Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the session time?
A session consists of massage, time for you to dress and undress and time to communicate with the therapist to make your massage truly customized.
How often should I get a massage?
It varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition with medical massage, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule.
Frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your first treatment when he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your unique needs.
How long will a massage treatment last?
Your massage session at Tampa Bay Sports & Medical Massage is a very generous hour. We give you time to undress, ask questions, and receive treatment. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
Before your first session, you’ll need to fill out our New Client Form (which you will do online) about your health history. You can complete it at our office or at home and bring it with you to your massage appointment.
During your session, you can expect your therapist to ask you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if selected massage type is appropriate for your needs. At Tampa Bay Sports & Medical Massage, your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.
It is important to list all health concerns and medications so your massage therapist can adapt the session without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies on the intake form, so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.
What do I do during a massage treatment?
Make yourself comfortable and relax. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. We highly encourage you to do whatever feels natural to you.
If your massage therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Of course, you may change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. You can always ask us questions at any time.
How many sessions will I need?
For TMJ, Sciatica, and other chronic pains you can expect to come for medical massage therapy at least 6 times. These sessions are more frequent at first and slowly taper down over time as your pain is alleviated. Your Tampa massage therapist can give you a better idea of how many sessions are needed after your first appointment once he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your unique needs.
Do I have to be completely undressed?
You should undress to the level you are comfortable. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you will not get the best experience from the session. For a full body, therapeutic or deep tissue massage, most get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session if you leave your underwear on, that's fine.
Your Tampa massage therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as he/she can. Your massage therapist should give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table.
We provide garments that you can wear during your sports massage session.
Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?
We use draping at Tampa Bay Sports & Medical Massage. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, your massage therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.
The genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) will not be uncovered.
Will the massage hurt?
This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, therapeutic massage shouldn’t hurt since your therapy isn’t getting deep into the muscles. With deep tissue massage, you may experience a 'feels good' hurt range at some points of your session. See what to expect during a deep tissue massage.
Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed. This means the pressure needs to be adjusted. When in pain, you may tighten muscles and minimize the relaxing effects of the massage. If you feel discomfort, let your massage therapist know. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it. Our licensed therapists can adjust as needed.
How will I feel after my massage treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed. For medical massage clients, you may feel a significant decrease or freedom from long-term pains. Some clients say they feel a little slowed down, and then notice a burst of energy which can last for days.
With sports and deep tissue, you may experience some soreness for a day or two after - much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness. Our Tampa, FL massage therapists recommend you increase your water intake a bit after your session. Just a glass or two more than normal is fine to keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy.
When should I not get a massage?
You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. With other conditions, your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques or avoid an area completely.
With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs and may even ask you for x-rays or other medical documents for your session.
For Golfers: you might not want to be too relaxed on the first tee. Deep massages at Tampa Bay Sports & Medical Massage should be done well before a tee time-- at least 48 hours is ideal. If you get one right before a round, you might be too sore to play, or your muscles won't perform optimally.
Is massage therapy covered by insurance?
Massage therapy even for medical massage is an out-of-pocket (OOP) expense. Prices range based on the type of massage therapy you need. We always provide clients with a very generous hour for their session.
Something came up! How do I reschedule?
Your online appointment confirmation has an option to reschedule. Of course, you can call our office and one of our massage therapists office staff can help you find a new time that better suits your schedule.
What’s your CANCELLATION policy?
Tampa Bay Sports & Medical Massage has a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you are unable to give us the minimum 24-hours advance notice, you will be charged the full amount of your service.
Your online appointment confirmation has an option to cancel your appointment. Our office staff would also be happy to assist you in cancelling your appointment; call us at (813) 667-0988.
How much should I tip my therapist?
Don't let etiquette questions interfere with a relaxing massage. The standard hospitality rate for massage tipping is 20 percent. For example, if a massage treatment costs $100, a 20 percent tip would be $20. You can tip more or less depending on how pleased you were with the service.
Remember, you're paying the studio for the service you receive from the massage therapist or an aesthetician. While your Tampa massage therapist receives a portion of your payment. Your tip helps to cover the overhead that is deducted by the business from his/her payment. If you are unsure of what to tip, ask what the average tip for the therapist’s services are.
Do You Offer Gift Cards?
Yes! We offer gift cards at the dollar amount you choose. Email, Text, or Print an Instant Gift Certificate Now! They can select their massage technique when they schedule their appointment. , All gift cards are good for 2 years from issue date.
Call Tampa Bay Sports & Medical Massage
Have questions not listed here, contact our South Tampa massage therapists. We’ll help you find the best type of massage for you to relax, play a sport better, or relieve chronic pain. Call our center now! At Tampa Bay Sports & Medical Massage, we fix broken people.