Meet Our Massage Therapists
We are now Hiring Licensed Massage Therapists. Please email cbrc@my-cbrc.com with your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions about Massage Therapy
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy, also known as Swedish massage, is the most common form of massage in the United States. Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading and other movements focused on superficial layers of muscle using massage oil or lotion.
How Does Massage Therapy Work?
Massage therapy improves circulation by bringing oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues. It relieves muscle tension and pain, increases flexibility and mobility, and helps clear lactic acid and other waste which reduces pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.
Why Do People Get Massage Therapy?
People get massage therapy for relaxation or for a variety of health conditions:
- Back pain
- Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis
- Stress relief and stress-related conditions
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains, and sprains
- Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Circulatory and respiratory problems
- Post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation
Massage therapy relieves stress. It is thought to help the body’s stress response by lowering levels of hormones such as cortisol. Massage therapy also appears to enhance immune function.
What a Typical Massage Therapy Session is Like?
A typical massage therapy session is between 30 and 90 minutes. Your massage will begin with a brief consultation and review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
You will be asked to undress (many people keep their underwear on) while the massage therapist is out of the room, and lie face down under a sheet on a padded massage table.
The massage therapist will knock on the door to make sure you are ready. The massage therapist will reenter the room and will then adjust the face rest and pillows to ensure that you are comfortable and properly positioned. Tell the massage therapist if you are too warm or cold.
The massage therapist uses a light oil or lotion on the skin and begins the massage. A full body massage usually begins on the back and then moves down to the legs. You will then be asked to turn over so you are face up. The massage continues on your arms, legs, neck, and abdomen.
You are underneath the sheet at all times and, in North America, only the part of the body being treated at any one time is uncovered.
After the massage, the massage therapist leaves the room so you can get changed.
Take your time getting up. If you sit or stand too quickly you may feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Will Massage Therapy Hurt?
Massage therapy shouldn’t hurt. Occasionally there is mild aching when the massage therapist applies pressure over “knots” and other areas of muscle tension. If the pressure is too strong for you, let the massage therapist know.
How Will I Feel After a Massage?
Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. Occasionally, people experience mild temporary aching for a day.
Precautions
Massage therapy is not recommended for certain people:
- People with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Immediately after surgery
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage.
- Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
- Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.
Additional Massage Tips
Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage.
If it’s your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.
How do I make an appointment and when are the therapists available?
Making a massage appointment is simple:
- Stop by the Front Desk or
- Call us at 509-943-8416
Massage is available by appointment, scheduling in advance is preferred, same-day appointments will be scheduled if possible.
*Appointments may be canceled online or by calling (509) 943-8416 at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments canceled or changed less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to a no-show charge.
Where do I change and what do I wear for a massage?
There is a partitioned area in the massage room so that you can remove your clothing in private. You should only take off as much clothing as you feel comfortable with. A sheet is provided for draping. The therapist will uncover only the part of the body being massaged; modesty will be respected at all times.
Does my insurance pay for the massage and how does payment work?
The massage staff at CBRC can help get Insurance Reimbursement for Massage Service. Most insurance plans in WA State cover massage services with a doctor’s prescription and diagnosis code of the problem to be addressed. Each massage will need to be paid for when it is received and then the Therapist can give you verification of your massage for you to submit to your insurance. Ask your Insurance Representative about the specific coverage of your plan. CBRC is not a provider and does not bill your insurance.
Do you do deep tissue massage?
All of our therapists are trained in Deep Tissue Massage techniques. However, this might not be the best treatment for all clients. Certain situations such as your first message, after an injury or strain, if you take certain prescription drugs, and/or if you are inactive might preclude a Deep Tissue Massage treatment. Other gentle types of bodywork can still have powerful results; your Therapist will create a treatment plan with you for your needs and goals.
Should I get a massage only when I am sore?
Massage can help your recovery time when your muscles are sore, can reduce pain, and help heal muscle injuries, but preventative massage can boost your immune system, increase circulation, improve range of motion, help eliminate metabolic waste, and reduce stress hormone levels.
Can people who are not members get a massage at the club?
The general public is welcome to receive a massage at CBRC Health & Wellness Clinic. If you plan on using the club facilities (i.e. hot tub or exercise equipment) before or after a massage treatment, a guest fee will apply.
Can my child get a massage at the club?
We do not recommend children under 16 to have a massage unless recommended by a physician. This is because the child’s muscle, ligament, and tendon structures continue to develop at this young age. If approved by the therapist, you may have your child receive a massage, but you must remain present in the room.
* Note: Appointments may be canceled online or by calling (509) 943-8416 at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments canceled or changed less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to a no-show charge.