OHIO VALLEY MUSCULAR THERAPY AND MASSAGE

OHIO VALLEY MASSAGE ASSOCIATES
PROVIDING MASSAGE FOR STEUBENVILLE, WINTERSVILLE, TORONTO, WEIRTON AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS.
Main Office: 123 East Road Toronto, Ohio
740-544-6644 Toll free 800-618-7522
email George@MassageOhioValley.com

MASSAGE...FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED AND WHAT DO THEY COST?
Our licensed massage therapists will perform 50 and 70 minute sessions offering Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Each type of massage is intended to offer relaxation yet be specific to the needs of the body. Please feel free to discuss these options with the massage therapist.

Relaxation Massage
50 minutes...$60.00 70 minutes...$75.00
Often called Swedish- Most traditional of massage techniques, the use of long flowing strokes during this full body massage increases circulation, relieves & relaxes stressed muscles

Therapeutic Massage
50 minutes...$70.00 70 minutes...$85.00 (Suggested for first visit in order to evaluate)
Combines myofascial release, deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy intended for aggressive muscle response and for those who prefer a firm touch...essentially used to lengthen and loosen muscles and to release muscular limitations; this treatment also assists in the elimination of metabolic waste.

Couples Massage and Classes Click here for more info on couples massage

Home/Mobile Massage
Massage rates for "At Home" and Out Call are $65.00 There is a $15.00 Travel and set up fee. However, if there are two or more massages at the same time and location the $15.00 fee is waived.

Medical/Clinical Massage
Must be prescribed by your Doctor, per 15 minute unit. Often covered by Workers Comp and most Auto Insurance Plans. Outcome based. Additional information found on Insurance Billing page.

INFORMATION ON INSURANCE BILLING/REIMBURSEMENT
There are two instances where your insurance may pay for your soft tissue services. Personal injury protection and Workers Compensation.

PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION (pip)
Many automobile and real property insurance contracts have personal injury protection. Your insurance company may pay for services. You will need to obtain the following:
A prescription from your treating physician that includes frequency and duration.
A diagnosis code and a letter of medical necessity.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION (w/c)
If you are injured on the job or at work, your company or their insurance carrier may pay for services.

You will need the following:

There will be progress reports required from all practitioners.

INSURANCE RATES
Insurance billing rates for doctor's patients differ from standard rates. The rates reflect the additional training and skills in medical terminology, medical massage techniques, record keeping and documentation, and insurance billing procedures to effectively work with claims submission to your insurance company. Also administrative time, progress reports, and follow-up of claims requires additional time and resources.

CPT CODE Unit (per 15 minutes)
97124 Medical Massage Therapy          $29.20
97110 Therapy Exercise ROM              $38.13
97140 Manual Therapy                           $35.17

Do you accept worker's comp and auto insurance as payment?
OHIO VALLEY MASSAGE ACCEPTS WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION CASES/REFERRALS. Contact your BWC provider or MCO representative or OHIO VALLEY MASSAGE for help and pre-approval for medical massage therapy treatments. certified by the Ohio Workers compensation Board (BWC-Certified) as a medical provider for Massage Therapy.

WE ALSO ACCEPT AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASES. That means that if you were involved in an automobile accident in the State of Ohio, you ARE eligible for medical massage therapy treatment to be covered by the automobile insurance company. Contact OHIO VALLEY MASSAGE for help and to find out how we can bill the insurance company.

Do you travel for "At Home" sessions? Yes, Massage rates for "At Home" and Out Call are $65.00. There is a $15.00 Travel and set up fee. However, if there are two or more massages at the same time and location the $15.00 fee is waived. REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW ON LINE

You pick the day and time! MON-FRI 10:00 AM to 10 PM
SAT-SUN & OTHER HOURS EXTRA

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE STATE TAX - SERVICES AND COSTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

What is the first appointment like?
You will be asked a series of health questions and/or asked to complete a medical history/health intake form, since there are some conditions for which massage is not appropriate. The massage will take place on a table especially designed for stability and control. Cushions and an adjustable face rest for support are available for additional comfort. The room will be warm and quiet, often with music to set a relaxing mood. For many techniques, a lubricant will be used, such as light oil or lotion. A massage session usually begins with relatively gentle pressure to calm your nervous system and begin releasing your superficial tension.

