Types of Therapeutic Massage | Rates | Gift Certificates | Gift Certificate FAQs | Office Appointment Policies | About the Session | Massage Tips | Beneficial Effects of Massage Therapy

“Excellent Massage by Professional Therapists”
Arvidson Chiropractic Center & Massage Therapy, located in Tilton, caters its service to the individual needs of each client. Our goal is to provide warm, friendly, professional care in order to relieve pain.  Back pain, neck pain and headaches are just a few of the painful and distressing conditions that affect most of us at some time.

Massage therapy is a powerful holistic healing approach that addresses your pain on many levels.  Whether your pain is the result of traumatic injury, overuse, or stress, massage can greatly speed your return to a pain-free, productive life.  Massage therapy may also be used in combination with other forms of treatment, such as chiropractic, in order to prevent soft tissue problems from developing.

Massage therapy can help your mind and body cope with any number of conditions including stress, tight or painful muscles, muscle soreness, pain or tingling in the extremities, various injuries, even secondary pain – such as low back during pregnancy. Massage therapy can even prevent new injuries by relieving chronic tension. If you suffer from osteoarthritis, massage therapy can help ease painful restrictions in your joints. It can even improve your posture.

Types of Therapeutic Massage

Hot Stone
This massage incorporates the use of carefully heated basalt stones to penetrate the deeper muscles, relieving aches, pains and muscle spasms. This treatment brings balance to the mind, body and soul. Stone Therapy also is known to increase joint flexibility and blood circulation as a feeling of total relaxation overtakes you.

Deep Tissue
This type of massage uses strokes that enable the therapist to access the deeper musculature to release chronic muscle tension. This massage releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body using long, slow strokes and deep finger/elbow pressure while improving circulation, range of motion and tension.

Sports
This type of massage incorporates deeper strokes and range of motion movements to free up restricted joints and focuses on the muscles relevant to the particular athletic activity.  It can also include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time. This treatment can help prepare the body to function at peak efficiency or help to relax and recover after a strenuous workout. This massage allows the body to release the buildup of lactic acid in muscles caused by overexertion.

Swedish/Relaxation
Long, flowing strokes are used to induce the body into a deep state of relaxation with a focus on any area that may need additional attention. A light to medium massage designed to relax and reduce stress while improving circulation, range of motion and tension.

Pregnancy Massage
This type of massage focuses on the needs of the mom to be. Individual attention is paid to the areas in which each mom to be is having problems with. Every effort is taken to make the mom to be as comfortable as possible, so she may relax and enjoy this time.  Once mom to be can no longer lie on her stomach, the left side lying position is used for most of the session, with a few minutes on the right side and possibly a few minutes lying on the back. Pillows are used to help properly position mom to be, to ensure complete comfort and care. 

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Payment Options:
Cash, Check, Debit /Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)

Insurance:
1⁄2 hour and 1 hour therapeutic massage sessions are generally not covered under insurance policies. Therefore, we WILL NOT bill your insurance company. Workers compensation cases and personal injury cases sometimes cover massage sessions prescribed by a doctor. Each case is based on individual circumstances, and you must get coverage verification from the insurance company prior to the first visit. Please call 603-286-BACK (2225) for more information.

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Perfect for everyone on your list
Don’t know what to get your friends or loved ones? Massage Gift Certificates are an ideal solution when searching for an imaginative present guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable experience. Massage is The Incomparable Gift for Any-body (size/shape/age/color), any occasion (just because is the best reason), and anytime (whenever your feeling under appreciated, stressed, in pain, or out of touch). It's perfect all year long.

A unique gift that’s affordable
Massage gift certificates are a gift idea that won’t break the bank. I’m sure that if you’ve ever received a massage before, you’ll agree that massage therapy is a phenomenal value considering the incredible benefits received.

It’s a safe (no risk) purchase
There is absolutely no risk or chance that the purchase of your gift certificate will go unused. Be confident that your $$ is well spent knowing that you may gift it to someone new after 1 year if the first recipient doesn’t use it, or it will revert back to you for your use. 

