Health Insurance and Massage

Q: Will my health insurance cover massage therapy?

A: In most cases the answer is yes. I accept most insurance plans and can verify that your plan will cover this benefit for you. Most plans cover 60%-80% of the cost with a few covering 100%. The number of annual visit can range from 10-60 one hour appointments per year.
Massage therapy can help in your recovery of many aches and pains including back pain, headaches, sprains/strains, diabetes, carpal tunnel, & tendonitis just to name a few.
After your coverage is determined and an appointment is completed, I bill your insurance for payment and then I send an invoice to you for any remaining balance not covered by your plan. The only item I need from you in a written “referral” from your doctor or chiropractor which includes what work needs to be addressed.

Massage & Workouts

Q: When is the best time to have a massage
when you are doing hard, intense workouts?

A: Great question. Most massage is given after
a person’s workout. Physical relaxation
can improve bloodflow and reduce
tension . Massage can also increase
lymph flow which will reduce what
is termed delayed onset muscle soreness. Pre exercise
massage can also benefit your workout but should not
replace stretching or warming up. This type of massage
can also increase range of motion and can help identify
any problem areas you may otherwise be unaware of
(i.e. tender or sore muscles, joint pain, numbness just
to name a few). Whether you prefer pre or post exercise
massage it will benefit your performance and most
sports related massage only needs 15- 30 minutes
unless, of course, you would rather have an hour for the
post exercise massage

Eric Thanem,
CPMT, LMP
19611 7th Ave. NE • Poulsbo
360.779.3285 •