FAQ
1. Why choose me over other establishments offering massage?
First, you need to know what you are looking for. If you seek a massage to deal with body pain, discomfort, muscle soreness, headache, insomnia, sports massage, injury repair or that provides deep bodywork and relaxation, then make an appointment with me.
2. What is massage? What is bodywork?
Massage is a healthcare practice in which a skilled therapist addresses physical dysfunction by manipulating the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia of the body. Bodywork is a term that includes massage, but which can also include assisted or passive stretching, resisted tests, diagnostic work, and heat/ cold therapy.
3. What types of massage do you offer?
I customize each massage depending on the needs of my clients. I am experienced in Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Sports, Orthopedic, Hot Stone, Cupping, Active Isolated Stretching. I combine these techniques to provide the right type of massage for you.
4. What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
Go to my website (markosidhumassage.com) print and fill out the two intake forms. Bring the forms to your initial appointment.
If possible bring some comfortable clothes (such as yoga pants, tops, running shorts, ect) in the event that we decide to do some involved stretching or off the table assessment for range of motion impprove ends.
5. What if I don't know what I need?
If you are not sure exactly what you need to have addressed in your session, don't worry. I welcome both clients that are new to massage and may not know what they need, as well as longtime clients of massage. I ask you questions regarding your areas of tension, general stress level and your lifestyle, and then organize a session based on these needs along with your individual preferences.
6. What is the first appointment like?
For your first appointment, please bring in the two intake forms that were printed and filled out from my website (markosidhumassage.com). Depending on your reason for coming in, the intake communication may last 5-20 minutes on your first session. If the specific techniques require disrobing, I will then leave the room and return once you are comfortably settled on the table.
7. What should I expect afterwards?
After your massage, you may experience greater relaxation, improved ranges of motion, reduced pain and a better sense of your own body. It's a good idea to drink lots of water after massage and to take the rest of the day a little easier than you normally would so that your body can take advantage of the improved circulation that massage brings and adjust to the improvements in muscle function. Depending on your body issues, I may need to break up scar tissue and adhesion. Sometimes this causes some minor soreness. You might feel some discomfort from your session, but it should last 24-48 hours at most. Please feel free to call me at (925) 337-2884 if you have any question or concerns after your session.
8. How soon after an injury should I come in for a treatment?
When you have a new injury, it's important to take care of it right away so that you don't let a new pattern in your body set in around that injury. Your first action is to get a medical diagnosis before treating the injury. When using massage for treatment, typically the most success occurs when the bodywork is done immediately with injuries to help prevent the soft tissue surrounding the injury from initiating a detrimental pattern. I will apply necessary techniques depending on the inflammation, pain level, phase of injury and your needs. My goal is to help you through your injury and hopefully decrease the recovery time.
9. Should I wait before or after intense exercise to receive massage/bodywork?
If you are an athlete who is receiving sports massage on a regular basis ( every-other week or more), then your body is accustomed to massage as part of your training, and you may not need to be as cautious about your massage timing.
If you are someone that does not get massage regular, you should not likely have a Deep Tissue Massage 48 hours before a big workout or event because the introduction of massage to your body may cause you to perform differently while in training.
If you are newer to massage, it is most beneficial to allow time to allow the benefits of massage take place in your body. If you decide to exercise after massage, focus on hydrating, stretching and doing a lighter workout as opposed to a longer one. Every body is different, so keep in mind, it is never know for sure how your body is going to react to massage.
10. Can I use my Flexible Spending Account to cover massage therapy?
Check with your Human Resources personnel to understand if your flex pay account can be used for massage therapy. In most cases, massage therapy is an acceptable treatment for Flexible Spending. I can provide you with an invoice to submit for reimbursement emen. If you are interested in using massage therapy as a complimentary healthcare service, flex pay programs are a great way to make it more affordable.
11. Will my insurance pay for massage?
Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers massage therapy, and under what condition. Often, you will need a prescription from your primary medical provider in order to get reimbursed for massage therapy. Most people can receive coverage for automotive accidents- check with your insurance company.
If your insurance company does cover massage, then I can provide you with invoices to collect the reimbursement. I do not do in-house insurance billing.