Will I be completely naked?
No, you won't. Generally however, it's easier for us to do our work if you are completely disrobed. But first & foremost, we want you to be comfortable. So you can disrobe as far as you feel comfortable. If that means remaining fully clothed, we can work with that. Rest assured that we keep you impeccably draped except for the part that we are working on--you are never fully exposed.

Can you do the massage without draping?
No, sorry. We always use draping. If that's not what you want, then you may want to work with another therapist.

What is the difference between relaxation massage and therapeutic massage? A relaxation massage may relax you and make you feel great, but it won’t specifically benefit the muscles or body parts that you have stressed in your daily work and activities.. In summary regular therapeutic massage can:

Finally, nothing is more essential to positive change than self-esteem, self-awareness and self-confidence. Massage is a direct way to increase total body awareness---and it feels great.

What is Myofascial Release? Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater.

Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

Fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the fascial system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent poles, which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.

In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time and repetitive stress injuries has a cumulative effects. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the functioning of our body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.

The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, through the enhancement of strength, flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.

What is muscular therapy? Muscular therapy is a combination of deep tissue massage, sports massage, Canadian deep muscle massage, Swedish massage, joint movement, muscle stripping and cross fiber work all administered with the needs of the client in mind. Special attention is given to specific sports or muscle stiffness and soreness.

Massage, in particular the branch termed Muscular Therapy, has a wide range of effects and benefits. With a variety of hands-on methods and also knowledge of tension patterns and common stress points likely to lead to pain or injury, a skilled Muscular Therapist can not only loosen and stretch muscles and connective tissue, but also greatly increase blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body. This removes the waste products of metabolism and stimulates sensory nerve endings in the skin to create more body awareness and heightened level of sensation and input from the surroundings.

Tendon injuries such as rotator cuff strains, tennis and golfers elbow respond well to cross fiber friction therapy and rehabilitative exercise programs. With Muscular Therapy, muscle soreness and stiffness before and after exercise is reduced, there is greater flexibility and range of motion, fewer headaches, faster healing of injuries, improvement of the immune system and reduced tension levels.

Muscular Therapy can also bring relief to muscle spasms. An initial pain, postural strain, often causes spasm or injury that refuses to "let go" after the episode is past. This will then cause further secondary pain, more spasm and pain, and so on.

Mentally, Muscular Therapy can reduce stress, allow better reception and monitoring of stress warning signals, and clarify thinking and understanding. Massage does not replace the need for medical attention and does not diagnose medical problems or manipulate bones.

How long will a session last? A typical full body massage session will last approximately 50-55 minutes. Half hour appointments are available and only allow time for a specific area, such as neck, shoulders and back, or hips, legs and feet. Please allow additional time for dressing, undressing and communicating with me, when considering how much time to allow for the overall session. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

What health information should I provide my practitioner?
On your first visit, I will have a medical intake form for you to complete and/or ask you specific questions relating to your health. This information is used to help plan the massage session according to the individuals needs and to ensure your safety. Important information includes major health problems, medications you are taking, allergies, pregnancy, and recent injuries.

Are there any reasons not to get a massage? There are certain situations in which massage is not recommended or caution must be taken. It is generally agreed that those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, recent surgery or fractures, cancer, fever and other problem conditions should consult their doctor for any restrictions on receiving massage. I do not massage cuts, abrasions, or areas with bruising or open wounds; swollen joints, or those with contagious diseases. Bodywork and massage does not replace the need for medical attention and does not diagnose medical problems or manipulate bones.

What should I do during the massage? Make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their massage. Feel free to ask questions about your massage in general or about the particular technique you are receiving. Most importantly -- enjoy!! Although feedback is very important, silence is most beneficial to body awareness. This is a time for you to get in touch with your body, not your practitioner. Focus on your massage and breathe deeply. Relax and enjoy. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

How Often Should I Have A Massage?
It depends on your schedule and personal finances, but anywhere between once a week to once a month is common. If you have chronic pain, then once a week may improve your quality of life. During stressful periods, many people choose to have them more often.

