Ask a Massage Expert! Answers To Your Top Questions

If you’re considering a massage, in Seattle or anywhere else in the country, you may have some questions about what to expect during your first visit. Of course, this is perfectly natural. After all, while you may have heard from friends what a massage is like, you’re about to experience it for yourself. And you may want to have a better understanding of how your session will go when you arrive.

Not to worry.  The massage experts at Dreamclinic are here to answer your questions. Our professionally trained staff is always happy to provide you with guidance when it comes to your health and massage, in Seattle or beyond. And today, we’re answering some of your top questions!

What should I wear when I get a massage?

You should dress as you normally do and in what is most comfortable for you. Our staff recommends dressing down, and for many patients, a pair of shorts works well, along with a t-shirt. Once you have had a massage, your relaxed body will appreciate a comfort-oriented approach to your wardrobe.

Are there any risks associated with getting a massage?

While massage therapy is known to be an extremely safe activity, patients should be aware of a few considerations before beginning. If you have concerns or known medical conditions, it’s best to talk with your doctor to make sure massage is medically safe for you.

Should I feel sore after my massage session?

Especially if you’re getting a deeper tissue massage, it’s normal to feel a little soreness the next day after your massage. In fact, that soreness is likely a result of the positive effect of your massage. Increase your fluids to assist your lymphatic system and decrease soreness.

Is a massage more about the experience or the medicine?

The answer is: both! Massage therapy is as much as a science as it is an art. In addition to being enjoyable and relaxing, massage therapy does  also offer numerous health benefits.

Can a massage help me with my active lifestyle?

Yes! For those of you who live an active life, massage can offer even more benefits. That’s because active people tend to pick up dings and stress to their muscles and need more regular maintenance. When you arrive for your  Dreamclinic massage, please feel free to bring up how massage can benefit you regarding the specific activities you engage in.

What licensures exist in the United States for massage?

In the United States, each state has its own regulation that pertain to massage therapy. For our massage team in Seattle, our  excellent team of professionals are licensed with over 750 hours of training.

Does my health insurance plan cover massage sessions?

In some cases, insurance plans may cover your massage therapy. This is especially true if your general doctor or specialist has referred you for massage therapy. However, every insurance plan is different. Best practice is to check your specific plan for benefits pertaining to massage. Also if you have been in a car accident, your auto insurance should cover massage.

Does Dreamclinic offer office-based sessions in Seattle?

Yes! We’re proud to offer workplace massage, onsite sessions for your office or corporate events.

Can I customize my massage session at Dreamclinic?

One of the most important aspects of getting a massage is discussion your goals for the session with your therapist before the massage begins. Before your first session, talk to one of our trained staff about what is right for you.

Ready to get your first massage at one of our Seattle area locations? Get in touch with us!

 

Getting the Most From Massage

Massage Client Therapist Communication Dreamclinic Redmond Dreamclinic Seattle

It is not uncommon for folks to behave in a massage clinic similarly to how they might in a doctor’s office. In a doctor’s office the doctor holds most of the authority and chooses for the patient what course of treatment should be followed.

Such folks may not think to communicate with the practitioner about what they want from the massage session. They are more likely to start the session exchanging few words and expecting the practitioner to perform some sort of predetermined routine. The problem with this approach is the individual misses out on the opportunity to get maximum benefit from the massage treatment. A more fitting relationship between the client and the practitioner is one where clients communicate freely about their preferences pertaining to the bodywork, both before and during the massage session.

Given the more interactive relationship, clients can ask the practitioner to work exactly on the body areas they want. Say you have an aching back — you can request that the practitioner spend the full massage session working on your back. Or you may experience tension headaches — you can ask for focus mostly on head and neck areas. You can request only upper body massage, or conversely ask for an overall relaxation massage with equal attention given to all body areas. As yet another example, you can even request abdominal massage. All qualified massage practitioners are trained to provide it and it can be beneficial for lower back pain and digestive problems.

As the client, you are in charge of your massage therapy sessions. These sessions should work for you. Being aware of your body, its likes and dislikes, and then communicating with your massage therapist will make a tremendous difference in the quality of the bodywork you receive.

By Larisa Goldin, MBA, LMP

Voted Finalist for Best Massage 2013

BestofKing5 2014We would like to extend a thanks to all of our supportive clients, friends, staff and family members who voted for Dreamclinic in King5’s Best of Western Washington 2013 poll. We have placed 4th this year, and this being the third year in a row we have grabbed a top five finalist ranking in the poll.

together to bring these services to you 7 days a week. Thank you thank you!

Dreamclinic wins Best of Citysearch 2013

281Dreamclinic wins top prize “Seattle’s Best Massage” in The Best of Citysearch 2013!

Dreamclinic has been voted “Seattle’s Best Massage” by voters s on Citysearch.com in their annual poll.

This year’s selection marks an impressive consecutive string of victories as Dreamclinic was previously voted Seattle’s Best Massage on Citysearch in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The poll was not held in 2012.

We are thankful to all of our clients, staff, and friends of Dreamclinic who showed us such great support by taking the time to visit the Citysearch website and cast their vote.The Dreamclinic community came out in droves and we won!

