Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Therapy
* Is massage a luxury?
* Who can benefit from a massage?
* How frequently should I receive a massage?
* When should I NOT get a massage?
* May I request a specific massage therapist?
* Am I allowed to bring my child to my massage session?
* What should I expect during my massage?
* Is a massage painful?
* How should I dress during my massage?
* Can I talk during a massage?
* What is not appropriate during a massage?
* What if I have to use the restroom during my massage?
* What if I have allergies to certain types of lotion?
* What techniques are used during the massage?
* How should I expect to feel after my massage?
* Do I need a credit card to schedule an appointment?
* What is your cancellation policy?
* What are your payment policies?
* What is your gratuity policy?
* Do you offer discounts?
* Do you accept insurance assignment?
* Do you sell gift cards?
Is massage a luxury?
Massage therapy is not a luxury, but a necessity. Due to hectic lifestyles and demanding careers, our bodies need a chance to unwind and de-stress. One of the least invasive and cost effective ways for this to be accomplished is through massage therapy. A frequently scheduled massage helps undo the strain we cause to our bodies during the typical work week. Furthermore, there are many conditions that Western medicine is unable to fully treat. Please see the benefits of massage listed below as well as the information listed on our research page.
Who can benefit from a massage?
Nearly everyone can benefit from a therapeutic massage. Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest forms of healing known, dating back to 3000 BC. Massage therapy is a vital component of a health wellness program. Day Break can provide clients with a personalized, therapeutic treatment plan that best suits each individual’s needs. Please let your massage therapist know if you have any health problems that are listed under the ‘when not to get a massage’ section.
How frequently should I receive a massage?
To receive the maximum benefits, regularly scheduled massage visits are suggested. Day Break will gladly work with each individual to set up a wellness program that best suits the individual’s needs. Day Break does not and will not, however, push clients to set up a plan as we realize that some clients only want to have periodic massage. We will, however, offer program discounts for those who decide to pursue a plan.
Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness, and work with your practitioner at Day Break Massage Therapy Institute to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.
When should I NOT get a massage?
There are several contraindications for receiving massage therapy. If you have any of the following conditions, please consult your massage therapist before you receive a massage. If the massage therapist has a concern about a condition, he or she may request a doctor’s approval before initiating massage therapy treatment. If you have one of the following health issues, please discuss the issue with the scheduling coordinator when you call to schedule your appointment. The following items are possible contraindications for massage therapy:
• Fever
• Any type of infectious disease
• Systemic infections
• Severe cold
• Fracture, Bleeding, Burns or Other Acute Injury
• Liver and Kidney Diseases
• Blood Clot
• Pregnancy-Induced Diabetes, Toxemia, Preeclampsia/Eclampsia
• Heart Disease
• Certain Types of Cancer
• Open Skin Lesions or Sores (The therapist may work around them if localized.)
At your initial visit, you will be asked to fill out a client information form. This form provides the massage therapist your name, address, and phone number, and it also has a place to list any underlying medical conditions. The therapist should be aware of any medical conditions including allergies. You should be asked at any subsequent visits about any new medical or physical conditions. If you're not asked, volunteer that information if there is anything the therapist should know.
May I request a specific massage therapist?
You may request a specific massage therapist. We understand a rapport is built between the client and therapist. We will do our best to accommodate each client in the Charlotte area.
Am I allowed to bring my child to my massage session?
Because Day Break strives for a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, it is not recommended that children under the age of 12 remain in the facility during treatment. Please note that Day Break is not liable for the actions of unattended children left in the reception area.
What should I expect during my massage?
On your first visit, the massage therapist will require you to fill out a client information form which includes a health history. After you complete the form, the therapist will ask you general questions to establish your goals for the massage and to determine what massage modality best fits your needs. During the time of assessment, please ask any questions regarding any concerns you have about the massage. Additionally, please let the therapist know if you are expecting something in particular from the massage. For example, if you are experiencing tightness in your right shoulder, and you’d like extra attention given to it, let the therapist know. Also, let the therapist know if you prefer a lighter or deeper massage.
Once you complete the information form, the massage therapist will give you some privacy to get undressed and get on the massage table. A drape, either a sheet or towel, should be provided.
Once you're undressed and under the drape, the therapist will come back into the room. For the most part, your work is done, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy. The therapist will undrape the section of the body that they will work on first, and apply oil or lotion to the skin. The therapist will use a variety of strokes, including some rubbing, kneading, vibration, percussion, and whatever they think will work best for your muscles. After the massage is over, the therapist will go out of the treatment room and allow you time to redress. Once you are dressed, the therapist will return. At this time, tell them how you feel, and let them know if you have any concerns. You can then settle the bill, and make your next appointment.