What is Massage?at is Massage Therapy?

Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to normalize those tissues. It consists of a group of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body, using primarily the hands but sometimes other areas such as the forearm or elbow. These techniques affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. The basic philosophy of massage therapy encompasses the concept of vis medicatrix naturae -- that is, aiding the ability of the body to heal itself -- and is aimed at achieving or increasing health and well-being. . Massage does not replace the need for medical attention and does not diagnose medical problems or manipulate bones.

What should I expect after the massage
Massage and bodywork can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your bodies systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days. Sometimes you may not feel dramatic results right away. Watch for changes over the following days, such as pain relief, increased mobility, or reduced stress. Some individuals may feel muscle stiffness and soreness, depending on their overall fitness level, this will clear up in few days. As you experience more massages the occurrence of stiffness and soreness will generally lessen

I feel uncomfortable receiving a massage from a stranger.
Get to know the practitioner! For your first appointment, come early so you and I have a few minutesto discuss any of your fears or concern about receiving massage for the first time. I fully understands how personal and private massage can be for each individual." If you are not comfortable you have every right to cancel the massage appointment. You may also want to start your massage experience with chair massage (see below), which is less threatening than a full body massage but allows you to become familiar with my touch and with me.

What is chair or seated massage? It is a massage performed on a specially designed padded massage chair, you are seated in a forward-facing position, the head and chest supported by firmly padded cushions, the legs bent comfortably and the knees also resting on a cushion. The massage is designed to be between 15 and 30 minutes long and is designed to address the muscles of the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and back - the upper body areas that often cause problems for people who sit at a desk or use a computer keyboard. You remain fully clothed. It can be either relaxing or stimulating, depending on the needs of the recipient.

Can you tell me more about fibromyalgia?
It is generally held that to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia you must have PAIN IN 11 OF 18 SITES. These sites are called "fibropoints" or "tender points"
1. Occiput (2) - at the suboccipital muscle insertions.
2. Low cervical (2) - at the anterior aspects of the intertranverse spaces at C5-C7.
3. Trapezius (2) - at the midpoint of the upper border.
4. Supraspinatus (2) - at origins, above the scapula spine near the medial border.
5. Second rib (2) - upper lateral to the second costochondral junction.
6. Lateral epicondyle (2) - 2 cm distal to the epicondyles.
7. Gluteal (2) - in upper and outer quadrats of buttocks in anterior fold of muscle.
8. Greater trochanter (2) - posterior to the trochanteric prominence.
9. Knee (2) - at the medial fat pad proximal to the joint line.

CONDITIONS AND PERCENTAGES OF FMS SYMPTOMS Muscular pain = 100%, Fatigue = 96%, Insomnia = 86%, Joint Pains = 72%, Headaches = 60%, Restless Legs = 56%, Numbness & Tingling = 52%, Impaired Memory = 46%, Leg Cramps = 42%, Impaired Concentration = 41%, Nervousness = 32%, Depression = 20%.

Websites that provide a wealth of information and other relevant links.
The Fibromyalgia Personal Support Center http://fmpsc.org/
The Discussion Wall http://fmpsc.org/wall/discussion.html

eFibro.com http://www.efibro.com/
A place for those with fibromyalgia to share their thoughts and experiences regarding the living with and dealing with this disease.

Fibromyalgia Support http://www.fibromyalgiasupport.com/ largest Fibromyalgia Site. Includes chat room and message boards

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Information Exchange Forum http://www.co-cure.org/index.htm Chock full of information and links Message board http://co-cure.org/wwwboard/

The Fibromyalgia Community http://fmscommunity.org/index.htm

How do I find out more? You may still have questions! It is your body and you are correct to be careful. I will be happy to discuss your questions over the phone or in person before you schedule an appointment. But finally, when you are ready, the best answers will come from experiencing a massage first hand.

If you are ready to schedule a massage, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email.

Call 740-544-6644 if you would like one of the brochures shown below. Include your complete address in the e-mail. Sorry, only to our service area.