One call does it all
It’s quick & easy to buy one and your thoughtfulness will be definitely appreciated...and probably rewarded. The gift of touch is just a phone call away 603. 286. BACK (2225) If you think about it, Massage Gift Certificates are a lot more personal than cash and let’s them know that you spent some time searching for something imaginative and unique for their enjoyment.

And the most important advantage? Knowing that your buying from a group of professional, yet friendly & caring therapists who go to great lengths to make sure each and every client receives an epic massage. The emphasis will be on treating them with unconditional care through therapeutic touch. We promise, they’ll be in good hands. Professional, yet friendly service they’ll enjoy.

A few perfect Massage Gift Giving Opportunities
• Employee incentive
• Last minute gift solution
• Busy people on the go
• Father’s Day
• Thank you
• “Stressed Out”
• Congratulations
• Thinking of you
• Happy Birthday
• Valentine’s Day
• Mother’s Day
• Christmas/New Years Gift

Weddings-Newlyweds-Anniversaries
A massage gift certificate may not be the first gift that comes to mind when considering a unique present for a newly married couple. But think about it for a moment. Newlyweds are frequently under heavy pressure and time constraints as they prepare for their long awaited wedding. Additionally, when they arrive home from their honeymoon, couples commonly start to feel the fatigue of accumulated stress that has been deferred for as long as a month in some cases. In this hectic time in a couple’s life, your gift will be impeccably timed and well received. Hey, they may just make a hero out of you!

Yourself
How about a gift for yourself? You as much as anyone deserve to indulge a bit too. Discover the joy of not only giving but also receiving. If your birthday or some other occasion is soon approaching, consider giving those who care about you some hints that you would really enjoy a massage gift certificate. Refer them to our website for information or have them call 603.286.BACK (2225). You may also want to treat yourself and come into the clinic for a quick lunch break pampering or “pick me up” to re-energize yourself.

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How do I physically obtain the gift certificate?
We can either mail it to your special person on your behalf or mail it directly to you. You only need to provide us with a credit card # over the phone for the certificate. Your gift will go in the mail the next day. Gift certificates may also be purchased at the clinic during the following office hours.

 Monday                   9-1 / 3-6
Tuesday                  9-1 / 3-6
Wednesday              9-1 / 3-6
Thursday                  CLOSED
Friday                        9-1 / 3-6

Do your gift certificates have an expiration date?
Yes and no. In New Hampshire a gift certificate under $100 in value has no expiration.  We put a please redeem by date of 1 year from the date of purchase to encourage the receiver to use it within that year. Although this helps us to keep track of the outstanding certificates, we will honor all certificates. If the certificate is not redeemed within 1 year, it will revert back to the person who initially purchased it. That person may either gift it to someone new or redeem it for their own personal use.

Are there any times when I cannot use my gift certificate?
No. We will try to do everything reasonable to schedule you as soon as you need your massage session. In fact, we’ll try to prioritize you before other clients because the session has already been paid for. People redeeming gift certificates are scheduled ASAP for convenience and fairness.

How do I redeem my gift certificate?
To use your gift certificate simply call our clinic at 603.286.BACK (2225) and make an appointment. When you talk with us, please mention that you have a gift certificate that you would like to use for the session. Unfortunately, we currently do not sell gift certificates through our website nor schedule massage sessions by email.

Can I return a gift certificate for $$?
No. Gift certificates are not redeemable for cash. As stated above, they may be re-gifted or used by the initial purchaser.

Can I transfer/give my gift certificate to someone else?
Yes, you may give it to another person within the 1 year time on the certificate. However, if the person you gave it to does not use it within 1 year of it being initially purchased, it will revert back to the original purchaser. After 1 year, all gifts return to the original buyer and it is their decision as to what they want to do with it. We want to assure the buyer of the massage gift that their $$ will never be lost.

