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!

 

Dreamclinic Massage to Offer Service at Seattle University

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dreamclinic Massage Now Offering Service at Seattle University

SEATTLE, WA January 7, 2016 — Dreamclinic Massage has announced it will begin massage services on Seattle University’s campus in January 2016 for their faculty, staff and students.

Seattle University discovered that stress levels among students are climbing.  Students have a heightened demand for excellence in today’s competitive market.  It is a rough economic climate causing difficulty securing financial independence. College students are more stressed out than ever before — at least according to the latest findings of a large, national survey that has been conducted annually for the last 25 years. The survey includes more than 200,000 students attending nearly 300 colleges and asks them to rate how their own mental health stacks up with their classmates.  The most recent results indicate that fewer and fewer freshmen feel like they are in top form in terms of coping with stress.

Helping students alleviate stress has become a primary focus for Seattle University. As a result, starting in 2016, Seattle University is offering massage services on its campus for faculty, staff and students. Regular massage is an excellent method for combating the effects of stress and enhancing one’s health. Reducing one’s stress response not only feels good at the time, it improves one’s ability to focus and be successful academically. Not only does massage feel fantastic, it is also fantastic for your health!

Many businesses have already adopted workplace massage, seeing its benefits of reducing stress and improving productivity for employees.  Colleges are now realizing those same benefits apply to their students’ overall health and well-being. Seattle University chose Dreamclinic for its on-campus seated massage based on its standing as the leading provider of therapeutic massage services in the region. Dreamclinic is offering massage services at select dorm locations on the Seattle University campus as of January 2016.

About Dreamclinic

Dreamclinic is a trusted brand for Wellness, providing quality therapeutic massage and acupuncture in the greater Seattle area and at workplaces in Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, and South Carolina.  Dreamclinic Workplace Massage division has earned the trust of top employers that make health care options for their staff a priority.  Dreamclinic’s list of Workplace clients include companies such as Boeing, Twitter Seattle, Raytheon, Seattle University, and Essentia Water. Dreamclinic’s approach is to truly understand the goals of each client, then tailor each session to meet the individual client’s needs.  To ensure the highest level of care, Dreamclinic hires only medically informed, highly skilled therapeutic professionals that are also genuinely passionate about helping others take control of their health.

Founded in 2003, Dreamclinic has garnered multiple industry awards for excellence in bodywork, including “Allure Magazine, Best of Yelp, Best of Citysearch, Seattle Magazine, and King 5 Best of Western Washington.”   In 2015, Dreamclinic made the nationwide Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies List and was also recognized as one of Puget Sound Business Journal’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies.  For more information, visit dreamclinic.com.

About Seattle University

Seattle University, founded in 1891, is a Jesuit Catholic university located on 50 acres in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. More than 7,400 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within nine schools and colleges.  Seattle University is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report and included in The Princeton Review‘s Best Colleges guide.  Each year, Seattle University has a regional economic impact approaching $525 million.

CONTACT:
Nolie Durham
Email: [email protected]
206-267-0863 x 303

Massage for Today’s Stressed Student

Seattle University Massage DreamclinicCollege students are more stressed out than ever before — at least according to the latest findings of a large, national survey that has been conducted annually for the last 25 years. The survey includes more than 200,000 students attending nearly 300 colleges and asks them to rate how their own mental health stacks up with their classmates.  The most recent results indicate that fewer and fewer freshmen feel like they are in top form in terms of coping with stress.

We all know what causes stress and we all know that stress is bad for you. What is less well-known is exactly how stress affects your body and how massage reverses the physiological effects of stress.  Stress remains in our bodies causing muscle tightness, high blood pressure, and a sense of fatigue. Prolonged stress wears down the immune system and leads to illness in various forms.Over the long-term muscles and blood vessels become less elastic, arteries develop cholesterol plaques, digestion becomes sluggish, and sleep doesn’t feel refreshing. We find it difficult to ever fully relax even after exercise.

Massage for today’s stressed student acts as a natural bio-feedback mechanism. With regular massage, our bodies learn how to return to the “rest and digest” state with more ease. We are less likely to get stuck in the “fight or flight” stress reaction. Hence, we actually learn to deal better with stress on a physiological and psychological level. Regular massage is an excellent method for combating the effects of stress and enhancing one’s health. Reducing one’s stress response not only feels good at the time, it improves one’s ability to focus and be successful academically. Not only does massage feel fantastic, it is also fantastic for your health!

Seattle University discovered that stress levels among students are climbing.  Students have a heightened demand for excellence in today’s competitive market.  it is a rough economic climate causing difficulty securing financial independence. Helping students alleviate stress has become a primary focus for Seattle University.  As a result, starting in 2016 Seattle University is offering massage services on its campus for faculty, staff and students.