MEDICAL FINDINGS on massage from www.WebMD.com once you are at the site go to...SEARCH WebMD Health...and type in "massage". There are over 500 results. Look up your area of interest.

With more than 200 variations of massage, how do you know what's what, and what's best for you? By Carol Sorgen WebMD, Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD…Sept. 8, 2003

Almost anyone - from infants to seniors - can enjoy the benefits of a good massage.

Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.

Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching, says Les Sweeney, executive vice president of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). Massage therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as so many of us already know, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.

But with more than 200 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies, how do you know what's what, and what's best for you? First, a definition of the different therapy categories is in order, says Sweeney.

According to William F. Burton, Jr., a professional massage therapist/bodyworker of Philadelphia, most varieties of massage and bodywork therapies can be broken down into four broad categories:

Here's a brief explanation of some of the more common techniques of Western and Oriental massage.

Swedish massage: This is the predominant example of Western massage and is the most commonly used method in the United States. Developed in Sweden in the 1830s, it uses a system of long, gliding strokes, kneading, and percussion and tapping techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. It is designed to increase circulation, which may improve healing and decrease swelling from an injury. This technique also results in generalized relaxation.

Neuromuscular massage: Trigger point massage and myotherapy are varieties of neuromuscular massage, which applies concentrated pressure on trigger points of pain and passive stretching of specific muscles. For additional information on Trigger Point Therapy go to: Clair Davies, Trigger Point Therapy. Ohio Valley Massage is certified in the Clair Davies approach to trigger point therapy. .

Deep tissue massage: This approach is used to alleviate chronic muscle pain by reaching deeper muscles in problem areas.

Sports massage: This uses techniques similar to deep tissue massage but more specifically adapted to deal with the needs of athletes (both professional and the weekend variety); it's often used before or after athletic events as part of an athlete's training and to promote healing from injuries.

Manual lymph drainage massage: This approach improves the flow of lymph fluid with rhythmic strokes and is used primarily in conditions with poor lymph flow, such as edema.

Oriental methods of massage are based on the principles of Chinese medicine and the flow of energy or chi through the body's meridians, or energy points, says Burton. In Oriental massage techniques, pressure is applied by finger or thumb tips to predetermined points rather than by the sweeping broad strokes of Western massage.

There are more than a dozen varieties of Oriental massage and bodywork therapy, but the most common forms in the U.S. are acupressure, shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure.

Acupressure and shiatsu: These are similar varieties of finger pressure massage, with pressure applied to specific points that correspond with acupuncture points. In acupressure and shiatsu, pressure is applied to specific points with the thumb, finger, and palm to release muscle tension and increase circulation. Acupressure is the more generic term used for this approach and shiatsu is the Japanese version.

Jin Shin Jyutsu: This approach comes from an ancient Japanese healing tradition that uses touch to restore the internal flow of energy through the body by releasing energetic blockages. In this therapy the touch is very light a holds each pressure point for several minutes.

Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure: Developed by a California psychotherapist, this approach applies stronger acupressure on the points and for a longer period of time than does Jin Shin Jyutsu. It focuses on the deep release of muscular tension through gentle yet deep finger pressure.

Thai massage: At least 2,500 years old, Thai massage focuses on balancing energy. If you're receiving a Thai massage, you'll be placed into yoga-like postures while the "Sen" energy lines are compressed rhythmically with hands, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet.

Tui Na: Tui Na has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. The combination of massage and manipulation techniques is designed to improve the flow of energy so the body can naturally heal itself.

The strokes that massage practitioners use also vary, as do their effects, says Burton. A few of the more common strokes and their effects include:

If you have a certain technique in mind, ask the massage therapist about his or her training, suggests Jeanne Girard, a vice president of the American Massage Therapy Association and a massage therapist in Canon City, Colorado. "If the therapist doesn't have training in what you need, he or she will refer you to someone who does."

As beneficial as massage can be, there are some people who shouldn't have one, says James Dillard, MD, DC, L.Ac, Oxford Health Plans' medical director for complementary and alternative medicine and author of Chronic Pain Solution. "You want to have intact skin, muscles, bones, and tissues before having a massage," says Dillard. That means if you have any fractures, infections, active cancer, orthopaedic conditions, or skin problems, massage is a no-no until you've recovered.

