Do I have to fully undress for my massage?

Many clients choose to leave their underwear on during a massage for comfort and that is absolutely acceptable. Fully undressing ensures a better massage as the glute and hip region is able to be better addressed, however these areas can be accessed through the sheets or underwear.  For KMI Structural Integration and Myofascial Release Therapy, viewing clothes are worn for the treatment.  View clothes for men are shorts or underwear; for women, a two piece bathing suit, or shorts and a sports bra.

Is it appropriate for me to tip the therapist?

Giving a tip is an indicator of excellent customer service.  It is never expected, but is always appreciated when given. Because our work is medical in nature, gratuity for your service is always considered optional.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept medical insurance due to the inconsistency of coverage with massage therapy and insurance companies. If your insurance does cover massage or Neuromuscular Therapy in an independent establishment (not under a chiropractor or physical therapist), a detailed receipt can be provided for you to submit a claim to your insurance company. They will then reimburse you directly. When calling your insurance company about coverage, please indicate that your service will be performed by a massage therapist, not physical therapist.

Why am I told to drink lots of water after my massage and is it really that important?

Yes, it is very important. Our bodies are made up of approximately 70% water. Water is essential for bodily fluids such as blood, cerebral spinal fluid, and amniotic fluid. Intervertebral discs in the spine are also reliant upon water to retain their shock-absorbing qualities and function. Water is also necessary for the liver to filter out the toxins and chemicals from our body, food, and medications.

The reason that massage therapy is so effective is that it physically breaks up the restrictions in the muscle tissue causing pain. Many of these restrictions can contain chemical by-products and metabolic wastes from the body, and with massage they are released into the bloodstream for elimination. In order for the body to properly rid itself of these toxins, there must be an ample amount of water in the system. Drinking water after a treatment ensures that the body is flushing itself of the toxins and helps prevent soreness the day after.

An even better approach is to be properly hydrated prior to your treatment by drinking at least a glass or two in the hours before. If the muscle tissue is properly hydrated, more toxins will be released and less pressure will be used during your treatment making it more enjoyable and more effective. A basic guideline for daily water consumption is as follows: Take your body weight in pounds and divide it by two to get the amount in ounces you should be drinking per day. If you enjoy any de-hydrating beverages (coffee, soda, alcohol, etc.) then add another 8 ounces per serving.

Why am I sore sometimes after a treatment and is this common?

Yes, soreness can be an after-effect of the treatment and it is common to experience it. Soreness or tenderness can result from the pressure used to release the restrictions in your tissue, and can also be a result of under-hydration either before or after the treatment. If the body is not being properly hydrated after the session to flush out the toxins and metabolic wastes, they may be re-deposited into the muscular system causing tenderness.

I'm new to massage therapy, what treatment should I get?

If you are new to the world of massage therapy and would like a full-body treatment, we highly recommend starting with our Customized Therapy which is a balanced blend of therapy and relaxation.  

How is KMI Structural Integration different from Rolfing?

Rolfing is the original form of Structural Integration taught by Dr Ida Rolf.  KMI is Tom Myers', a Rolfer of 35 years, interpretation of Dr. Ida Rolf's teachings.  Rolfing involves a series of ten sessions, whereas KMI involves twelve.  Ten of these twelve sessions have the same basic foundation as the Rolf series.  An eleventh session addresses the arms, and a twelfth session addresses superficial rotational patterns in the tissue, both of which Rolfer's indirectly effect but do not focus on specifically.

What should I wear for a KMI treatment?

We recommend that you wear either a bathing suit, or be comfortable being viewed by your therapist in your underwear (and bra).  At the beginning of every KMI treatment, your therapist will have you stand in front of her to evaluate your posture.  You may also be asked to walk around the room for an evaluation of your body mechanics.  KMI treatments are meant to stimulate your body, so you will be asked to remain active throughout each session.  Your therapist may ask you to get up from the table and walk around at different points as well.  For these reasons, we ask that you wear underwear or a bathing suit with appropriate coverage. If you have specific questions about attire, your therapist will be happy to answer them prior to your first session.

Do you practice Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue massage is a generalized term for more therapeutic, deeper work in the body rather than a Swedish, relaxing massage. The therapeutic treatments we provide address more specific areas of pain versus using deep general pressure. If used to a deep tissue massage, please schedule a Customized Therapy session.

I am pregnant and I would like to have a massage face down. Do you have a support system available?

For the safety of mother and child, we perform our prenatal massages with the mother in a sidelying position bolstered by pillows or a pregnancy support cushion. A massage face-down may be performed in the first trimester with a physician’s approval. Starting in the second trimester, it is not safe to have pressure of any form on the front of the abdomen or baby for an extended period of time and the mother must be in a side-lying position for her massage. While they sound comfortable, pregnancy tables with cut-out holes for the abdomen while laying face-down are, in our opinion, not safe positions to lay in.

I just had surgery and would like a massage. When can I make an appointment?

For most surgeries, the normal time before a physician’s release is six to eight weeks, but every case is individual. A physician’s written release post-surgery is required before post-surgical treatments begin. Your physician's office can fax a release to our office at 480.967.7348.

How can I make an appointment and where are you located?

All appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday and can be made by calling (480) 967-7345 or contact us here. The Neuromuscular Studio is located in the Jentilly Square complex at 1801 South Jentilly Lane, Suite C16 in Tempe. From the Broadway and Rural intersection, Jentilly Lane is one block east of Rural, north of Broadway. Turn north on Jentilly and 1801 is the first complex on the right hand side. Suite C-16 is located on the South side of the complex and parking is available at the door.