Additional Notes:
• 1 Hour gift certificates are not eligible to be broken into (2) 1/2 hour sessions, due to the time allotment for a scheduled session.
• 1/2 Hour massage certificates may be upgraded to a 1 Hour for an additional $25.
• You must be 18 years or older to schedule a session, or we must have parental consent on the health history form.

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SCHEDULING
Please call 603.286.2225 to schedule your appointment. Late afternoon, early evening sessions go first so plan your appointments accordingly. Our sessions are by appointment but we are more than happy to accommodate any walk-ins if we have the time and therapists available.

We ask that you please arrive at least 15 minutes early, especially if you are a new client, as we will have paperwork for you to fill out. You may also download the forms, fill them out and bring them with you.

APPOINTMENT TIME
Please understand that your scheduled appointment time is reserved just for you. We understand there may be a situation out of your control that causes you to be late for your appointment. In such a case, our policy is as follows: If the schedule permits us to provide you with the full session length, we will be happy to do so. However, if it does not, you will only receive the remaining time of your scheduled session and be expected to pay for the time originally reserved.

CONFIRMATION
When you call to schedule your appointment, please write the appointment date and time down somewhere where you will remember it. If you need a reminder phone call to assure you will not miss your scheduled appointment, please let the receptionist know at the time of booking, we will be happy to give you a confirmation call. Please note that this time has been especially reserved for you, and no-shows or last minute cancellations are unfair to the therapist and other potential clients. We appreciate your understanding.

CANCELLATION
We require at least a 24 hour notice to cancel or reschedule any appointment. This allows us some time to try to get another client into that allotted time. As this is a service business, if we do not get a client into that slot, it is lost revenue. We do not charge a fee for canceling, re-scheduling or no-showing for a scheduled appointment, rather we rely on you to respect the above mentioned policy. Thank you for your cooperation.

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A typical 1-2 hour massage session is done face down for approximately 25 minutes with a focus on the neck, shoulder and low back area. The neck and shoulders are  where most people carry their stress and tension, and many people suffer from low back issues. The last five minutes, the client is on the back so the front of the neck and shoulders can be worked on and any shoulder stretches can be performed. If a client wishes, a 1⁄2 hour session can focus on low back and legs. This will be determined between you and your therapist upon your initial health history review.

A typical 1 hour massage is a full body session with special attention paid to the areas that the client wishes based on the health history and also the troubled areas that the therapist may find during the session.  The back of the legs and arms, lower back, neck and shoulders are worked on while the client is face down. While face up, the front of the neck and shoulders, the front of the arms and legs, along with the face and feet are worked. If there is an area you wish not to be worked on, please notify the therapist!  Some feet are way to ticklish! 

How to get the best possible massage?
Communicate!!!!! PLEASE TELL YOUR THERAPIST WHAT YOU WANT!  We are here to provide a service to you, and in order for you to receive the best massage possible, we need to know what you like and want out of your session.  We all have a different pain tolerance, so before the session begins, tell your therapist what you like.  While on the table, let the therapist know if you want more or less pressure, to change the room temperature, or change the music.  Please, always feel free to speak up, and we will do our best to make sure you leave satisfied!

Before the Massage
We’ll use a warm, well-padded massage table for the session.
I’m confident that you’ll find this massage table so comfy that you may just fall soundly asleep as we massage the body. We will use a very light cream lubricant to stroke, knead and stretch the muscles and other soft tissues of your anatomy. This is a fantastic cream that contains Arnica, which has been proven very beneficial in relieving pain. We’ll briefly discuss the goals of our session and the areas of your body to be treated.  At the half way point of the massage, we will together turn you over.

A modesty drape is always used to maintain your privacy.
The drape that we will use for your massage is a sheet that rests on top of your body. This drape will become the boundary between us. It’s the perfect solution in providing a feeling of personal privacy and a sense of security for you. Only the part of the body that is currently being massaged will be uncovered. The rest of the body is kept warm under the sheet. There will also be a sheet below you that covers the massage table and will provide warmth as well throughout your massage. All of your draping materials will naturally be freshly laundered.

