Massage FAQs

Even if you don’t have a specific health issue, massage therapy can provide many benefits, such as:

• Increased circulation
• Stimulation of the lymph system, the body's natural defense against toxic invaders
• Release of endorphins, the body's natural painkiller
• Improved range of motion and decreased discomfort associated with lower back pain
• Relaxation of injured and overused muscles
• Reduced muscle spasms and cramping
• Increased joint flexibility
• Help recover from strenuous workouts
• Pain relief from migraines
• Reduce post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduced scar tissue

The added benefit of massage therapy at Elements Massage™ is something we call The Elements Promise™. If your massage doesn’t live up to your expectations, let us know — and the next one is on us. 

Please call the local studio where the membership originated or where you had your last massage if you have trouble logging into your online account. One of the studio’s Wellness Membership Advisors will be able to help you gain access to your account.

The massage therapist's time has been reserved especially for you. Please follow the local studio’s policies to reschedule or cancel your appointment to avoid any late cancellation fees.

After your massage that same day, there are some easy, pleasant things you can do to help prevent some of the next-day soreness:

• Be purposeful about your water intake, both before and after your appointment. As mentioned above, hydrated muscles are more flexible. Also, there are some strongly-held beliefs that drinking water after a massage can help to flush away the toxins released by massage. Staying hydrated is never a bad idea, and before or after a massage session is no different.
   
• Do some gentle stretching that evening, paying special attention to your trouble spots that received the most attention during your massage. 
   
• Take a warm bath, ideally with Epsom salts (1/2 cup to 1 cup for adults), and soak for 20-40 minutes. Epsom salts are an inexpensive and effective way to further help your body rid itself of toxins and reduce muscle inflammation. You also get the added bonus of absorbing the beneficial magnesium found in Epsom salts through your skin.

 As your body becomes accustomed to regular massages, you’ll experience the next-day soreness less frequently, making the experience that much more pleasurable.  If you are looking for a wonderful massage, contact your local Elements Massage.

Coupons or discounts cannot be combined with any other offers.

If using a gift card to pay for the session, you must present the gift card at the time of service. Some gift cards are valid only at the independently owned and operated Elements Massage studios identified on the card. Session-based gift cards cannot be split into shorter sessions and are redeemable for the session type identified on the card’s front. Gratuity is not included. Gift Cards cannot be used toward membership autopays or other gift cards. There is no cash value for gift cards and they cannot be replaced if damaged, lost, or stolen. There is no cash redemption for gift cards unless required by law and then only to the extent required by law.

• Studios service minors under the age of 18 with written consent (Minor Consent Form & Client Intake Form) from a parent or guardian prior to performing the massage. Parents/Guardians must remain in the massage room during the entire session.

• All minors must keep their undergarments on for the entire duration of the session and clients of minor age will be matched with the same-sex therapist. If a parent/guardian or minor client wishes to have a massage therapist of the opposite sex, the parent/guardian will be required to acknowledge permission on the minor intake form.

Many clients are unsure if and/or how much they should tip their massage therapist. We recommend you think of your massage therapist as you would a waiter in a restaurant. Our studios’ therapists love what they do and your tip may reflect your appreciation for their service. We recommend tipping percentages be based on the full price of a regular massage, rather than the discounted price.

You should undress to your desired level of comfort. About half of our clients prefer to be completely undressed, while the other half prefers to keep their undergarments on. This is completely up to you. You will undress and dress in the privacy of your massage room and will be securely covered by a blanket and a sheet during your massage session.

A Master Massage Therapist has completed the Professional, Elite, and Master level training or other additional education and has a minimum of 2 years of employment with Elements Massage studio. These massage therapists demonstrate the highest level of mastery of hands-on massage and well-being skills, and continue to maintain high performance standards across all client satisfaction metrics.

For those who use massage as preventative care or to manage daily stress, one massage a month is common. Weekly sessions may be desirable if you are receiving massage for injury relief or to relieve chronic tightness that is interfering with your daily life. There are many people who incorporate massage therapy at least twice a month for optimal therapeutic relief.

If redeeming a gift card for a service, a valid credit card  must be provided to book a session. At the end of the service, please present the gift card for final payment.

An Elite Massage Therapist has completed at least a one year tenure with an Elements Massage studio and consistently demonstrates mastery of The Elements Way. To reach this level, they have successfully completed both the Professional and advanced Elite Massage Therapist training, continuously have performed various session enhancements for individual client needs, and are consistently achieving high client satisfaction metrics.

Studios strive to maintain a comforting and calm environment for clients and staff, so as a courtesy, it is asked that you do not bring in infants or toddlers in. Children may not at any time be left unattended and unsupervised in the lobby and are not allowed to accompany you into massage rooms.

A license means that a massage therapist has met the requirements and paid the fee to legally practice massage in your city, county and/or state. To obtain a license, a massage therapist will usually have to complete a minimum number of training hours at an accredited or accepted school or training center and will have to undergo a full background check prior to receiving that license. Each state has specific licensing and/or certification requirements for massage therapists.

You will be properly covered or draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. No areas will be exposed without your consent. You should always let your therapist know if you are uncomfortable for any reason during your massage session.

A session consists of massage, time for you to dress and undress and time to communicate with the therapist to make your massage truly customized. Each time you visit an Elements Massage™ studio you will go through our service path called The Elements Way®. This is done to ensure each and every massage session you receive from us meets or exceeds your expectations.

Regular massage therapy has many health benefits such as boosting your immune system and raising mood-elevating brain chemicals. Here at Elements Massage of Shrewsbury, we make staying healthy easy and enjoyable for you, your family and your friends with The Elements Wellness Program.

How the Elements Wellness Program works:

• Month-to-month program, no long-term contract or commitment

• Associate Member (immediate family member or significant other) may use member's program sessions

• Payment made via auto-debit once per month

• May drop out of program at anytime with 30 day notice

Become a member of the Elements Wellness Program and enjoy these exclusive value benefits*:

• $30 to $40 savings** on every massage

• Purchase gift cards at Wellness Program rates

• Membership-only specials (sent conveniently via email)

• Unused massage sessions roll-over

Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a health history form. Afterwards the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition, and to see if you have any presenting complaints. 

Your massage therapy session will take place in a warm, comfortable, dim, and quiet room. The table is heated and may be adjusted to your liking, please be sure to ask.  Soft music will be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort and at Elements Massage Shrewsbury we have the most advanced face cradle currently available to ensure your utmost comfort, especially if you receive our longer massage sessions.

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session, take advantage of this time to clear your mind and relax. Our Therapist will check in with you several times during the massage to ensure your comfort. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time. 

It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.

If you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.

No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms and before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. At Elements Shrewsbury we offer 55, 80, and 110 minute massages customized for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.

At Elements we only ask that you undress to your level of comfort.