Is massage therapy simply a luxury, or is it truly a health care
service?
How often should I get massage therapy?
Will my health insurance cover massage therapy?
What kind of insurance will you accept?
Why don't you accept my health insurance?
Will you bill my health insurance?
Is massage therapy O.K. for everyone?
What kind of massage therapy is right for me?
Is massage therapy safe during pregnancy?
Do I need a referral or prescription from my doctor?
Why doesn't anyone answer your phone?
Do you ever take same-day appointments?
Is "Karma" your real name?
Is massage therapy simply a luxury, or is it truly a health care service?
Massage therapy is a health care service that is tightly regulated by the State of Washington, as well as over 25 other states in the U.S. Massage therapy has been proven beneficial for people of all ages, including newborns and the elderly. Hospital-based and other forms of clinical or medical massage therapy have become increasingly mainstream as medical professionals continue to recognize the health benefits and cost effectiveness of therapeutic touch.
When provided by a licensed professional in collaboration with a client and his or her other caregivers, massage therapy is often a preferred alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for pain management and inflammation reduction. Moreover, massage therapy can help to treat long-term medical conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, tendonitis, migraine headache, digestive disorders, depression, insomnia, anxiety, and a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders.
Even though massage therapy often feels too good to be good for you, it really is good for your health.
How often should I get massage therapy?
The amount of massage a person should receive always depends on the person and his or her treatment goals. It is not uncommon for a person being treated for a recent soft tissue injury such as a sprain or strain to require 2 to 3 short massage sessions per week for 2 weeks. Chronic conditions such as low back pain, tendonitis, and postural imbalances often require 5-10 sessions once or twice a week to achieve sustainable improvement. The recommended frequency and duration of massage sessions is always something that is discussed as part of the goal-setting process.
Will my health insurance cover massage therapy?
All health plans are not alike, so there is no simple answer to this very popular question. Washington State is one of very few states that require health care insurance carriers to offer plans that cover alternative care. However, this does not mean that your particular health plan offers massage therapy coverage. Many plans that do cover massage therapy will only cover services provided within their contracted provider network. We do not currently participate with any of these networks, which means that you may not be covered if you receive massage from us.
Some insurance carriers allow you to see any massage therapist up to a certain benefit amount. If you have reimbursable benefits, you may submit your receipts to your carrier for reimbursement. I will not directly bill your health plan.
What kind of insurance will you accept?
I do not accept private health insurance, however I do accept Washington State Labor and Industries (L&I) insurance. I will also bill for services under auto insurance personal injury protection (PIP) policies for auto accidents.
Why don't you accept my health insurance?
I have limited time available to dedicate to massage therapy, and I would prefer to spend that time performing massage. Billing for health insurance requires a great deal of administrative time that would take away from time spent with you.
Will you bill my health insurance?
No, I will not directly bill your insurance. However, I will be happy to provide you with any necessary documentation for submitting your own claims for reimbursement.
Is massage therapy O.K. for everyone?
No. While massage therapy has overwhelmingly positive outcomes for a great majority, some health conditions can be aggravated by massage therapy. People who suffer from phlebitis, blood clots, very low blood pressure, some cardiovascular disorders, any infectious disease, some types of cancer, and sensitive skin or allergy conditions should not receive a massage without medical consent.
What kind of massage therapy is right for me?
Every person has different needs and preferences, which is why we will tailor your massage to suit your goals. Certain forms of massage are best suited for specific purposes and you may experience a wide range of these services as you move through the healing and/or training process.
Is massage therapy safe during pregnancy?
Absolutely. In fact, many expectant mothers would argue that nobody benefits more from massage than a pregnant woman! Women's bodies go through a great deal of transformation during the term of a pregnancy, which puts strain on virtually all of her abdominal and pelvic muscles. As she continually compensates by changing her posture and balance, the pregnant woman often winds up with tension and imbalance in her neck, low back, legs, shoulders, and hips. Regular massage therapy given throughout the pregnancy and post-delivery helps to strengthen weakened muscles, release tight muscles, maintain proper posture, and prevent discomfort. Moreover, regular massage therapy will improve mom's circulation which is critical for the baby's nutrition. Note: Most physicians advise holding off on deep tissue massages until the second trimester to avoid exacerbating early pregnancy symptoms of morning sickness and dizziness.
Do I need a referral or prescription from my doctor?
That depends on the rules of your insurance company. Check with your insurance company prior to your visit. If you are going to receive massage therapy to treat a medical condition or injury, we may ask that you obtain a prescription from your physician to ensure that your care is well coordinated and consistent with your physician's treatment plan. Some insurance plans require that you have a prescription from your doctor and that services rendered adhere to the doctor's treatment plan and diagnosis.
Why doesn't anyone answer your phone?
Many massage therapists dream of being able to afford a receptionist, and I'm certainly one of them! Since I do have another job during the day, I'm not present to answer my office phone. I do check messages frequently and will return your call within a few hours. While I'm in session with a client during office hours, it's not possible to answer the phone. I strongly urge you to leave a message with your name and number and I promise to return your call as soon as possible.
If you are calling to book an appointment, please use the online scheduling feature on this website. You have full access to my calendar and are welcome to reserve your appointment right now. You'll receive confirmation within 24 hours.
Do you ever take same-day appointments?
It is often difficult to provide same-day appointments during the week because we are only open in the evenings and space books up fast. It is easier to get in on the same day if you call in the morning, especially on weekends.
Absolutely! Karma is my given name on my birth certificate, but you'd be surprised how many people think I made it up because it's "cool." My parents were NOT hippies, and the name has absolutely NO relationship to my spiritual beliefs or family culture. Truly, my mom just thought is was a pretty name.
Find out more about massage by visiting sites on the Links page.