What will the massage feel like?
That really depends on the techniques that we use for you. If you desire a soft-soothing relaxation massage, then that is exactly what you will experience during the session and feel for a couple of days following the treatment. On the other hand, the various deep tissue techniques that we can use (if you choose) to relieve muscles that have become shortened, contracted and stiff may at times generate varying levels of light pain. Most clients remark, “it hurts so good”.  A deep massage for tight muscles may leave some residual soreness for a couple of days similar to a workout at the gym. But remember to keep it in mind that it's our main priority to perform a massage that always remains within your comfort zone. When it comes right down to it, the massage will feel just as you desire it to. The level of pressure and depth is always tailored to your liking.

Your confidentiality is assured when using our services.
Your information is private and belongs to you the client. We will not discuss the details of your session with others, nor will we mention your name.

Sanitation is an important aspect of our practice.
All linens and towels are only used once per client.  We are confident you’ll agree that the linens we will use for your session will smell clean, look clean, and feel clean & soft.  Also, our massage tables and chair are “religiously” cleaned, including all other equipment that clients may or may not come in contact with.  As for our personal sanitation and hygiene, we wash our hands two times per each client (before each massage and after the massage for each client). And the finishing touch? Our fingernails are cut short every single day so that you will only feel the fingertip pads on your skin.

During the Massage
Quiet your mind...slow your breathing...and relax your entire body...as you give yourself the opportunity to let go...

Other than just relaxing, there is really nothing more that you need to do. Just kick back, relax and make yourself comfortable. We will gently move you when needed or ask you to readjust your position. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others that are more socially interactive enjoy talking a bit during their session. While we *do* focus the majority of our energy & resources into your body during the session, we continue to enjoy listening to *all* of our clients. Incidentally, we spend most of our time listening as opposed to giving our opinion or feedback regarding your personal life. And since we are not psychologists, or similarly trained counselors, it is out of our professional scope of practice to offer advice other than massage related thought & actions. Now that said, we would of course enjoy being your massage therapist of choice in the Tilton and or surrounding area.

You may talk as little or as much as you like.
The key to a good massage is relaxation and comfort. If you feel more relaxed and connected through talking...then we will be here to listen to you. Although many of our clients fall asleep, there are those that feel interacting with us makes them more relaxed and trusting of who we are and what we will do as they lie on the table. We will always make you feel as though we are working with you, never on you. To work with only your physical body, would be to neglect your emotional feelings. We know first hand that life and work can be hectic. So feel free to say nothing once your massage session starts or talk up a storm if you feel that to be more cathartic.

Communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort.
Another approach or technique can be applied if you feel the pressure or depth is a little uncomfortable for you. Massage is much more therapeutic and effective when your body is not actively resisting. If the pressure is too deep, your muscles will instinctively respond with an “armoring” defense mechanism against the intrusive pressure. For that same reason, we suggest that you not voluntarily contract a particular muscle as we work on it. Unless we specifically ask you to contract a muscle to implement a particular technique, this often proves to be counterproductive and will deter relaxation. We also want the environment that the massage takes place in to be as comfortable as the massage itself. The sound level, lights and temperature should all be pleasant for your massage.

We want communication to be the cornerstone of our bodywork.
This is very important. Please don’t feel that you’ll hurt our feelings. We feel empowered and more capable when knowing your feedback. Let us know before the session has started if specific areas are tense or ache (and for approximately how long). For example, if we are applying pressure to the deltoid (shoulder) and there is a referred pain felt simultaneously in the neck, don’t hesitate to vocalize these feelings. You may need some extra time in these areas. This is key to getting the most out of your treatment. We honestly want to deliver a memorable massage that is tailored to your needs and worthy of your time & money. So just give us a bit of insight into your thoughts.

After the Massage
• Drink lots of water. This helps the body release toxins that you were able to release during the massage.

