Therapeutic Massage

…is a combination of many modalities to create an intuitive treatment for the client. Therapists use all the knowledge and skills they have learned and incorporate appropriate techniques to administer a unique session, addressing areas of concern. Your practitioner may use different aspects of the techniques listed below to adapt every treatment to best suit your needs.

Benefits. Increased Relaxation, Decreased Tension, Address Areas of Concern, Increase Feeling of Well-Being.

Medical Massage

…is a specialized modality that requires specific training for practitioners to provide a suitable treatment when billing insurances (health and group insurance, automobile insurance, and worker’s compensation). An in-depth intake, assessments, reassessments, and detailed notes are provided for each treatment. Very specific strokes and modalities are used during the treatment, as set forth by the regulating agencies. Please visit our Using Insurance page to find out more information.

Aromatherapy

…is the use of Essential Oils to aid in health and wellness. Essential oils are the lifeblood of a plant, giving them fragrance, and defenses against nature and pests. The use of Essential Oils can vary from a drop or two with a regularly scheduled massage, or a full treatment like AromaTouch or Raindrop Therapy.

Benefits. Increased Relaxation, Decreased Local and/or Chronic Pain, Decreased Inflammation, Increased Emotional Stability.
Specific conditions can be addressed - ask your therapist today.

CranioSacral Therapy

…is a gentle, hands-on therapy that works with the body’s craniosacral system to support and nourish the central nervous system. A trained therapist can work with the natural and unique rhythms of the body systems to pinpoint and address specific problem sources.

Benefits. Suitable for newborns and beyond. CST can focus on areas that are attributing to migraines and headaches, TMJ Syndrome, Autism, ADD/ADHD, Concussion and Other Traumatic Brain Injuries, Central Nervous System Disorders, Colic, and Other Infant/Childhood Related Conditions, Chronic Fatigue, Orthopedic Conditions, Emotional Difficulties.

Cupping

…non-fire cupping is used at A Better Way Massage. The use of silicon, plastic, or glass cups is used to create a negative space in your tissue through vacuum/suction. *The use of cups will leave marks on your body. If you’re uncomfortable with this, speak to your therapist about other modalities that could be useful.

Benefits. Cupping allows the release of tension in tight muscles, increases lymphatic flow, releases adhesions, and can break up scar tissue, increases circulation, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.

Deep Tissue

…is the use of forearms, elbows, tools, and sometimes feet and knees to reach deep levels of the soft tissue within the body. It is a general term for a range of therapies that seek to improve the function of the body's deep connective tissues and/or muscles, not just the surface nerves or the lymphatic system. Examples are: connective tissue massage, trigger point therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Pfrimmer Method are considered to be Deep Tissue Massage. 

Benefits. Among the conditions deep tissue bodywork treats are whiplash, sciatica, low back and neck pain, sports injury, and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Geriatric/Cancer/Fibromyalgia Massage

…are specialized and modified treatment methods for individuals who present in specific ways. The practitioner who specializes in this area may have had special training in working with a client population who exhibit a range of physiological changes commonly associated with the above-stated groups.

Benefits. Like all massages, these modalities have numerous positive effects on the human body and spirit. With special considerations for each population and every individual, you can expect increased relaxation, decreased pain, and so much more. Please talk with your therapist about specific concerns or needs.

Gua Sha

…is a technique that uses scraping tools to break up scar tissue, soft tissue adhesions, and treat pain. It is an ancient Chinese method used for a variety of issues, including those not associated with the muscular-skeletal system. By stimulating the blood flow and releasing toxins and stagnant blood the body is then able to intuitively and naturally tap into their innate healing power. This technique can easily be added to regularly scheduled massages, or scheduled in smaller increments of time (15 minutes) to address specific problem areas.

Benefits. Break up scar tissue and other soft tissue restrictions, and increased blood and lymphatic flow to local areas.

Hot Stone Massage

…is a deeply relaxing massage that combines the penetrating effect of hot stones with a soothing manual massage. Special stones are heated to between 125 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit and then, either statically placed on or under the client, or used as massage tools.

Benefits. The therapy can relax deep muscular tissue and soothe aching joints while feeling gentle and relaxing.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

…is a light-touch modality intended to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic system. Practitioners are specially trained to perform these precise movements. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste products from our bodies. Edema and inflammation are common conditions treated with MLD.

