FITNESS ELEMENTS
Massage Therapy

We categorize our services based on the elements of wellness:

HYDRATION, NUTRITION, FITNESS & RECOVERY

MASSAGE THERAPY is categorized as the RECOVERY element of wellness. 


Implementing stress management and restoring our bodies is something all of us need to consciously incorporate into our busy lifestyles.  These efforts assist in balancing our hormone levels, metabolism and overall health.

Our talented massage therapists will come to your home to deliver one of the following types of massages depending on your needs.  We provide everything needed to make this a relaxing, purposeful and functional experience for you. 


TYPES OF MASSAGE
RATES
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE MASSAGE THERAPY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BEFORE AND AFTER SESSION REMINDERS


"A month after just two massage therapy sessions and recommended at-home exercises, I am thrilled to say that I am back running and am starting to train for another race.  I have massage therapy and Fitness Elements to thank for helping me run again pain-free".

                                                                                                   -Anne F., Fairfax, VA



TYPES OF MASSAGE

Swedish                                  

his massage is specifically for relaxation. This is the most common type of massage therapy in the United States. It is also known as Swedish massage or simply massage therapy. Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.  Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage therapy is designed to release tight muscles.  If you have not had a massage in a long time, are rehabilitating an injury or just have tight muscles in general a deep tissue massage is ideal for you.  The therapist will use more intense pressure during this type of massage than they would use on a Swedish massage.  This can be a very relaxing massage for persons with very tight muscles or persons needing to detoxify their bodies when the Swedish massage just doesn't cut it.

Prenatal  

This massage is becoming more popular with expectant mothers.  Techniques and body positions are modified during prenatal massage to support the woman's body allowing her to relax better.  The focus for this massage is to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains and to reduce anxiety and depression.  This massage can be customized as needed and is great for expecting moms that are on bedrest as long as your doctor approves.  

Sports

Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity.  Different techniques are used during this massage such as faster strokes than Swedish massage and stretching techniques.  This facilitated stretching helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.  This massage is designed for people who are active and workout often to the professional athlete.  The focus in this massage is on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. 

Trigger Point 

There are certain hypersensitive areas or points within the body that can contribute to chronic and acute pain or discomfort.  This type of massage is recommended for clients suffering from chronic, isolated or specific pain.  This massage is also recommended for people suffering with chronic headaches or migraines, shoulder and neck pain.   

Reflexology 

This massage focuses on your hands and feet.  The hands and feet have certain points on them that correspond to organs and systems in the body.  Pressure on these points can induce can trigger the body to heal and restore itself better.  This a very relaxing massage and is recommended for people who stand a lot during the day or are needing relaxation.

Aromatherapy               

This massage incorporates essential oils used to enhance the massage session whether the goal is to relax, re-energize or restore.  Different scents are used for different purposes.  Aromatherapy can be incorporated into any of the existing massages above with the exception of the Sports massage.  




RATES

60 Minutes $115


90 Minutes $175


120 Minutes $230

 

Triple Knot Massage Therapy Package  $345
  Three 60 minute Sessions


Quad Knot Massage Therapy Package
  $460
                                    Four 60 minute Sessions
                                         


TRAVEL FEES 
For clients outside of our general service area or for sessions scheduled in the prime traffic times of the day, as needed, we add additional travel fees based on the duration of time outside of the initial 20 minutes we establish in your session rate to get to you for your scheduled appointment.  Contact us to find out more.  

 


Benefits of Massage Therapy

1)  Alleviates pain and improves range of motion

2)  Lowers blood pressure

3)  Eases medication dependence

4)  Improves immunity 

5)  Stretches tight muscles

6)  Improves joint flexibility and range of motion

7)  Helps athletes prepare and recover from strenuous workouts

8)  Can help ease anxiety and depression

9)  Can reduce muscle spasms and cramping 

10)  Relieves migraine/headache pain

11)  Improves circulation

   
                             
Who should not receive massage therapy?

It is NOT recommended that you receive massage therapy if you have one or more of the following issues:

  Deep Vein Thrombosis

  Cancer, unless your doctor approves

  An open or healing wound

  A fever

  Weak bones from a fracture or osteoporosis

  A bleeding disorder or damaged blood vessels

  An acute inflammation



Frequently Asked Questions


1)  What should I wear?

Most sessions require that you be unclothed.  You are covered by a sheet or blanket during the session with exception to the area that is being worked on by the therapist.  No private areas will ever be exposed during your massage.  You may choose to wear nothing at all while under the sheet or your underwear, some men prefer to wear running or biker shorts.

2)    
Am I required to tip my massage therapist?

You are not required to tip your massage therapist.  However, if you choose to do so, it is appreciated and never expected.

3)    What should I say to my therapist during my massage session?  
    
You are encouraged to relax and not carry on much conversation during your massage session only so that you may allow your mind to relax.  As your mind relaxes, so will your body making the job of your massage therapist much easier.  That said, it is still extremely important that you communicate with your therapist as needed during your session.  If the pressure is too intense, let them know and they will adjust it, if you are chilly or too warm during the massage, let them know and they will adjust it as they are able.  Don't think that you will insult them with expressing your preferences.  The only way they will know is if you tell them.  

4)    Should I request a female or male massage
 therapist if I
have a preference?

Absolutely!  Just as in the question/answer above, if we don't know your preferences we cannot guarantee you will get what you wish for.  We want you to be comfortable during your massage.  Just let the Wellness Director know your preferences before your massage is to be scheduled.

5)     
I am self conscious about a certain area of my body.  Can I ask the therapist to not work on that area?

Most certainly.  Even though being self conscious should not keep you from getting the appropriate health care that you need, a lot of people have concerns about their body (overweight, excessive hair growth on their body, acne, scars, ugly feet).  Just simply ask your therapist to avoid the area if it bothers you.

6)    Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?

No.  After a short conversation to brief and update the therapist and to prepare the client, the therapist will step out of the room to wash their hands and allow the  client time to disrobe and get onto the massage table and under the sheet/blanket.  The therapist will knock on the door to ensure that you are ready before entering the room.  


REMINDERS FOR BEFORE YOUR SESSION:

1)  Be well hydrated the day of your massage.  Drink consistently throughout the day rather than a lot of water all at once.       

2)  Do not drink alcohol or take pain medication before your massage.

3)  Do not receive massage if you are feeling sick or ill.

     

REMINDERS FOR AFTER YOUR SESSION:

1)  Unless you had a sports massage session, we advise you to avoid taking part in an intense workout within 12-24 hours of your session.  Exercise is a form of repetitive use of your muscles which increases the number of contractions on your muscles that were just lengthened during your massage.  Extend the benefits of your massage session and allow your body to rest and recover.     

2)  Drink lots of water for the next 24 hours after your massage session.  

3)  Stretch within a few hours of your session to maximize the flexibility benefits of your massage.
 
      
       

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