Many companies have already adopted workplace massage seeing its benefits of reducing stress and improving productivity for employees.  Colleges are now realizing those same benefits apply to their students’ overall health and well-being.  Seattle University chose Dreamclinic for its on-campus seated massage based on its standing as the leading provider of therapeutic massage services in the region. Dreamclinic has begun offering massage services at Seattle University’s campus as of January 2016.

Workplace Massage Reduces Stress and Improves Performance

dreamclinic massage seattle workplace massageOur work habits are producing an increase in work-related injuries and stress. Computer use, poor ergonomics and extended sitting contribute to painful neck, shoulder and back tension, as well as repetitive stress conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This leads to a loss of productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs.

Research from Microsoft shows that repetitive stress injuries are on the rise due to increasing use of laptops.  “The research, which polled over 1,000 office workers, HR managers and office managers, reveals that 68% of office workers suffered from aches and pains, with the most common symptoms including back ache, shoulder pain and wrist/ hand pain as a result of working [while] in transit in cramped or awkward positions.”

Workplace massage reduces stress and improves performance.   It is becoming mainstream as companies recognize its therapeutic benefits, logistical feasibility, and positive impact on their bottom line.

When employees feel less stressed, they take less sick days, are more productive, and show an increase in job satisfaction. As a result, business output increases, turnover decreases, morale improves, and healthcare expenditures are reduced. When massage becomes an important part of a comprehensive workplace wellness program, everyone benefits.

If you believe your company may be interested in offering workplace massage please let us know.  Once service is established, we will thank you with a 1-hr massage gift card to use at any of our clinics.

CONTACT DREAMCLINIC WORKPLACE DIVISION

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/19014.php

This article has been brought to you by Dreamclinic – offering quality therapeutic massage and acupuncture in the greater Seattle area as well as corporate massage nationwide.

Eliminate Common Aches and Pains From Sitting at a Desk

DIY Ways to Eliminate Common Aches and Pains From Sitting at a Desk, original blog article by Dreamclinic Massage and Acupuncture Seattle, Redmond, BellevueWe’ve all seen the headlines: “Sitting Will Kill You, Even When You Exercise” (that is an actual headline from CNN). Then, two months later, another report comes out saying that standing at work all day is bad for your body and health, too.

Regardless of which one is actually true, the truth is that most of us have desk jobs, where we sit down the majority of the day. And even if sitting doesn’t end up killing us, pains From Sitting at a Desk can leave us stiff and uncomfortable.

Luckily, your achy back, sore neck, and popping joints are probably due to your chair and desk setup at work, which is very easy to fix.

So, instead of an expensive visit to the chiropractor to soothe those aches and pains from your desk job, try these easy tips to feel your best:

 

Customize your seating. Adjust your office chair so that it is slightly tilted back and comfortably supports your spine. This will help relieve lower back pain. Make sure your feet are planted flat on the ground and that your hands can comfortably reach the mouse and keyboard (you’re not hunching over the desk).

Take a walk. Moving around will help get your blood moving and prevent joint stiffness. Small breaks are also good for your brain, and can lead to increased creativity, better focus, and increased efficiency. Take a 20-minute walk during lunch and try to get up and move every hour if you can.

Try standing. Sometimes a change of perspective is all that’s needed. Standing at your desk engages muscles that you do not use while sitting, and gives your neck and lower back a break. To see if standing is right for you, try it for an hour or two and then go back to sitting.

Wear comfortable shoes. Even if you’re sitting, high or uncomfortable shoes can affect your posture and strain your joints. Comfortable shoes are especially important if you plan on standing at your desk. Look for good arch support and add an insert for extra support if needed.

Stretch regularly. Neck and shoulder rotations are especially helpful for office pain, and can be done anywhere and any time.

  • To stretch your back, plant your feet shoulder-width apart and slowly rotate your shoulders, breathing normally and shrugging them up and down every once in a while. Afterwards, cross one arm across your chest and pull gently on that elbow with your other arm. Repeat with the other arm.
  • To stretch your neck, sit up straight and slowly look over your left and right shoulders. Tilt your head back until you feel your chin muscles go taught, and tilt your head forwards with your chin towards your chest. Then, slowly roll your head in a large circle and repeat in the opposite direction.
  • To stretch your wrist, turn your hands palms up and place them on the edge of a table, with the insides of your arms facing away from you. You can also individually bend each finger towards the back of your hand to work additional cricks.
  • Invite a massage therapist into the office. This is a great office activity to boost morale. Invite a massage therapist once a month or once a quarter to the office to give massages and also to educate employees about health and wellness. Your colleagues will thank you!

 

Despite the media’s claims that sitting at your desk will lead to your death, it’s all about finding the right desk setup for you and your body. And that will look different for everyone. Try new things, like standing for an hour or going on a walk. Stretch at the office and when you get home. And, don’t believe everything you read in the news.

Picture: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/144607838007688103/