Benefits. MLD can drastically decrease inflammation, edema, and swelling. Stimulation of the Lymphatic System

Myofascial Release

…also known as MFR, and Fascial Release. These techniques focus on decreasing tensions, adhesions, lesions, and other restrictions within the fascia. Fascia is a connective tissue that runs in general patterns through the body; it surrounds and supports muscles, bones, organs, and nerves. Fun fact: Fascia has 10x the amount of nerve endings than muscles do!

Benefits. MFR can be done in a very gentle manner, so those who have conditions that may be triggered by other massage modalities can benefit greatly from releasing fascia. Increased Mobility and Flexibility, Decreased Pain, and Improved Posture/Structure.

Pre/Post-Natal Massage

…is a great way to relieve the stresses that result from the rapid and profound physical, as well as mental-emotional, changes that occur during pregnancy. Special bolstering, support pillows, and draping accommodate for the changes that come with pregnancy.

Benefits. Relieves aches in the back, neck, hips, legs, and weight-bearing joints. Postpartum Massage helps restore the body, aid in healing, decrease stress and tension, and can also focus on more intricate injuries from pregnancy, labor, birth, and the fourth trimester.

Reiki

…is an energy healing modality. It can bring healing to an individual or a situation and is based on the idea that life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive, balanced, and well. If one's life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it’s high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you.

Benefits. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit; this creates many beneficial effects that include relaxation, the feeling of peace, security, and wellbeing. Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing. It also works in conjunction with all other medical and therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Sports Massage

…is a form of massage that utilizes specific techniques to obtain maximum performance. Sports Massage can be used for all ranges and types of athletes: from child and high school athletes to professionals. Practitioners can work individually with you to help you reach your athletic goals. Pre- and Post-Event Massages may be available, please speak with your therapist to inquire.

Benefits. Injury Treatment, Injury Prevention, Increased Flexibility, and Performance.

Swedish Massage

…is a specific modality widely taught in massage schooling programs. Basic, long flowing strokes are used throughout this massage. Swedish Massage can also be known as Relaxation Massage because of the deep meditative state you can reach in a treatment.

Benefits. Generalized Relaxation, Dissolution of Soft Tissue Restrictions, Improved Circulation.

Thai Massage

…involves stretching and deep compressions, applying firm and rhythmic pressure. The client should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. It includes practitioner-supported yoga-like stretches intended to stimulate the body. *ABWM offers two variations of Thai Massage: Floor Thai and Table Thai.

Benefits. Improved circulation, improved energy flow, increased flexibility/range of motion, and decreased stress. It is beneficial for all ages and people.

We are diligent about helping you make sense of the benefits provided by your insurance plan(s). It can be a difficult system to navigate, even for us who work with insurance companies on a daily basis. While we do everything possible to make this easy for you there are some things to remember when using your insurance benefits. Generally, we don’t run into too many obstacles, but in case we do, here’s what you should know:

• You are responsible for knowing your benefits. Download our easy-to-use template to record the necessary information from your insurance company. As a courtesy, ABWM will attempt to verify your benefits before treatment, and in each new plan year. Plans can change from year to year, so be sure to recheck at the beginning of your renewal cycle, even if you’ve made no changes to your plan. Information provided about your policy is not a guarantee of payment.

• Copay and Coinsurance are due at the time of service. Please remember that this is not always an exact science. Depending on the insurance reimbursement rates you may be due a refund, credit to your account, or we may need to send a bill.

• The patient is responsible for payment of the treatment received. Should there be a difference in payment in direction of either party, you will be notified. By using your insurance policy, you are agreeing to the responsibility of payment, whether your insurance policy reimburses ABWM or not.

• Plan-specific details will vary. MVA and WC claims generally require a doctor’s referral (MD, DC, etc). Personal health insurances sometimes require a prescription or referral for massage therapy benefits. Other plans may require a pre-authorization before treatments are approved for reimbursement from the company.

• Out-of-network benefits. Typically, we don’t see plans that cover out-of-network (OON) massage therapy, but it does happen. If you’re curious about using OON benefits, contact the office today.

We may update these policies and guidances without notification. Please be sure to reference this page before your treatment for any changes.