Will My Insurance Cover

Massage Or Bodywork

Services?If you are in an automobile accident

or have a job-related injury coveredby workers’ compensation, insurancemay likely cover massage, bodywork,or somatic therapies when prescribedby a physician. If your insurance cov-ers chiropractic or osteopathic ser-vices, the services of a bodywork professional may be covered whenprescribed by a chiropractor orosteopath.Therapies provided as partof the prescribed treatment by aphysician or registered physical thera-pist are often covered.The best thingto do is check with your insurancecompany to see exactly what is cov-ered under what circumstances.

Finding A Qualified

PractitionerYour massage services should be

provided by a professional who hasreceived proper training. Don’t hesi-tate to ask practitioners about theirbackground, training, and experience.Referrals from friends can usually berelied on. Members of AssociatedBodywork & Massage Professionalshave met eligibility requirementsregarding training and must adhere toa strict code of ethics in order toremain members.

Geriatric Massage

Compliments Of:

© 2006 Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

member

How Will It Benefit Me?Geriatric massage can increase blood

circulation, combat depression, improvebalance and flexibility, reduce the pain of arthritis, increase joint mobility,improve posture, and encourage overallwell-being.

What

Should I Be

Prepared

For During The MassageWhether having the massage at your

home or at the practitioner’s office, thereare certain things you should expect dur-ing a massage.Most massage and bodyworktechniques are traditionally performedwith the client unclothed;however,youmay decide what amount of clothing youprefer to wear for your own comfort.Thepractitioner will leave the room while youundress, relax on the table,and cover your-self with a clean sheet.Throughout the ses-sion,you will be properly draped or cov-ered.Only the area being worked on willbe exposed.A light oil or lotion may beused to permit your muscles to be workedon without causing excessive friction to

the skin.The average full-body session lastsapproximately one hour,but some clientsenjoy shorter, thirty-minute sessions.

Should I Have A Doctor’s

Permission?In most cases, the answer is yes. If you

have a specific health condition,you mustreceive permission from your physician toproceed with massage.Oftentimes, themassage therapist will ask to speak to yourdoctor directly.This is merely a precautionto ensure your good health.As with anypopulation, there are certain conditionsthat are contraindicated for massage,hence the importance of communication.

A Brief History Of MassageMassage is considered to be among the

oldest of all treatments used by man.Chinese records dating back three thou-sand years documented its use.The ancientHindus,Persians,and Egyptians used formsof massage for some ailments andHippocrates wrote papers recommendingthe use of rubbing and friction for joint andcirculatory problems.Today,massage is anaccepted part of many physical rehabilita-tion programs and has proven beneficial tomany chronic conditions such as low-backpain,arthritis, and bursitis.Massage helpsrelieve the stress and tension of everydayliving.

What Is Geriatric Massage?Geriatric massage encompasses basic

relaxation and stress relief and is also abeneficial tool in fighting many of thesymptoms of aging.Today, massage in allits forms is at the forefront of alternativeand complementary therapies utilized bymillions of people.