Should I eat before my massage appointment?

It is generally better to avoid a heavy meal immediately before your appointment, since lying down afterward may feel uncomfortable. If you plan to eat beforehand, give yourself enough time between your meal and the start of your session.

Can I schedule a massage if I have physical limitations?

Discuss any physical limitations with the clinic when scheduling or before your session begins. This allows you to ask questions about positioning or other concerns that could affect your comfort during the appointment. Let your massage therapist know if you need additional support or a change in position once the session is underway.

Why might some areas feel more sensitive during a massage than others?

Sensitivity can vary depending on the area of the body and how you are feeling that day. If a particular spot feels uncomfortable during the session, let your massage therapist know so the approach can be adjusted.

What should I do if I notice a new area of discomfort before my appointment?

Mention the new discomfort before your massage begins, including when you first noticed it and anything you know about what caused it. Your massage therapist can consider that information before starting the session. If the concern requires evaluation beyond massage, the clinic can discuss appropriate next steps.

Massage Therapy in Jacksonville, FL

Types of Massage

Swedish Massage
Deep Massage
Sports Massage
Trigger Point Massage

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing, and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage but may also use their forearms, elbows, and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure. There are many different types of massage, ask our therapist which would be right for you.

Benefits of Massage

Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It's increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations. Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain, and muscle tension.

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for...

Anxiety & stress
Digestive disorders
Fibromyalgia
Headaches

Insomnia related to stress
Myofascial pain syndrome
Paraesthesia & nerve pain

Pregnancy related back pain
Soft tissue strains or injuries
Sports injuries

Supporting Recovery After an Injury

Pain after an auto accident or another injury can make everyday movement uncomfortable. Massage therapy may be considered as part of a patient's care while recovering from a car accident injury. The treatment plan can take into account what happened during the accident and the symptoms the patient is currently experiencing.

At North Florida Spine & Injury Center in Jacksonville, FL, we offer massage alongside other services when appropriate. Receiving care in one location can make it easier for injured patients to manage their appointments during recovery. We also take the time to understand how the injury is affecting each patient, considering current concerns when discussing the next steps in care.

Planning Care Around Your Recovery

People seek massage for different reasons, so therapeutic massage should reflect what each patient experiences. Before treatment, we discuss where you are feeling discomfort and any concerns that could affect your session. This helps us understand what needs attention and guide the approach to your massage.

If you are receiving other services at our clinic, we can discuss how massage may fit into your current care plan and how your needs may change over time. Let us know how you have been feeling between appointments so we can consider that information when discussing your ongoing care.

If discomfort is getting in the way of your daily routine, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

We are the Opencare 2015 Patient's Choice Award Winner

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I eat before my massage appointment?
It is generally better to avoid a heavy meal immediately before your appointment, since lying down afterward may feel uncomfortable. If you plan to eat beforehand, give yourself enough time between your meal and the start of your session.
Can I schedule a massage if I have physical limitations?
Discuss any physical limitations with the clinic when scheduling or before your session begins. This allows you to ask questions about positioning or other concerns that could affect your comfort during the appointment. Let your massage therapist know if you need additional support or a change in position once the session is underway.
Why might some areas feel more sensitive during a massage than others?
Sensitivity can vary depending on the area of the body and how you are feeling that day. If a particular spot feels uncomfortable during the session, let your massage therapist know so the approach can be adjusted.
What should I do if I notice a new area of discomfort before my appointment?
Mention the new discomfort before your massage begins, including when you first noticed it and anything you know about what caused it. Your massage therapist can consider that information before starting the session. If the concern requires evaluation beyond massage, the clinic can discuss appropriate next steps.