Doing massage therapy in a truly caring way is what Dreamclinic is all about. Kudos to our staff and our clients for taking massage therapy to the next level!

Dreamclinic named a Finalist for Best Massage 2011 in Western WA

Massage Finalist 2011

We are thrilled to announce being voted a Finalist for Seattle’s Best Massage as part of Evening Magazine’s Best of Western Washington Contest!
We have previously been nominated for The Best of Western Washington in 2008, 2009 and 2010 polls. In 2010, Dreamclinic was voted as part of the top 10 Massage Clinics in Seattle.
We would like to thank all friends, family, employees and clients of Dreamclinic who voted for us in this local contest. Your votes made all the difference, we are grateful for your ongoing support and love.
Thank you for choosing us as your partner in health. We wish you great peace, abundance and vitality. To your health!

 

Click here to view the complete list of winners

Dreamclinic Massage Tops Best of Citysearch 2010 again

Seattle's Best Massage, Best of Citysearch, Dreamclinic Massage and Acupuncture for Seattle, Redmond and BellevueThe incredible Dreamclinic community did it again. Our dearly-beloved clients, business associates, and staff all voted at the end of 2010 for Seattle’s Best Massage categories on Best of Citysearch and it spoke volumes!

Dreamclinic swept Best of Citysearch 2010winning 9 out 11 massage categories:
Best Overall Massage

Best Deep Tissue Massage

Best Hot Stone Massage

Best Pregnancy & Prenatal Massage

Best Reflexology & Foot Massage

Best Shiatsu Massage

Best Swedish Massage

Best Sports Massage

Best Thai Massage

Our thanks go out to the entire Dreamclinic community for supporting the wave of healing that we are spreading in the world and letting Seattle know where to go for truly therapeutic massage.

Dreamclinic Sweeps Best of Citysearch 2009

Dreamclinic Best of Citysearch Massage SeattleIn keeping with tradition, this fall, Citysearch once again held voting for Best of Seattle in a variety of Health and Beauty Categories, including a number of massage specialties.

On December 3rd, Citysearch announced the winners based on popular voting.  Dreamclinic claimed first place in eight out of nine massage categories including Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Thai Massage and others.
“There are many excellent spas, clinics and individual practitioners that offer massage services in the Seattle area,” said Larisa Goldin, Dreamclinic Founder and President. “So we are truly grateful to all the clients and friends of the business that came out in support of Dreamclinic to help spread the word that we provide the best massage around.  We have always been committed to highly effective and personalized bodywork but recognition like this is really special and points the way we are on track with our mission.”

To view all Best of Citysearch Health and Beauty winners visit http://seattle.citysearch.com/bestof/allwinners/2009

 

Allure Names Dreamclinic Best of Best for the Second Time

Allure2007Every couple of years, Allure Magazine, the beauty and fashion monthly for women, turns its focus to massage, seeking to bring its readers their pick of the best spot to go to in each of the major metropolitan centers.
In 2004, Allure undercover shoppers selected Dreamclinic as their favorite massage place in Seattle, then followed up this selection with another in October of 2007. They included Dreamclinic in their Best of the Best Salon and Spa directory that features “the country’s superior services from head to toe and coast to coast.”
With just a single business singled out in each city per category, Allure chose Dreamclinic highlighting therapist, Talina, for her “… signature technique which is a cross between Swedish and deep tissue.”

 

Dreamclinic Tops Best of CitySearch 2007

You voted for the best Massage in Seattle, and we counted…” is how Citysearch introduced its top vote-getters in the Massage Category in 2007.   And the votes put Dreamclinic at number one in Seattle.

Best of Citysearch Seattle Massage 2007

Not only did Dreamclinic win the Citysearch Audience Award, based on the number of votes cast by the city’s massage-goers but, it swept the Massage category by also earning the Editorial Award, which reflects Citysearch editors’ selection based on their own experience.

Chalk Two More Accolades up for Dreamclinic

Seattles Best Massage, Best of Seattle Magazine Dreamclinic Massage and Acupuncture for Seattle, Redmond and BellevueBoth of Seattle’s monthly magazines, Seattle Magazine and Seattle Metropolitan, have listed Dreamclinic among the best places in the city for massage.

January’s issue of Seattle Metropolitan compiles an alternative health guide for Seattleites. The guide covers fifteen natural ways to maintain wellness, including Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and, of course, massage therapy.  Dreamclinic topped the list of where to go in Seattle to receive top-notch bodywork.

February’s Seattle Magazine named Dreamclinic among the best places to receive therapeutic massage. An excerpt is printed below:

This Ravenna-area clinic is a favorite among athletes.  Not only does the center provide some of the best rehab and injury massage in town, but it sponsors local competitive teams, too, including the Hot Sake Dragon Boat Racing Team and Team Group Health, a group of women cyclists.  Book a deep-tissue massage for sore muscles or an invigorating sports massage to keep you at the top of your game.”

“We’re thrilled at this sudden surge of positive press,” says Larisa Goldin, Dreamclinic president and founder. “We owe this recognition to our dedicated and talented staff and to our wonderful clients who continue to spread the word about Dreamclinic.”

This is Dreamclinic’s third mention in as many months, as Seattle Magazine named the clinic Seattle’s best sports massage in December, 2006.