flower Extract, Organic Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis), Theobroma Cocao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Squalane, Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), Vitamin E (Tocopherol Acetate), Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Certified Organic Pure Cannabidiol CBD Extract
Although a prenatal massage in itself is considered safe, if you’re looking for an aromatherapy massage while pregnant, speak to your doctor first about which oils may be safe. For more information on aromatherapy and pregnancy, follow the links below.
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/is-it-safe-to-use-essential-oils-while-pregnant
MLD can assist with post-surgical recovery, edema (swelling) reduction, local infection prevention, hematoma management, anxiety and possibly even neuropathy. Additionally, MLD can be of great benefit to issues cancer patients experience after completing treatment, including pain, fatigue, digestive issues, difficulty sleeping, increased stress and poor cognitive function.
MLD is helpful with conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and brain injuries where a compromised nervous system is present. It is suggested that it is effective in reducing the activity of the Sympathetic Nervous System, resulting in less anxiety, pain and the increasing Pressure Pain Threshold.
MLD is recognized as the number one therapy for treating and maintaining primary and secondary lymphedema. Lymphedema is common in patients following post surgeries such as breast cancer surgery and is highly recommended after any cosmetic procedure such as liposuction or tummy tuck treatments as it will expedite recovery.
Lymphedema happens when your tissues retain fluid left behind after your cardiovascular system sends blood to your tissues and organs. When something disrupts your lymphatic system’s process, lymph collects in your arms and legs, making them swell.
MLD is used to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues.
Here is a helpful informational video on the lymphatic system.
MLD Benefits:
- Reduction in edemas and lymphedemas of various origins
- Detoxification of the body
- Regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds and wrinkles
- Anti-aging effects
- Relief of numerous chronic and subacute inflammations, including sinusitis, bronchitis and otitis
- Relief of chronic pain
- Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Antispastic actions to relieve conditions such as muscle hypertonus and some forms of constipation
- Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory
- Alleviation of adiposis and cellulite tissue
Contraindications:
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Symptoms of CHF are dyspnea, (shortness of breath), fatigue, bi-lateral lower extremity edema (swelling) and an irregular or rapid heartbeat. *If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in conjunction with CHF, please seek immediate medical attention.
- Acute Infections & Fever – Signs of infection are redness, edema, heat and often soreness.
- Cellulitis
- Acute Untreated Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Renal Dysfunction
- Contraindications of the Neck Area: Cardiac Arrhythmia, Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis, Hypersensitivity of the Carotid Sinus, Hyperthyroidism
- Contraindications of the Abdominal Area: Due to the deep pressure applied to the abdomen when performing MLD in order to access the deeper lymphatic structures, the following conditions are contraindicated: Pregnancy, menstruation, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, abdominal aortic aneurysm (even following surgical repair), recent abdominal surgery (within 6 months), radiation fibrosis, radiation cystitis, radiation colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, intra-abdominal scar formation, pelvic DVT, implanted devices such as drains, feeding tubes, colostomy bags, morphine or insulin pumps, fibroids, hernias, liver cirrhosis and any unexplained pain.
To prepare for your treatment, you can:
- Eat light beforehand
- Consider taking an arnica supplement if your skin is sensitive (While bruising is occasionally mentioned, it occurs very rarely. Generally, the massage is not intense enough to cause anything more than mild soreness.)
- Take a shower
- Avoid heavy meals, salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol
- Drink plenty of water
After treatment self care:
- Prioritize hydration: Drink plenty of water to help your lymphatic system flush out toxins through sweat or urine.
- Be mindful of potential side effects: You may feel sluggish or experience mild flu-like symptoms, especially if your body is holding excess fluid.
- Incorporate movement: Gentle movement, such as walking, helps maintain circulation. Even if you’re feeling tired, listen to your body and move at a comfortable pace.
- Consider dry brushing: While it doesn’t replace professional lymphatic massage, regular dry brushing can complement your treatment and help sustain the results.
In addition to the benefits a solo massage therapy treatment can provide, some additional benefits of couples massage that are not available through solo massage may include:
Increased Comfort – Sharing a room with someone you know, trust or love can aid in feeling less nervous or intimidated and can increase your comfort. As relaxing as a solo massage experience can be, some individuals find it a little difficult to be completely comfortable while undressed in a room with a stranger, detracting from the overall massage experience. A couples massage can allow for more willingness to try different types of massages as well as add to the excitement of exploring something new with a friend.
Bonding Experience – Being in the same environment with one another can be wonderful and comforting, requiring no conversation, but can also allow for opportunities to catch up and chat.
Convenience – Life doesn’t always allow much time for balancing work, family, friendships and personal time. A couples massage can provide an opportunity for self care as well as quality time to catch up with someone special in your life.
Increased Affection – Massage therapy can help increase feelings of affection and intimacy by increasing the production and releasing of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine in the body. When this occurs in the presence of a loved one, it can allow for feelings of increased affection, which can help to strengthen your bond and relationship. .
If your insurance company denies your claim for any reason, you will be responsible for the full payment of the service starting from the date our office receives the denial. Payment must be made within 10 days of notification. If payment is not received within 10 days, a $25 late fee will be applied. If the balance remains unpaid, a 5% recurring fee will be added every 30 days until the balance is paid in full. If repeated attempts to collect the outstanding balance go unanswered or remain unresolved, you will be responsible for any collection, attorney, and court fees incurred in the process.
Your health and wellness are our top priorities, and we understand that unexpected costs can feel overwhelming. We’re committed to supporting you and are happy to work with you to create a payment plan or explore other payment options that ensure you can continue prioritizing your well-being.
Yes. Mamassage is open on weekends, and certain holidays. Pricing is $20 higher per service with a minimum service requirement of 50 or 80-minute service per guest. Does not include Add Ons.
MAMASSAGE RECOGNIZES THE FOLLOWING DATES AS HOLIDAYS:
- New Year’s Eve Day
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Lincoln’s Birthday
- Washington’s Birthday (President’s Day)
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Indigenous Peoples Day
- General Election Day
- Veteran’s Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Eve Day
- Christmas Day