Bodywork Therapies by Lori, LLC
Come on in for a 'tune' up 551-427-8729
Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Do I have to pay Sales Tax on Massage Therapy?

New Jersey's 7% Tax On Massage - It May Not Apply To You

The 7% Tax
- Effective October 1, 2006, the NJ Legislature extended the 7% Sales Tax to massage services, unless you have a doctor's note or prescription. This term was defined by the NJ Division of Taxation in a Tax Note dated October 6, 2006:

Doctor's Prescription For purposes of this Sales and Use Tax Act provision, a doctor's prescription for massage,bodywork, or somatic services will mean direction by a licensed medical doctor (M.D.), osteopath(O.D.), chiropractor, podiatrist (D.P.M.), psychologist with a doctorate in psychology, or dentist forinitiation of massage, bodywork, or somatic services for a patient for whom the medical doctor,osteopath, chiropractor, podiatrist, psychologist, or dentist is providing treatment or consultationservices within the scope of his or her license. This direction must be in writing, and must contain the following: name of patient; name and signature of referring medical doctor, osteopath,chiropractor, podiatrist, psychologist, or dentist; purpose of the referral and description of conditions or needs to be addressed by the massage, bodywork, or somatic therapy. Massage,bodywork, or somatic services provided without a doctor's prescription, are taxable.

We are happy the legislature realized the health and medical benefits of massage and has allowed the exception to the tax. 

What We Need From You - We must charge the 7% tax unless we have a valid note or prescription. Chiropractor prescriptions and referrals are acceptable, as well as podiatrist, dentist and others as outlined above by the Division of Taxation. There apparently is no limit for the length of time the prescription is valid or the number of massages covered. We have been told verbally that the original is preferred, but that a copy should be acceptable. You only need one prescription NOT a new one each time you come in. The information will be held in your confidential file.

What Should It Say? - The Tax Note allows a wide range. The choice is up to your health care provider, but here are a few of the reasons we have seen for massage:

- chronic muscle pain
- stress reduction
- fibromyalgia
- pain or soreness in (specify area)
- enhancement of athletic performance
- increase in immune function
- improve flexibility and range of motion
- help to reduce blood pressure
- improve mental outlook
- enhance calmness
- promote healing of injuries
- reduce muscle tension
- improve quality of life
- post *surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy

*Surgical procedures such as removal of Lymph Nodes, Plastic Surgery, Lipo Suction, or all Lymphedema related conditions. 

How to Obtain a Note or Prescription - Doctors and other health providers have been extremely cooperative, since they know the benefits massage can have in your overall health care. Many will prepare the note or prescription without a visit, especially if they have been seeing you on a regular basis. Call your health provider's office and explain why you need the note or prescription. Tell them you do not need any treatment codes,since this is not for insurance reimbursement, just for our files to avoid having to charge you the 7% tax. In some cases, they may ask you to come in for a visit. If this is the case, it is worth the visit.

Do I need to tip?
Tipping is entirely optional.  If you wish to show appreciation for your therapist, you can either offer a tip in cash or add it on to your check or credit card amount. (Note: Please tell therapist amount to add to your credit card before we run it.)

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