What is massage and what are its benefits? By definition, massage is "intentional and systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to enhance health and healing". Massage feels so good that it's easy to forget that it also does a lot of good for your body. It promotes relaxation, increases circulation, relaxes and stimulates muscles and helps to keep them flexible, helps to get rid of painful "knots", relieves nervous tension and anxiety, helps alleviate headaches and back pain. It works great as a part of healthy lifestyle and in combination with chiropractic and physical therapy.

Sometimes societal conditioning and predisposed understandings of massage cause people to equate touch or nudity with sex. Our massage and bodywork are strictly professional, therapeutic, and non-sexual.

Are there different kinds of massage or is it all the same? There are a lot of different types of massage. Examples include: Swedish (Relaxation), Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Rolfing, CranioSacral Therapy^SM, Sports, Pre-Natal (Pregnancy) and Infant, Hot Stone, Myofascial Release, Polarity, Geriatric, Canine, Feline etc.

How often should I get a massage? As a rule of thumb, a healthy person should get a massage about once a month. If you have tension and pain in your muscles, you may need to schedule several session a few days apart until your condition gets better. Unfortunately, most health insurance carriers don't cover massage therapy. However, it may be reimbursed from your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). We will be happy to issue you a receipt. Please check with your plan administrator to make sure that it includes massage therapy.

If I am not feeling well, can a massage therapist diagnose what's wrong with me? No. Massage therapists are not doctors. They can't diagnose illness or prescribe medication. However, they are trained to recognize signs of an illness and suggest that you see your physician. If you are feeling sick, have fever, nausea, sharp pain massage may not be a good idea. Please contact your doctor immediately.

Can a massage therapist give me a spinal adjustment? No! Massage therapists are not trained in chiropractic adjustments. In fact, it is very dangerous if an untrained individual tries to "adjust" you.

Can a massage therapist give me a facial or a body wrap? No. Again, massage therapists are trained to work with muscles, not with skin like a cosmetologist or an aesthetician. Even though some massage schools give students general information about skin treatments, this information is very limited. You will need to see a trained skin care professional and a lot of massage therapists would be able to recommend one.  We refer our clients to Licensed Esthetician Tonya Conrad with Infinique Cosmetic Skin Treatments (920) 858-1877.

Can anybody give massages or do you have to have a special degree? Surprise! In Wisconsin, ANYBODY can give massages! Even if a person took a weekend workshop OR has no training at all, they can legally give massages and get compensated for it!

In this case, how do I tell if my therapist is qualified? In the state of Wisconsin, the title Massage Therapist is protected by law. In order to be able to call himself/herself a massage therapist, an individual must meet certain requirements. The state issues this individual a credential that identifies them as a Massage Therapist or a Bodyworker. They must include their license number every time they use the title. Only people who meet these requirements can call themselves a Massage Therapist. An individual who doesn't have this credential, cannot use this title. They can say they are a massage practitioner, a masseur, a masseuse etc. A certificate issued by a massage school doesn't give this person the right to call themselves "certified". Please visit the State of Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing web site to check your therapist's qualifications: http://drl.wi.gov/index.htm

What does it take to receive the state credential? The following things must happen. The individual must graduate from a state accredited school (500 hours minimum), pass the National Certification exam and pass the state exam. This procedure ensures that the consumer receives services from a qualified professional. It is always a good idea to ask if the therapist is certified and/or even see the state credential.

Why is it important to select a certified therapist? It protects you as a consumer. This guarantees that you receive your service from an individual who demonstrated a high level of skill and knowledge and meets state and national standards. 

I never had a massage before. What should I expect during my first session? Please plan a few extra minutes for your appointment and arrive on time. You shouldn't drink alcohol the day before your massage. Also, try to stay away from caffeinated drinks immediately before your session, so you can relax. When you come in, you will be asked to fill out a Health History Form. It will help your therapist to determine the best course of action and to make sure that you don't have any health conditions that prohibit massage. Health History forms are kept on file so we have this information is available for your next appointment. Your session will take place in a private room. You will undress to your comfort level as the therapist leaves the room. You will be covered by a sheet at all times. If at any point you have a question or feel uncomfortable (the pressure is too deep, you are cold or hot etc.), you should let your therapist know immediately. After your session is over, the therapist will leave the room again to let you get dressed. Since toxins are released from your muscles during massage it is recommended that you drink plenty of water on the day of your appointment. Please take it easy after your massage - as you will be very relaxed! Read more about our Policies.