Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my New Client / Patient Evaluation?
Appointment #1:
You will be required you to fill out a health history form prior to your arrival. Forms can be found under the Forms tab. Afterward, I will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas need work, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if treatment is appropriate for you. If indicated, I may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.
It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the session can be adapted to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies to avoid any harmful oil, lotions, or materials during the session.
We will then move on treatment using the most appropriate style for the reason-of-visit.
Appointment #2 and #3:
We will follow-up on how you felt after your previous treatment and discuss any concerns or benefits. We will then continue with hands-on treatment, stretching, and discuss next steps in your treatment plan.
Do I need to purchase the New Client / Patient Evaluation if I don't have any issues and just want a relaxing massage?
Yes, because before any kind of hands-on treatment it is important for me to know how your body responds and customize my style to what will make you feel great and relaxed. Evaluations in this situation usually have less talking and more hands on! Instead of correctly any major issues, we will focus on developing the best program for you and your body.
Which forms do I need? When must they be completed by? How can I submit them?
First, all forms may be found under the Forms tab on this website.
The Health Intake form is required by all clients and patients before any treatment or consultation, regardless of the style or number of issues present.
The Insurance Information form is only required if you are interested in seeing if we are able to bill your insurance as "out-of-network" or you are coming in for worker's compensation, auto accident, or because massage is being covered legally for other reasons.
All forms are to be submitted online through the secure and HIPAA-certified portal. Forms can be completed by hand, but must be signed with blue or black ink.
Our time together is limited and it's important we use every minute to addressing the issues and needs for the day. If you weren't able to complete the forms beforehand, please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment. Otherwise, any time used to complete the forms will count towards your session.
Do you accept health insurances, worker's compensation, or automotive (accident) claims?
Yes, I do accept worker's compensation and auto accidents cases, but I do not directly bill health/auto/ worker's insurance at this time. Polymath Bodywork opts to have affordable prices. We are happy to provide you with diagnosis and procedure codes with your receipt for reimbursement from your health/auto/ worker's insurance. Reimbursement is not guaranteed from Polymath Bodywork & Structure Therapy, your therapist (directly), or from your insurance.
Are medical techniques used every session or can I request a traditional massage (Swedish)?
No, not all sessions are done with a medical technique. Before every session, we check in and see how you are doing as a whole. There are times when a medical-technique is contraindicated and a traditional massage is warranted. When we are stressed, physically or mentally, that can affect the body and how effective our sessions are. In moments like this, I tend to use a relaxing technique to help us move towards a more corrective style. Simply, there are moments in our life when we just need a relaxation massage, and being that I address the whole body, I am happy to do just that and provide you with a relaxing massage per your request.
Generally, if you are looking for more of a spa experience on a constant basis, I would be happy to recommend someone. Otherwise, if you are open to correcting or addressing some issues, all techniques are used during our sessions.
Do the medical techniques hurt and will I be sore after?
Yes and no. Yes, it can be painful, but more of a helpful or beneficial pain. And no, because we aren't causing pain, rather we are assisting the body in making changes and establish a new movement pattern. Some soreness can take place, but it should never stop or limit your range of motion. The soreness, if present, feels more as if the tissue has been worked and dissipates over a day or two.
What should I wear to my appointment? Will I get undressed?
I recommend coming to your appointment with form-fitting clothing. Women, a tank-top and yoga pants or running shorts. Men, tank-top and running shorts. Undressing depends on the course of treatment. Generally, you will remain dressed or will be asked to undress to your undergarments. If asked to fully undress, a drape will be used.
Am I seeing a Massage Therapist or a Masseur?
I respectfully ask that I be addressed as a Massage Therapist, but preferably as a Manual Therapist. Although, masseur or masseuse are still used within the profession. I believe it is important to acknowledge the education and hard work it takes to becoming a licensed and certified massage therapist. Additionally, it is important to set the proper expectation for others. Manual Therapist or Massage Therapist is setting a more professional and goal-oriented session rather than a spa-experience received from a masseur.