• Relaxation immediately following your massage is highly recommended. Plan to take the first 20 minutes after a massage lightly. For example, go on a short walk or sit quietly. Physical activity, work, or anything stressful is not advised as it could negate the positive effects of the massage This allows the massage to settle into the body.  Do not exercise immediately or over exert yourself after a massage.

• After many massages, a nice warm bath is very soothing.

How you feel after your massage depends on what you want to achieve.
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from chronic aches and pains developed by tension, repetitive activity or poor posture. After an initial period of feeling slowed down and relaxed, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity. It’s possible that these beneficial effects will last for days.

After our scheduled time has expired, please take your time getting off the table.
At the end of the treatment, you may feel momentarily dizzy if you sit up too quickly. This may be due to positional hypotension. Blood leaves the brain as the torso sits up too quickly. We’ve all felt this at one time or another when we jumped out of bed in a rush. You may become so comfortable or even fall asleep while on the table that you actually need extra time to regain your sense of balance. If you feel you need an extra hand to assist you, please ask. Your safety is always a primary concern. 

Allow five minutes to pay the bill and briefly discuss the massage.
Before you get off the table, allow a minute to readjust and awaken if you’ve been sleeping. We’ll instruct you to use the sheet to remove excess oil, so as not to get it on your clothes. Take your time to re-dress, then open the door so we can close the treatment with some feedback about the session as well as respond to your questions and comments. We will then graciously thank you as always, collect the fee discussed and set a future schedule date if you desire.
Water...Water...Water...Water...Water...

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• Do your best to not eat a real big meal just before your massage. You'll enjoy massage much more with less in the stomach. Also, greater benefits can be expected with proper hydration before the session.

• When possible, take a warm shower some time before your treatment to loosen the muscles. Warmed muscles typical respond by relaxing, which in turn will result in an even more enjoyable experience for you.

• If you feel more comfortable with the air conditioner or heater on...just say the word. Some people just like one or the other on for the relaxing “white noise.”

• If you have any “pet peeves” (things that tend to bother you) that may arise during our time together, please tell me before the session starts

• You may disrobe according to your level of comfort. Massage is most effective with all garments removed. However, you may keep your under garments on or anything else as you wish.

• If you have a disability or any type of functional impairment, please let me know. If getting on the massage table is a problem, we will overcome that challenge together.

• Consider slow deep breathing during the session, which will calm the mind and focus your attention into the body.

• Tell me when a method, technique or movement is particularly beneficial or enjoyable. I would like to accommodate you if there is an area you think we should focus on in greater depth and time.

• If you become cold while on the table, please tell us right away. If a person becomes chilled, it is nearly impossible for him/her to relax.

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Beneficial Effects of Massage Therapy

• Massage reduces waste products such as lactic acid & carbonic acid that build up in muscles after activity and cause cramping, discomfort, and irritability. It also enhances the immune system and aids recovery from soft tissue injuries by increasing blood circulation to injured areas.

• Massage dilates or opens up blood vessels, improving the circulation and relieving congestion. Massage also increases the number of red blood cells, especially in cases of anemia.

• Massage acts as a “mechanical cleanser” pushing along the lymph and hastening the elimination of wastes & toxic debris. Massage helps to eliminate edema (or dropsy) of the extremities through lymphatic massage.

• Massage increases the blood supply and nutrition to the muscles without adding to their load of toxic acid, produced through voluntary muscle contraction (such as exercise). Massage thus helps to overcome harmful “fatigue” products resulting from strenuous exercise or injury.

• Massage improves muscle tone and helps prevent or delay muscular atrophy resulting from forced inactivity. Massage relaxes muscle spasms and relieves muscle tension.

• Massage may have a sedative, stimulating, or even exhausting effect on the nervous system, depending on the type and length of massage treatment given.

• Massage improves the circulation and nutrition of joints and hastens the elimination of harmful particles in the synovial fluid. It helps to lessen inflammation and swelling in joints, thereby alleviating pain.

• Massage disperses the dema following injury to ligaments and tendons, lessening pain, and facilitating movement.

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