What is massage and what are its benefits?  By definition, massage is "intentional and systemati c 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. Massage therapy has come a long way and there are a lot of different types of massage available these days.

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.

How often should I get a massage? It varies. After an accident or an injury, you may need to get e series of massages “back to back”. Athletes may need to get massages more frequently. A lot of healthy people with no significant muscle problems get massages about once a month or ever 4 weeks. Your massage therapist will be able to help you to decide what will work best for you.

Do you accept health insurance? We are not aware of any insurance carriers that 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? No. Although a massage of the face and scalp can be an integral part of your session, it will target the underlying muscles and will not focus on treating your skin.. 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 – please see our Resources page.

Do you have to be licensed to practice massage? Wisconsin law recently changed and becomes effective December 1, 2010. Until recently, the state had what is called title protection - anyone could give massage (and that included both trained and untrained individuals)!). However, the only practitioners allowed to use the title "massage therapist" had to be certified by the state. The law seemed confusing to many people and did not provide enough protection for the consumers. The new law will require mandatory licensing for everybody who wishes to practice massage therapy. To become licensed, the therapist will have to take a 600 hour training, pass a national certification exam and a state licensing exam and provide proof of liability insurance. In addition, all massage therapists are required to be trained in CPR and complete continuing education classes throughout their entire career.

For more Wisconsin licensing and regulation information go to http://drl.wi.gov/prof/mass/def.htm

I never had a massage before. What should I expect during my first session? Please plan a few extra minutes fo r 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 serious 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.