FAQs

What is Massotherapy?

“Massotherapy” is a medical term for massage therapy. The term “Massotherapist” is commonly used by practitioners in North East Ohio to distinguish themselves as licensed professionals. “Massage Therapist” is also a legitimate title and is preferred by many. Massotherapy can include many kinds of specialized or advanced bodywork such as craniosacral therapy if the therapist has appropriate training and certification. In Ohio, massage is a limited medical practice, and therapists are licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board.

What can integrative massage and craniosacral therapy do for me?

Integrative massage therapy can relieve pain, relax tight muscles and spasms, reduce stress, improve circulation, improve posture, increase flexibility, move poisons and waste products out of the tissues, speed up the healing process, improve athletic performance, and satisfy a plethora of social, psychological and emotional needs.

Conditions which may be helped by experienced massage therapists include: back pain, joint pain, neck and shoulder problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, stress related illness, many nervous system problems, headaches and migraines, whiplash, sports injuries, insomnia, chronic tension and good old fashioned burn-out.

The list could go on and on. The more highly trained the therapist, the more issues he or she will be able to address. A skilled therapist can successfully treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems and provide supportive treatment for victims of many other physical and psychological disorders. Many massage therapists today work in hospitals or clinics. Others work in conjunction with psychotherapists to help victims of physical or sexual abuse release trauma from their bodies and nervous systems. The experience of safe touch is an important part of this healing process.

The best way to see if massage therapy or craniosacral therapy is right for you is to come in for a visit. Your initial, one-hour visit is Half-Price! When is the last time your body had a “tune-up”?

For up-to-date research on the benefits of touch therapy and massage, you can visit
the American Massage Therapy Association or the Touch Research Institute.

Click here for an interesting article: Massage Can Do That?

What should I wear?

For craniosacral therapy (or shiatsu or polarity therapy) comfortable clothing made of natural material (that allows you to move and stretch) works best. These techniques (which comprise most of my treatments) are typically performed through clothing.

For Swedish massage (general relaxation massage), the therapist leaves the room while you undress and relax on the massage table, underneath a sheet. Most clients choose to leave their underwear on. Others remove all of their clothing for more freedom and less chance of interfering with the massage techniques. You remain covered by the sheet at all times, except for the part being worked upon. [NOTE: I rarely do conventional massage these days. I am more focused on powerful, life-changing techniques such as craniosacral therapy and Shiatsu.]

If you come in for a therapy session (for help with a specific problem or pain), the amount of clothing that needs to be removed (if any) depends upon the problem, the part of the body involved, and the treatment method. Please discuss with your therapist any concerns or areas of discomfort.

Call or email us with any other questions about massage or bodywork.

What should I expect during my first Craniosacral Therapy session?

First, you will decide upon a goal for your session. Then, you will relax.

Randall will do some assessment to determine where the major stress, injury, or imbalance is located. Then he will begin light-touch treatment to encourage your body to unwind, relax and release any stress, pain or trauma that may be held in the tissues. This gentle attention will shift your system into self-correcting mode and support the natural healing process. You may experience a deep level of relaxation as well as positive changes in your physical body. Regular treatments are very beneficial for your brain and nervous system.

How often should I get a massage or craniosacral session?

It would be ideal to get a bodywork session each week, especially if you are under a lot of stress. If you are in pain, you can come more often at first and then move into whatever routine you feel most comfortable with. Of course, it depends upon your schedule and your finances. Some clients come every week just because they love it. Others come every two weeks, every three weeks, or once a month.

In some ways it’s like exercise. Health building activities may seem trivial at first but, benefits are cumulative. The more frequently you receive a treatment, the faster your body and mind will begin to transform. You will also be creating a lasting habit with powerful, long-term effects. If you decide to receive one massage each week, the change in your energy level, performance, quality of sleep, concentration and overall health will be unmistakable.

Even once per month has benefits. Consider the value of having a complete assessment and tune-up every four weeks. In a monthly session, your therapist can find areas of imbalance and tension, identify energetic or postural distortions and relieve accumulated stress and pain. It may not make you feel good all month long but, it could prevent minor stresses from becoming serious health problems. That could save a lot of money in medical bills!

Do you have Gift Certificates available?

Yes! You can purchase gift certificates in person (By appointment only), by phone, or online. You can also purchase a package either in person, by phone, or online to save money.

Watch for gift certificate specials and Holiday sales! One way to make sure you don’t miss a special offer is to “follow” Gibson Massotherapy on Facebook and subscribe to our Newsletter.

For information on individual therapies and rates, go to the Services page.