MassageCraft FAQ

Welcome to MassageCraft. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about preparing for your appointment, what to expect during and after treatment, and how to make the most of your session.

Q: How do I prepare for my first visit?

Medical Forms

A: If this is your first visit, you will need to complete a medical history and consent form. One of our front desk staff will email a link to our forms when you schedule your first appointment so you can complete the forms on line. You also have the option of arriving 15 minutes early to your appointment to complete the forms in person.

 

Q: What do I wear?

Acupuncture Attire

A: You remain clothed during acupuncture. Please wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing.

Massage Attire

A: Your practitioner will leave the room while you undress to your comfort level, lie on the table, and cover yourself with a sheet. You will remain draped throughout the session for warmth and modesty. If you prefer to remain fully clothed, consider Shiatsu or Thai Massage.

Q: What important information should I communicate to my practitioner?

A: Your comfort is our priority. Open communication helps us personalize your treatment. Please share:

• Medical conditions
• Pressure preferences (light or deep)
• Areas you prefer not to have treated
• Allergies, especially to scents
• Temperature preferences
• Preferences around silence or chatting

If you’re new to massage or acupuncture, you may discover your preferences during the session. Your practitioner will check in regularly and adjust as needed.

Q: Why is it important to drink water?

A: Please hydrate before and after treatment to help reduce soreness.

Q: Does massage have to hurt to be effective?

A: No. Massage does not need to be painful to be effective.

Your practitioner will encourage you to express any discomfort. Together, you will find the right balance of pressure to encourage the optimal therapeutic effect.

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?

A: You may feel a brief prick followed by sensations such as warmth, spreading, a temporary achiness, distant sensations — or nothing at all. Once needles are placed, most people cannot tell where they are.

Q: What can I expect to feel after my treatment?

A:  After a massage you may experience muscle soreness for 24–48 hours, similar to post‑exercise soreness. This is more common after deeper work but can occur after relaxation massage.

Soreness is often accompanied by increased mobility and decreased pain.

There may be temporary symptom flare‑ups and fatigue after massage and acupuncture that will resolve within a few days, typically followed by significant improvement.

Q: What are Gua Sha and Cupping?

A: Gua Sha and cupping are skin‑friction techniques; cupping also uses suction. Both help move stagnant blood and release tight muscles.

You will likely have pinkish marks from cupping, Gua Sha, or deep tissue work lasting 2–4 days.

Both Gua Sha & Cupping are available to you during your massage or acupuncture treatment.

Q: What is the burning smell during acupuncture?

A: This is moxibustion, a warming technique using moxa (mugwort). It may be applied on the needle, near the skin, or in tiny rice‑grain amounts directly on the skin for an instant warming sensation.

Q: Can acupuncture and massage trigger emotional reactions?

A: Touch can sometimes trigger unexpected emotional release, especially for individuals with trauma histories. Bodywork paired with psychotherapy can be helpful.

Q: How can I support my recovery from treatment? 

A:  To ease soreness or fatigue:

• Stay well hydrated
• Take an Epsom salt bath
• Apply Arnica gel
• Practice gentle stretching recommended by your practitioner
• Rest for the first 24 hours after treatment if at all possible

Q: What are some positive aftereffects of treatment?

A:  Emotional

• Decreased anxiety
• Improved sleep & digestion
• Enhanced mindfulness
• Improved mood

A:  Physical

• Reduced muscle tension
• Improved flexibility
• Relief from headaches
• Lowered blood pressure
• Better posture and body awareness
• Faster recovery from physical activity

Q: How often should I receive acupuncture or massage?

A: For specific conditions, weekly treatments for about four consecutive weeks are recommended. Chronic or occupational issues may require additional weekly sessions.

Once symptoms improve, monthly wellness visits can help maintain the benefits you have accrued over your course of treatment.

Q: Does MassageCraft bill insurance?

A: MassageCraft bills insurance for:

• Authorized Workers’ Compensation claims
• Acupuncture prescribed and authorized by the VA Office of Community Care

If you have other insurance coverage, you may pay upfront and receive a detailed superbill for reimbursement.

MassageCraft accepts HSA cards.