FAQ: Massage at BalanceDiet, Billings

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from massage therapy clients. If you have unanswered questions please leave a comment below.

What should I expect during my first massage treatment (tx)? 
Completed paperwork (contact info, health history, allergies) is required before your first treatment only. It is very important for you to list all past and current health concerns and medications for the therapist to meet your specific needs.
Arrive early to use facilities and begin the interview process on time. A brief Q & A together of your health history, what your goals are, if massage therapy is appropriate for you and creating a tx plan can take 2-10 minutes and begins every massage thereafter. An exit interview concludes each visit, and is a follow up of the initial interview.

What is appropriate to wear?
Wear loose fitted clothing as if you were to exercise. The massage therapist may use techniques that require clothing that do not restrict range of motion. Basic Swedish massage techniques are performed undressed between sheets, and draping that respectfully exposes only the body parts being treated. 

Please practice proper hygiene or use shower facilities (only offered for women), or request a wet towel.

How long is a massage?
30, 60 and 90 minute massage time slots are available. All times include enter & exit interviews.

How often do I received massage tx?
As often as seems necessary. If you are in acute pain from whiplash, multiple 30 minutes treatments in a week may be recommended. If you suffer from chronic work related stress it may take longer to meet your goals and a long-term treatment plan can be created. All plans take into consideration your wellness goals, budget, time allowance and convenience.

Can my doctor prescribe treatments?
Many of my clients are referred by another health care professional to receive massage. This is NOT a prescription for massage. You’re primary care physician can write you a RX that includes how many and how often to receive a massage treatment related to the current medical condition being treated by your doctor. With your permission the massage therapist may contact your doctor.

Does insurance cover my massage?
Check with your insurance provider to find out if massage is covered. Insurance billing is not offered through the massage therapist. A receipt for your records will be issued to you for later submission if you choose. All charting and documentation is available to you upon request and stored within HIPPA privacy guidelines.

When should I NOT receive massage tx?
You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. Always ask your primary care physician if massage would benefit/harm your current health conditions.

 

Alex Stenger is a licensed Massage Therapist practicing inside BalanceDiet Billings.

Website: billingsmassage.amtamembers.com 

Contact: Office (406) 652-9142 Cell (406) 780-0535

Facebook: facebook.com/billingsmassage/

 

A Year in the Books

This month marks the first successful year of my massage therapy practice. I wouldn’t be here without the wonderful support of all my clients and the people at BalanceDiet Billings.

Two weeks before I graduated from Health Works Institute I decided to no longer work at the spa in Big Sky. Working there over the past 2 years was such a wonderful time spent with the owner Jacque and all the therapists and estheticians, but there was something calling me back to Billings, MT where I am from.

When the original location in a salon fell through, I was relieved because I knew my practice wasn’t the type to be in that particular location. I had training in clinical massage therapy and the luxurious type of massage (a lot of Swedish) wasn’t what I wanted to do.  So,  I replied to a craigslist ad at BalanceDiet, a women’s weight loss facility, and after the interview I knew this is exactly where my practice could grow.

Since graduating I’ve received certification as an Integrative Reflexologist. This is something my grandmother taught herself and practiced many years of her life and I watched growing up. To now offer reflexology to clients is rewarding on so many levels. I have’t decided what continuing education I will pursue this coming year, so if you know of a modality or training you’d like to see me offer please comment below!

What I love the most about my practice over the year is the wonderful variety of people I meet and help. Their needs are all so different and I constantly reference my text books, the internet and latest massage research for new or forgotten techniques to help them with their pain.

What I like the least about my practice over the year, and a new client told me this the other day “It’s so hard to get in to see you.” Now, I understand there is a compliment below the surface of that statement, but when someone is experiencing discomfort and pain in that moment and it takes 3-4 days to get in to see me the compliment goes from sweet to salty real fast.

 

Alex Stenger is a licensed Massage Therapist practicing inside BalanceDiet Billings.

Website: billingsmassage.amtamembers.com 

Contact: Office (406) 652-9142 Cell (406) 780-0535

Facebook: facebook.com/billingsmassage/

Lower Back Pain, Repetitive Motion and Massage Therapy: A Case Study

This is a retrospective case study of a client who came in for low back pain. I prefer to present the data in a story format without the SOAP charting jargon for those of you who are not familiar with charting terms. If you would like more information on the objective findings and exact treatment please contact me.

The study is a 57 year old female who works full time at UPS in shipment/package processing. She complained of low back, upper shoulder and neck pain. She described a feeling of her breath ‘taken away’ when laying on her back.  Her job at the time was very stressful as it was the beginning of November and the busiest season for shipping.  She describes to me what her job consists of daily. Lifting boxes with both hands and twisting to the left to place them elsewhere. Over and over again.

The postural assessment revealed a short leg of about 1 inch difference.  The left side of the back was severely elevated in comparison to the right (see photo below). She also presented very limited neck, shoulder and hip ROM.

Severe L side elevation causing low back pain and tension in the shoulders and neck.

Over the next 5 months the client received a 30 minute treatment once a week. During the first month we were able to decrease pain symptoms in the low back, shoulders and neck with Swedish Massage and Trigger Point Therapy allowing her to lie flat on her back without the sensation of not being able to breath. We then addressed the leg length discrepancy and balanced the hips with Myofascial Release. Around month 2 the short leg length began to decrease and stay consistent of 1/2 inch. The following months consisted of maintenance massage over the entire back, shoulders, neck and hips.

At month 5 we were able to increase the time between massage to 2-3 weeks. The client began yoga at home, and exercised regularly. She was no longer feeling the neck and shoulder tension, some low back pain on occasion and commented that she was finally able to enjoy the massage without the presence of therapeutic pain.

Change in elevation treated with Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release.

This case study was 100% dedicated to finding relief through massage therapy.  With patience and persistence she is now taking control of life with out the pain.

 

Alex Stenger is a licensed Massage Therapist practicing inside BalanceDiet Billings.

Website: billingsmassage.amtamembers.com 

Contact: Office (406) 652-9142 Cell (406) 780-0535

Facebook: facebook.com/billingsmassage/