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.

Come ready to relax and de-stress.  You are welcome to undress to your comfort level.  Only the part of your body currently being massaged will be exposed.

It is advisable to drink water before and after your massage.

We pride ourselves on starting and ending on time. Unfortunately if you arrive late, your session will still end on time in consideration of the next guest.

As a courtesy to our other guests and staff, appointments will be automatically canceled 15 minutes after the scheduled start time and charged according to the cancellation policy. We regret that late arrivals will not receive extension of scheduled appointments. In special cases, and when our schedule will allow, we may be able to accommodate a partial or full appointment. This will be at our discretion and only with proper, advance notification of your late arrival.

http://elementsmassage.com/woodridge/cancellationpolicy

Getting a massage is more than just rubbing a tight muscle here and there. Therapeutic massage is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to well-being based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions that range from stress-induced tension and sleep disorders to high blood pressure, diabetes, lower back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, cancer-related fatigue, post-operative care, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation and depression.

Due to the power of massage to heal and restore your mind and body’s health and wellness, it’s important to disclose all of your medical history to your therapist before starting a session so that he or she can customize your massage experience. Prior to getting your first massage from a new therapist and every massage going forward should include a detailed conversation between you and your therapist about current and past medical conditions.   

Current Medications

When you’re seeking a massage to relax and unwind your muscles and your mind, you may not think about the importance of letting your therapist know about prescription and over-the-counter medications that you take regularly. However, massage is such a circulatory process that can promote healing on even a cellular level that it’s important to disclose every medication or pain relievers that you may be taking. This critical information can help the therapist make sure that the bodywork he/she provides doesn't’t interfere with the purpose of your medications.

Accidents and Injuries

Using massage therapy to encourage a more rapid healing process for existing injuries can be a powerful approach to rehabilitation and recovery. In these instances, therapists will want to know specifics about the pain you’re feeling and the details associated with the injuries so they can deliver the best massage experience to meet your goals. However, it’s also important to let therapists know about past injuries or accidents too so they can ensure to not aggravate the affected area.

The answer depends on various factors, including your overall health and the nature of your pain, for example whether it is chronic or not.

Although a single massage session provides stress relief and relaxation to most people, it may not fully alleviate pain or soreness, especially if chronic.  Similar to athletic training, the benefits of massage are sustained and cumulative over time with repeated "workouts", or massage therapy sessions.

The parent/guardian of a minor, a child under the age of 18, will need to  to complete the Minor Consent Form, in person, at our studio, before the minor can receive any massage service.  The parent/guardian is required to remain in the massage room with the minor if they are under the age of 18.  This is mandatory.  In addition, the minor is required to keep all undergarments on during the massage services.  For males, boxers or underwear, and for females, underwear and a sport bra, or a bra, must be worn during the massage service. 

Children under the age of 18 cannot be left unattended in the reception area.  They must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times while on our premises.  We cannot be responsible for your child while you are receiving your service in our facility.

Gift certificates, massage session packages and monthly membership charges are not redeemable for cash and are non-refundable. We are not responsible for lost or stolen gift certificates

We ask that you place your cell phone on silent once you arrive in the lobby. This is for your benefit as well as a courtesy to others.  If you must leave your phone on while in the studio, please be sure that it is on vibrate to avoid disrupting other guests.

That does happen....

Simply tell your therapist that you have to use the restroom and she/he will point you in the right direction.

There is a robe available for your use that your therapist can get for you

We try to follow your lead. We do recommend less talking as we feel that it will enhance your overall experience and allow you to reach a deeper level of relaxation.  However, all conversation should be kept at an appropriate volume so as not to disturb other guests.

Communicate your preferences with your therapist. This is your massage and we want it to be perfect.  Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make it more enjoyable for you. More pressure? Less pressure? You name it!

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. 

We do not.  We are strictly concerned with the best Therapeutic Massage you will ever receive!

At Elements Massage Woodridge, we provide comfortable private, individual treatment rooms where your massage session will take place.   You will lie on a massage table which is heated and may be adjusted to your liking.  Each room is appointed with adjustable lighting, and soft music will be played to help you relax and enjoy your session.  

Yes we do! 

We update regularly to keep our clients informed of the latest specials and upcoming events at Elements of Woodridge.  You can find our page at Elements of Woodridge, 'Like' us to keep updated on all of our monthly offers and events!

We opened our doors in April, 2012.

Massage treatment is non-invasive, relaxing and natural. It is therefore generally considered a safe treatment for most people.

Total Contraindications:
When you have any of these conditions, please do not book a massage:

• Fever
• Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu, no matter how mild it may seem
• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol-including prescription pain medication
• Recent operations or acute injuries
• Neuritis
• Skin diseases

Local Contraindications:
The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by:

• Varicose veins
• Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
• Pregnancy
• Bruising
• Cuts
• Abrasions
• Sunburn
• Undiagnosed pain
• Inflammation, including arthritis

Medical Contraindications:
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, massage can only take place once it has been approved before your session in writing by your physician.

• Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
• Any condition already being treated by a medical practitioner
• Edema
• Psoriasis or eczema
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Cancer
• Nervous or psychotic conditions
• Heart problems, angina, those with pacemakers
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Bell’s palsy, trapped or pinched nerves
• Gynecological infections

Does a contraindication mean that a massage treatment cannot take place?

Not always. In fact, massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in the above cases it is best to have advice from your physician. Massage therapists, unless they are also qualified doctors, may not, under law, attempt to diagnose a condition

Yes, you may receive a prenatal massage.  This is a sideline massage with light pressure.  Therapists will not perform a deep pressure massage.  There is an additional charge for this massage, as the therapists are required to have a certification for prenatal massage.

Our same day cancellation charges: $50 for a 1-Hour; $60 for a 90-M; and $70 for a 2-Hour.  We charge full session price for no call/no show for the appointment.

Thank you for understanding that our therapists rely on their schedules being full.

One gift/spa card may be used per person per session.  Gift/spa cards may not be combined.  Spa cards may only be used for services; not enhancements or gratuities.

We make every effort to keep our lobby, halls and treatment rooms quiet to avoid disruption to others. You can help us in these efforts by refraining from any conversation while in the halls. You will have an opportunity to discuss your treatment goals and any concerns with your therapist once you are inside the treatment room and the door is securely closed. We appreciate your assistance in helping us maintain a peaceful space that fosters an environment of serenity and tranquility where all your tension just melts away.