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How are my treatments different from wellness massage?
Wellness massage is great for reducing stress, easing aches and pains, soothing
tired muscles, improving circulation, and promoting a general sense of relaxation
and health. Wellness massage is also very effective for chronic conditions not
ordinarily treated with prescribed massage.
Wellness massage is paid for at the time of service by the client. If you are
looking for wellness massage, or massage without a prescription, please go to the
Breathe Bodywork website.
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What should I expect from a massage session at Optima Clinic?
At your first visit, you will fill out paperwork relating to your case and your
insurance information. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you
may download and fill out part of the paperwork prior to your first visit, if you
wish.
During your first session, your condition will be evaluated. I will assess the injured
area through palpation (feeling) as well as by using a series of range-of-motion tests.
I will check you for contraindications to massage, evaluate your stage of healing,
and formulate a plan of care based on the diagnoses your physician has given, the
physician's orders, and the findings of the evaluation.
Following the evaluation, you will probably receive a treatment. Depending on your
stage of healing and your physician's prescription, this may consist of regular massage,
the application of hot or cold packs, trigger point therapy, assisted stretching,
neuromuscular therapy, myofascial techniques, or other manual therapies.
At the beginning of subsequent treatment sessions, you will fill out a simple update
form about your current symptoms and any changes you have noticed since
the previous treatment. Top
What should I wear?
During the evaluation process I will observe your posture, looking at things such
as the level of your hip bones and the position of your spine. Your evaluation will be
more accurate if you wear something that makes it easy for these areas to be seen.
Shorts (and a sports-bra or close-fitting shirt for women) would be ideal.
Most massage treatments require that only the area of focus needs to be accessible —
you will rarely be fully undressed and draped on the table. Your comfort is very important,
so please wear something that will help you feel at ease. You will have time to change if
you come to use in regular street clothing.
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What should I bring with me?
Bring the prescription from your doctor, and bring your insurance information.
If you have been in an auto accident, print out and bring your completed intake form.
If you are able to do this before you come in, the first visit process will go much more
quickly. Bring insurance information such as claim number, claim representative's name
and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address, and phone number. A copy of
the accident report will help in determining how you were impacted and where your
injuries are likely to be. Top
Can I request a massage prescription if my doctor doesn't volunteer one?
Yes. Print out the prescription form and take it in to show your doctor if you would like.
You could also direct your doctor to this site if she or he has any questions about the clinic.
Please note that my prescription form has my contact information on it, but you can choose
and/or change your care providers at any time. Feel free to take the form to another massage
therapist if you wish, just be sure to change the name on the form if you do.
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Do I have to use your form instead of my doctor's regular prescription form?
You may bring in any prescription for massage from your physician. Some physicians will
prefer to use their own prescription pads. My prescription form may save time
since it is designed to provide all of the necessary information, such as diagnosis codes
and procedures, so it is simple to arrange your appointments, and bill your insurance company.
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Can I see my Physical Therapist while I am receiving massage treatment?
Your physician may decide that you will improve more quickly if you are receiving physical
therapy or chiropractic care at the same time you are prescribed massage.
If you are currently receiving physical therapy or chiropractic treatments, please be sure
your appointments are not on the same day as your massage sessions. Many insurance companies
will not pay for two sessions on the same day, and it may be many months before you find out.
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Will my insurance cover massage?
All automobile accident insurance policies are required to pay for what your doctor finds
medically necessary. A few other types of policies may also pay for massage. If you provide
your insurance information, I can call your provider to find out if you have coverage for
massage. Top
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