Frequently Asked Questions

What is medical massage and how is it different from traditional massage?

Medical massage is an outcome-based treatment performed to address specific musculoskeletal conditions, disorders, and movement dysfunctions. Unlike relaxation or spa massage, medical massage integrates clinical assessment, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, and targeted soft-tissue techniques to treat pain, injury, or limited mobility.
Every session at Restore Motion is designed around your diagnosis, symptoms, and functional goals—not a routine full-body sequence.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

Your first session begins with a brief clinical evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your pain. This includes a review of symptoms, movement assessment, palpation of affected tissues, and discussion of treatment goals.
Treatment is immediately integrated during the session and may include a combination of manual therapy modalities, corrective techniques, cryotherapy, ultrasound, or red light therapy based on your condition.

What conditions respond best to clinical massage therapy?

Medical massage is highly effective for conditions involving:

  • Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain

  • Sciatica and nerve compression

  • TMJ/TMD dysfunction

  • Migraines and tension-type headaches

  • Tendonitis and bursitis

  • Post-surgical adhesions and scar tissue

  • Rotator cuff issues and frozen shoulder

  • Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain

  • Limited mobility and stiffness

  • Repetitive strain injuries

These conditions respond well because soft-tissue dysfunction is often a major component of pain and movement limitations.

What is the difference between cryotherapy, ultrasound, and red light therapy?

Each modality offers unique benefits:

  • CO₂ Cryotherapy: reduces inflammation, decreases swelling, calms nerve irritation

  • Therapeutic Ultrasound: increases circulation, softens adhesions, promotes tissue repair

  • Red Light Therapy: boosts cellular energy, reduces inflammation, accelerates healing

Your therapist will select the most appropriate modality based on your condition, pain levels, and tissue presentation.

How is Restore Motion different from other massage clinics?

Restore Motion Clinical Massage Therapy is a medically oriented clinic specializing in soft-tissue rehabilitation, not a relaxation massage spa.
Our approach includes:

  • Clinical assessments

  • Evidence-informed manual therapy

  • Advanced modalities (cryotherapy, ultrasound, red light)

  • Multi-regional treatment strategies

  • Condition-specific protocols

  • Focus on functional outcomes

We prioritize pain relief, improved mobility, and long-term functional restoration.

Do you treat chronic pain conditions like TMJ, sciatica, and migraines?

We specialize in treating complex and chronic pain conditions including TMJ/TMD, sciatica, headaches/migraines, disc-related pain, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, repetitive strain injuries, and postural dysfunctions.
Our clinical approach addresses the root cause of pain by identifying soft-tissue restrictions, nerve irritation, and biomechanical imbalances.

Do you accept insurance?

We are a private-pay medical massage clinic. While we do not bill insurance directly, we can provide detailed receipts and documentation that patients may submit to their insurance company, HSA, or FSA for possible reimbursement depending on their plan.

Does medical massage hurt?

Clinical techniques may produce mild discomfort in areas of significant restriction, but they should never feel intolerable or unsafe. Our goal is to create change in the tissues—not pain.
Pressure is adjusted based on your tolerance, nervous system response, and clinical need.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Most treatments involve direct contact with the skin, so patients typically undress to their comfort level and are properly draped at all times.
If your condition requires movement-based techniques such as Active Release or neuromuscular re-education, you may prefer loose athletic clothing or shorts. This will be discussed during our preliminary phone call before your appointment so you know what to wear and if you will need to get undressed.

How many sessions will I need?

Treatment plans vary based on the severity, chronicity, and underlying cause of your condition.
General guidelines:

  • Acute injuries: 2–4 sessions

  • Chronic pain: 4–12 sessions

  • Post-surgical rehab: ongoing care for several weeks

  • Preventative care: once every 2–4 weeks
    Your therapist will discuss an evidence-informed plan based on your initial evaluation and progress.

Is clinical massage safe after surgery?

Yes—once your surgeon or provider clears you for soft-tissue work. Medical massage can help reduce scar tissue formation, improve mobility, decrease swelling, and support functional recovery.
We specialize in postoperative soft-tissue rehabilitation including:

  • Rotator cuff repairs

  • Joint replacements

  • Spinal surgeries

  • Abdominal surgeries

  • Orthopedic procedures

Treatments are performed gently and progressively.