We wanted to answer some of the questions we are often asked as Massage Therapists.
How do I know my therapist is trained?
In NZ, Massage is an unregulated industry, so anyone can advertise massage services without being required to have any formal qualifications. The qualifications available also vary, so the services a therapist can safely provide is guided by their level of qualification. For instance Level 5 certified therapist will have a much more limited scope of practise than a degree qualified Level 7.
For your safety it is always best to check your therapist is properly qualified. This will either be advertised on their website or for more peace of mind check the find a therapist page on the Massage New Zealand website This will ensure your therapist is a registered member and is qualified to either Level 5; 6 or 7.
If you cannot find this information, it is ok to ask your therapist before booking.
Is Massage just for relaxing?
Massage is excellent for relaxation! But it also has many other benefits.
Massage helps with chronic muscle aches and pains. It helps to reduce stress and ease muscle tension.
It's also great to:
o improve circulation
o alleviate breathing problems
o help boost your immune system
o lower your blood pressure
o reduce headaches
o improve your daily mobility and wellbeing
o help you manage anxiety and depression
o helps to promote good, healthy sleep.
Elite and recreational athletes alike can also benefit from massage therapy – massage can reduce muscle tension, improve exercise performance, and prevent injuries.
Is Massage covered by ACC or Health Insurance
Unfortunately most massage is not covered by ACC. However some health insurers do have policies that cover massage therapy. You will need to check your policy. Southern Cross has a list of approved Massage Therapists who may provide services that are covered under their policies. Here at Body of Work, as we only have L6 and 7 MNZ registered therapists, we are able to offer Southern Cross Easy Claim services. This means we can claim direct to Southern Cross at the time of your appointment so you do not need to send in any receipts.
Is massage painful?
Everyone reacts differently to massage, but essentially it should not give you any intense pain. This would negate the benefit of massage, which is to promote relaxation of the nervous system. You may experience some mild tenderness or discomfort particularly if you have an injured area being treated. However this should be communicated to your therapist to ensure they work within your pain free zone.
It's not unusual to feel some soreness or even have a headache or flu like symptoms after a massage. This does not usually last long and often having more water to drink can help alleviate these symptoms. But if you have any concerns please contact your therapist.
Do I have to take my clothes off?
While most Massage Therapy sessions are done with skin contact, it is not essential to remove clothing. Your therapist will ask you to remove clothing only as far as you feel comfortable.
The therapist will leave the room while you're undressing and will provide towels and blankets to cover you during the massage.
Many of us can feel self conscious about parts of our body such as unwanted body hair, Scars, Acne or other skin blemishes. Please don't let this stop you from getting help from a massage therapist. If you're sensitive about a particular area, ask them to avoid it. Whatever your concerns, know that your therapists are friendly, supportive and judgment-free.
Can I talk during my massage?
This is entirely your choice. Your massage is your time, your therapist will likely check in with you about your injury, if you want more or less pressure or to check you’re not experiencing any pain. Your therapist should not initiate any other conversation but if you like to chat we are happy to respond.
What will happen at my first massage?
We will ask you to fill out a health history form to let us know about any current concerns or goals you want us to deal with. We will then give you privacy to make yourself comfortable – whether you decide to remove your clothing or not.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask them.
Should I consult my doctor before receiving a massage?
There are not many situations where a doctor’s approval is required before a massage.
Obviously if you are unwell with a fever or the symptoms of a cold or flu, or are a positive Covid case, you must reschedule your appointment. Other ongoing issues, such as arthritis, MS, pregnancy, fibromyalgia etc are not contraindicated (when seeing a Level 6 or 7 qualified therapist). For acute injuries such as fractures, tendon ruptures or significant haematomas or blood clots, massage would not be advised.
In the case of Cancer which is currently being treated or those who have undergone Lymph node removal, it would be advised to seek massage from an appropriately qualified Massage Therapist who specialises in either Oncology massage or Lymphatic Drainage.