Is a massage painful?
That depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light massage that doesn't probe very deeply into muscles should not be painful. At the same time, a light massage will not likely be effective in alleviating deeper muscular stress in the body. A muscle that is relaxed will be supple and soft and won't hurt when massaged. Muscles that are tight, and in many cases have been chronically tight for a long time, may have that "good hurt" feeling with a deeper massage. Muscles can be very sore from overuse or tightness, however, and that good hurt can become painful. A sharp pain may indicate a muscle that has been injured and has some sort of inflammation. In this case, you don't want the deep work to continue in this area.
Every person has a different threshold of pain. The depth of a stroke may not be deep enough for one person's liking and may cause pain for another. Some people want the massage as deep as possible regardless of the soreness. Others want something much lighter, more pleasing, to help them relax rather than deeper work that may cause soreness. Make your preference known to the therapist, and give feedback at any time during a massage if the depth of the strokes is more than you'd like.
How should I dress during my massage?
You should undress to your comfort level. For most people, this means undressing completely or to their underwear. If you choose to leave clothes on, the massage therapist will work around the garments as best as they can. Please realize clothing left on may mean certain areas of the body may not be massaged at all or may receive minimal treatment. Ultimately, the amount of clothing you choose to wear during your massage is up to you. At Day Break, we want to ensure clients are as comfortable as possible during their treatment sessions.
Can I talk during a massage?
Yes. The key to a massage is relaxation and enjoying the experience. Some therapists may discourage you from talking during the massage, but at Day Break, we understand some clients are more relaxed while talking. The decision to talk or not to talk is totally up to you.
There are times when you need to speak up during a massage. If anything makes you uncomfortable, bring it to the therapist's attention. If you're too cold or too hot or if you prefer the strokes to be deeper or lighter, let the therapist know. Please feel free to speak up, if something about the massage isn't working for you.
What is not appropriate during a massage?
The following items are not appropriate during a massage: foul language, arriving intoxicated, or asking for more than a massage from your therapist (i.e. sexual favors.) The above mentioned items can result in termination of the client/therapist relationship. Day Break reserves the right to refuse service to individuals who Day Break deems offensive.
It is OK for your massage therapist to massage your buttocks/gluteal muscles. However, the massage therapist should not massage certain areas of your body-including breasts and the genital areas.
What if I have to use the restroom during my massage?
Day Break provides robes for clients if you need to use the restroom during your session. Should the need arise, please let your therapist know.
What if I have allergies to certain types of lotion?
Please let the therapist know if you have allergies to certain types of lotions. We have a variety of lotions available for use, and we will do our best to choose the one that is most appropriate for your therapeutic session. Also, if you have a latex allergy, make sure you mark the allergy on your health history form.
What techniques are used during the massage?
The therapists at Day Break incorporate a variety of massage therapy techniques. Each session is designed for the specific individual. Techniques utilized may include effleurage, petrissage, compression, stretching, and various other techniques.
How should I expect to feel after my massage?
Most people feel very relaxed. Many experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of relaxation, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since metabolic wastes are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot epsom salt bath that encourages the release of those wastes that may have been released during the massage treatment.
For 24-36 hours after a deep tissue massage, you may experience soreness. This is a normal response. Rest, healthy eating, and drinking fluids will help minimize the response.
Do I need a credit card to schedule an appointment?
At the current time, we do not require a credit card to schedule an appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
If an appointment is made and cancelled less than 24 hrs before the appointment time, please note a deposit may be required for future appointments. If this occurs more than once, nonrefundable full payment may be required prior to your appointment.
What are your payment policies?
Day Break accepts payment via cash, check, credit card, or money order. We do not currently accept Discover. The charge for nonsufficient checks is $25.00. Once a client writes a check with nonsufficient funds, Day Break will no longer accept checks from that client.
What is your gratuity policy?
Gratuities are appreciated but not required. The standard gratuity for therapeutic massage is 15-20%. For medical massages, gratuities are not necessary.
Do you offer discounts?
Discounts are offered for packages. A 10% discount is offered for full time students and senior citizens. A 10% discount is offered to pastors and missionaries.
Do you accept insurance assignment?
At the current time, we do not. We are, however, in the process of being able to file claims for our clients.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, we sell gift cards.