Frequently Asked Questions
How does your practice compare to all the massage options out there?
We focus on providing therapeutic (clinical) massage therapy to clients looking for relief from certain symptoms or to keep balanced despite heavy muscle use (e.g., from sports or manual occupations). This type of massage is distinct from relaxation or circulatory massage (sometimes called "Swedish") which tends to use lighter pressure and focuses on the client experience during (not after) the session. A therapeutic massage will blend various modalities as necessary to achieve a specific outcome, and is sometimes referred to by labels like "neuromuscular therapy," "deep tissue," "trigger point therapy," or "myofascial release."
In truth, there are probably more names for massage techniques than there are actual techniques, because massage is as much an art as it is a science. A good therapist will focus on the client's overall posture and/or pain pattern, figure out which muscles need work, and decide which techniques are best applied to those muscles. A smart client looks for a therapist with good hands, a working brain, and a natural curiosity about how the body works. At our practice, we strive to be those therapists.
Why should I choose your practice?
In some cases, you shouldn't. You should absolutely give us a try if you walked out of your last massage with the same knots you walked in with, because we distinguish ourselves by correcting the tension pattern that led to the knots in the first place. That means we can often bring relief that is noticeable and lasting.
However, our practice is usually not a good fit for clients uncomfortable with firm pressure or who prefer a massage that is itself an experience rather than an outcome-centered treatment. While we do strive to provide a serene environment, we do not attempt to compete with Scottsdale's fabulous resorts, which (unlike us) specialize in relaxation and sensory experiences. We are here to serve those clients looking for a resolution to a problem or an improvement in overall muscle balance.
Can massage really be "therapeutic" and not just relaxing?
Absolutely! Massage is an effective treatment strategy (often in conjunction with physical therapy) for tennis elbow, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, dowager's hump, and many other conditions brought on by repetitive motions or postural distortions. In addition, it can re-balance muscle imbalances caused by asymmetrical movements (like your golf swing) or overuse (like hunching over your computer at work). Finally, regular massage for our athletic clients can often prevent overuse conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendinitis/tendinosis.
Do you work on minors?
Unfortunately, no. We are trained to work on adult bodies and believe it is our responsibility to stay within the scope of our training.
How often will I need massage? I've heard that once a month is a good guideline.
There are as many answers to this question as there are human bodies on the planet. Our most active clients with heavy training schedules tend to book every two weeks to maintain healthy muscle balance, but many clients find 8-12 week intervals perfectly sufficient to unravel the effects of bad posture habits. We are happy to make recommendations as to frequency for each client, but we respect that our clients know their own bodies best and usually have the best sense of their needs.