When choosing a type of massage, know what's best for you, says Dillard. "Do you want a gentle, serene experience, or would you like more pressure?" Don't be afraid to communicate with the massage therapist, he adds. Tell the therapist about any medical conditions or concerns you have, and if you're uncomfortable at any point during the massage, let the therapist know.

To get the most benefit from the massage, try to relax for the rest of the day, Dillard says. "You want the glow to last."

Having a massage on your lunch hour and then going back to a stressful afternoon on the job is not a great idea, agrees Jeanne Girard. "Don't overtax your body."

Girard also suggests that you drink plenty of water before and after the massage to help flush out the toxins that massage loosens up. (One other piece of advice, courtesy of Dillard: If you do drink a lot of water before the massage, make sure you go to the bathroom before the massage!)

Stretching beforehand allows the therapist to get into your muscle tissue more easily, says Girard; when it's cold outside, a warm shower or bath beforehand will also loosen your muscles.

And just how often should you have a massage? That's easy, says Dr. Dillard. "As often as you can afford it!"

Thirty-three states require massage therapists to be licensed, says ABMP's Les Sweeney. To find a practitioner near you, you can visit ABMP's web site or the web sites of the American Massage Therapy Association, or the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia.

SOURCES: Les Sweeney, executive vice president, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. William F. Burton, Jr., CMT, Enraptured Massage Services. James Dillard, MD, DC, LAc, medical director, Complementary and Alternative Health, Oxford Health Plan, author, Chronic Pain Solutio. Jeanne Girard, vice president, American Massage Therapy Association.

Directions: North or South to Toronto on route 7, exit Franklin Street, turn up the hill away from the river, go approximately 2.4 miles, turn left on East Road just before Island Creek Cemetery , go approximately .3 mile to 123 East Road on left

Know someone that would benefit from massage? Share this site with that person and you could receive up to 33% off your next massage.

Special Note & Disclaimer: The kind of massage and/or bodywork that is performed by Ohio Valley Massage Associates is ONLY therapeutic in nature, and is NEVER sexual in any way. Adherence to this statement, and the entire covering of private areas, are completely non-negotiable. Sexual comments, suggestions, innuendoes, actions or conversation will NOT be tolerated and are grounds for termination of the session which will remain paid in full. If we sense that a client is headed in that direction, one warning will be issued, anything after that will result in the immediate termination of the session per our policies and state law.

I understand that the services provided are not a replacement for medical or psychological care and that any information provided is not prescriptive or diagnostic in nature and is for educational purposes only. In consideration of participation for massage therapy with Ohio Valley Massage Associates, I for myself and my heirs and assigns, hereby release and forever discharge Ohio Valley Massage Associates and their employees from any claims, demands and causes of action arising from my participation in this massage program.

Do you travel for "At Home" sessions? Yes, Massage rates for "At Home" and Out Call are $65.00. There is a $15.00 Travel and set up fee. However, if there are two or more massages at the same time and location the $15.00 fee is waived. REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW ON LINE

You pick the day and time! MON-FRI 10:00 AM to 10 PM
SAT-SUN & OTHER HOURS EXTRA

Can you do the massage without draping?
No, sorry. We always use draping. If that's not what you want, then you may want to work with another therapist.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

What will the massage feel like?

Do you travel for "At Home" sessions? Yes, Massage rates for "At Home" and Out Call are $65.00. There is a $15.00 Travel and set up fee. However, if there are two or more massages at the same time and location the $15.00 fee is waived. REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW ON LINE

You pick the day and time! MON-FRI 10:00 AM to 10 PM SAT-SUN & OTHER HOURS EXTRA

Can you do the massage without draping? No, sorry. We always use draping. If that's not what you want, then you may want to work with another therapist.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

What will the massage feel like?

You pick the day and time! MON-FRI 10:00 AM to 10 PM
SAT-SUN & OTHER HOURS EXTRA

Can you do the massage without draping?
No, sorry. We always use draping. If that's not what you want, then you may want to work with another therapist.