Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ.
What is massage?
Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body (muscles and tendons). Massage has become so popular because of its therapeutic benefits. For example, these benefits include feelings of well being, increased circulation, increased flexibility, and the release of pain, stress, or tension.
What length of massage should I pick?
30 Minute: Specific muscle issues, not able to do full body massage within this time
60 Minute: Full body massage with focus on specific muscle issues or the entire massage spent on one section of the body for more in-depth work
90 Minute: Full body massage with focus on all specific muscle issues and in-depth work in each area
What are the benefits of massage?
Studies show that massage therapy helps people physically and emotionally in the following ways:
- Relieves Headaches
- Reduces Stress
- Improves Circulation
- Relaxes Muscles
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Strengthens the Immune System
- Improves Posture
- Encourages Relaxation
- Improves Flexibility
- Improves Injury Rehabilitation
- Promotes Deeper and Easier Breathing
- Improves Athletic Performance
- Increases Positive Sleep Patterns
Will the massage hurt?
Massage should not hurt. When someone gets a body massage the pain level should never go past a 4 or 5 on their 0-10 pain scale. If the therapist is using too much pressure and goes past a 4 or 5 the client needs to alert the massage therapist. The reasoning behind this is that when too much pressure is used the client’s muscles will tighten up. As the muscles tighten the massage becomes less beneficial.
Do I need to do anything special during or after the massage?
All you need to do during the massage is to relax and provide occasional feedback. Examples include too much pressure, not enough pressure, too hot or cold, and so on. During a massage, there are a lot of toxins released from the muscles. It is important to drink plenty of water following the massage to help flush the toxins out of the body.
What should I wear to the massage?
You can wear what you want. The massage therapist will ask you to undress to your comfort level. Most clients undress down to their underwear and some take everything off. We professionally cover and drape each client throughout the massage.
What do I get for my time?
When you get a massage with Dubuque Massage Therapy LLC, you get the full amount of time on the table that you pay for. Our Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT) Becky and Emily typically schedule 30 minutes between appointments. This allows time for proper cleaning procedures and to provide the best client service. This allows our massage therapists to properly clean the table, clean the office, and change the sheets. Additionally, this is a benefit because you have time to fill out the intake form, undress and dress, and ask questions that you have before or after the massage. These items do not cut into your actual massage time. At Dubuque Massage Therapy LLC a 60-minute massage means 60 minutes on the table.
Where did you get your education?
The owner Becky Waterman graduated from Blue Sky School of Professional Massage and Therapeutic Bodywork located in Madison, WI. Becky chose to focus on the medical massage track which helps her to identify and address issues in her clients. To learn more about our staff members and their education check out our staff page.
Do you have credentials?
The state of Iowa licenses all of our massage therapists. National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) is the organization that nationally certifies our massage therapists. Our massage therapists are also members of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). Becky Waterman, the owner of Dubuque Massage Therapy LLC, is also licensed in Wisconsin. She is the only fully certified PNMT massage therapist in Iowa.
What about continuing education, do you do that?
Every 2 years massage therapists are required to submit 24 Continuing Educational Units (CEU’s) with 6 of them being in ethics. Licensed massage therapists are also required to maintain current certification in CPR/AED.
What should I expect on my first visit – before the massage?
At Home
Before coming to the massage please do the checks listed in the “Client Self Check” part of the Safe Massage Process. We complete cleaning procedures to the office before you enter our massage environment.
In-Office Pre-Check
Our massage therapist will greet you as you enter the office and begin the in-office pre-check of the Safe Massage Process. You will be given a mask to wear for the duration of your visit. You may also bring in your own mask. The massage therapist will also take your temperature per our Safe Massage Process. You can use our thermometer or you can bring your own. Clients with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher are sent home. We do this process to protect all clients, especially the elderly and ones with immune system problems, as well as our massage therapists.
Paperwork
Once in the office, you will fill out the Confidential Client Intake form if you have not already filled it out beforehand. You will also fill out the Safe Massage Process Release Form if you didn’t complete the Client Intake Form online. If you are a new client we appreciate you being at the office 5 minutes before the massage is to start.
Treatment Plan & Getting On The Table
After you complete the form the massage therapist will ask any clarifying questions they have to make the massage customized to your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to ask the massage therapist. They will then talk to you about the plan of treatment for the massage. You will receive information about how to undress and where to put your clothes. The massage therapist will also instruct you on which position to take on the table (face up or face down). When all of your pre-massage questions are answered the massage therapist will walk out of the massage table area. You can then get comfortable on the table and under the sheets. The therapist will always make sure that you are ready for the massage to start before walking in by the massage table again.
What should I expect on my first visit – during the massage?
Once back in the room the massage therapist will place a bolster under your legs where it is most comfortable and adjust the headrest as needed. You will always be properly draped during the entire massage. The massage therapist will do their best to check on your comfort throughout the massage. Whether you are hot or cold, want a blanket adjusted, have a spot that hurts, or any other issue always communicate these issues to the massage therapist. Being vocal about issues during a massage is vital to you having the best overall experience. Past that you determine the amount of talking, so feel free to relax without talking or talk during the massage. It is your choice!
When the massage ends the massage therapist will let you know and will leave the area with the massage table so that you can get properly dressed. Make sure to move slowly as you get off of the table to let your body adjust.
What should I expect on my first visit – after the massage?
After getting dressed, come out to the desk area. The massage therapist and you will discuss how the massage went and be able to ask any questions you have. If the massage therapist has suggestions for you she will communicate them to you at this point. Dubuque Massage Therapy provides a free bottle of water to every client and also has chocolate for each client. It is all part of what we do to make the massage be an experience for your whole body. It is important that you drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours after the massage. This allows your body to flush the toxins freed during the massage.
Payment will be due at the end of your massage. Accepted payment types include cash, check, or credit card. Tips are appreciated. As you leave if you are using one of our masks you will return it. Until further notice, we will no longer be shaking hands with or hugging any clients. The massage therapist will begin the cleaning procedures to prepare the space for the next client.
Do you travel to the client?
For chair massages, our licensed massage therapists will travel to your event. In regards to events outside of Dubuque, there can be an added travel charge. For table massages we have clients come to our Dubuque, IA office location. We do not travel to people’s homes.
In the time of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are currently not traveling outside of our office. This may change in the future, as the conditions change regarding the pandemic.
What is the area clients usually drive from to receive massages?
Considering the specialized type of massage that Dubuque Massage Therapy LLC offers some clients have traveled more than an hour to their appointments in Dubuque. Furthermore, examples of where clients have driven from to get their massage include:
- Dubuque, Iowa
- Asbury, Iowa
- Balltown, Iowa
- Bankston, Iowa
- Bellevue, Iowa
- Bernard, Iowa
- Centralia, Iowa
- Durango, Iowa
- Dyersville, Iowa
- Epworth, Iowa
- Farley, Iowa
- Fillmore, Iowa
- Graf, Iowa
- Key West, Iowa
- La Motte, Iowa
- Peosta, Iowa
- Sherrill, Iowa
- St. Donatus, Iowa
- Zwingle, Iowa
- East Dubuque, Illinois
- Galena, Illinois
- Benton, Wisconsin
- Cuba City, Wisconsin
- Dickeyville, Wisconsin
- Hazel Green, Wisconsin
- Kieler, Wisconsin
- Lancaster, Wisconsin
- Platteville, Wisconsin
- Potosi, Wisconsin
- Rewey, Wisconsin
Other Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Lastly, for other Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ, please reach out to us.