Why should I get a massage?
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| We all lead busy, stressful lives and massage is a wonderful way to relieve stress and tension. Massage tables are very comfortable and warmed with heated table pads in a calm relaxing environment, listening to gentle music while your muscles aches are being addressed by an expert therapist is a perfect antidote to the high stress lives we lead. |
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Should I get massage if I have a muscle injury?
Yes, provided you have the approval of your doctor or other health professional. Massage therapy can help to break up the adhesions and realign that tissue that causes muscle injury.
How often should I get a massage?
It really depends on what your needs are. If you are coming for relaxation and wellness, once every 1-4 weeks is usually sufficient. If you have a specific injury or problem, then you will need to come more often in the beginning. Once the injury is improving, you may be able to drop back to every 2-4 weeks. Of course, for optimum results, you should come as often as possible!
Is there any time when I shouldn't come for a massage?
You should not receive massage if you have a fever, any open wounds or an infectious disease, or are intoxicated. Particular medical conditions will be discussed with your therapist at the first visit and massage therapy may require approval from your physician depending on your medical condition.
Do I need to get undressed?
Only to your level of comfort. We will leave the room before you disrobe and will knock before reentering. You will be under a sheet or blanket and the therapist will uncover only the area being worked on. We recommend you discuss this with your therapist beforehand, since certain procedures may be more effective directly on the skin. But, as health professionals, we know your comfort and ease is paramount to achieving the best results. For Shiatsu, CranioSacral Therapy, Chair Massage, and Reflexology you will remain clothed.
How much will I pay for my massage?
Please see the pricing on our 'Services Menu'. Additional information on purchases is available on the 'Facilities and Policies'. In addition, if you have a prescription for Massage Therapy from your physician there is no N.J. State Sales Tax [see the following information on "Do I have to pay Sales Tax on Massage therapy?]
How do I pay?
We accept Master card, Visa, American Express, Discover, Pay Pal, cash and checks, and, of course, Body Essential Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Gift Certificates.
Can I use medical insurance at Body Essential to cover these costs?
No, not at this time. However, if you are under the care of a Doctor who has prescribed Massage Therapy treatment for your condition(s) you may be able to use these fees as unreimbursed medical expenses. Please keep all receipts and check with your accountant for up to date tax laws. And, check with us periodically, for the Complimentary and Alternative Medicine field is always changing.
Do I have to pay Sales Tax on Massage Therapy?
New Jersey's 7% Tax On Massage - It May Not Apply To You
The 7% Tax - Effective October 1, 2006, the NJ Legislature extended the 7% Sales Tax to massage services, unless you have a doctor's note or prescription. This term was defined by the NJ Division of Taxation in a Tax Note dated October 6, 2006:
Doctor's Prescription For purposes of this Sales and Use Tax Act provision, a doctor's prescription for massage,bodywork, or somatic services will mean direction by a licensed medical doctor (M.D.), osteopath(O.D.), chiropractor, podiatrist (D.P.M.), psychologist with a doctorate in psychology, or dentist forinitiation of massage, bodywork, or somatic services for a patient for whom the medical doctor,osteopath, chiropractor, podiatrist, psychologist, or dentist is providing treatment or consultationservices within the scope of his or her license. This direction must be in writing, and must contain the following: name of patient; name and signature of referring medical doctor, osteopath,chiropractor, podiatrist, psychologist, or dentist; purpose of the referral and description of conditions or needs to be addressed by the massage, bodywork, or somatic therapy. Massage,bodywork, or somatic services provided without a doctor's prescription, are taxable.
We are happy the legislature realized the health and medical benefits of massage and has allowed the exception to the tax.
What We Need From You - We must charge the 7% tax unless we have a valid note or prescription. Chiropractor prescriptions and referrals are acceptable, as well as podiatrist, dentist and others as outlined above by the Division of Taxation. There apparently is no limit for the length of time the prescription is valid or the number of massages covered. We have been told verbally that the original is preferred, but that a copy should be acceptable. You only need one prescription NOT a new one each time you come in. The information will be held in your confidential file.
What Should It Say? - The Tax Note allows a wide range. The choice is up to your health care provider, but here are a few of the reasons we have seen for massage:
- chronic muscle pain
- stress reduction
- fibromyalgia
- pain or soreness in (specify area)
- enhancement of athletic performance
- increase in immune function
- improve flexibility and range of motion
- help to reduce blood pressure
- improve mental outlook
- enhance calmness
- promote healing of injuries
- reduce muscle tension
- improve quality of life
- post *surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy
*Surgical procedures such as removal of Lymph Nodes, Plastic Surgery, Lipo Suction, or all Lymphedema related conditions.
How to Obtain a Note or Prescription - Doctors and other health providers have been extremely cooperative, since they know the benefits massage can have in your overall health care. Many will prepare the note or prescription without a visit, especially if they have been seeing you on a regular basis. Call your health provider's office and explain why you need the note or prescription. Tell them you do not need any treatment codes,since this is not for insurance reimbursement, just for our files to avoid having to charge you the 7% tax. In some cases, they may ask you to come in for a visit. If this is the case, it is worth the visit.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is entirely optional. If you wish to show appreciation for your therapist, you can either offer a tip in cash or add it on to your check or credit card amount. (Note: Please tell therapist amount to add to your credit card before we run it.)
What type of massage should I ask for?
It depends on your goals. If you are looking for stress reduction, then Swedish massage is the answer for you. For a particular injury or problem, you may need some neuromuscular therapy and myofascial work - both deeper types of massage. If you are an athlete, then deep tissue or sports massage with stretching and movement is the answer for you. Frequently, the therapist will combine different types of massage to suit your personal needs. See our modality library or services page for more information.
When is the best time of day to come for a massage?
It's up to you. Some clients prefer early in the day and then they feel wonderful for the rest of the day. Other clients prefer to come at the end of the day to relax and improve their sleep patterns. You can come either before or after exercising. If after exercising, we suggest a cool down period and a shower for cleanliness.
Can I come for a massage with a friend or my partner?
Yes, however, they will be provided in individual rooms.
How far in advance should I make an appointment?
We rarely have availability for walk-ins, so we strongly suggest you call first. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule. If we don't answer the phone, we may be with another client but we will call you back promptly. Please leave a message with a preferred time and date and your telephone number.
Our number is (908) 704-8850 our email address is: mail@bodyessentialmassage.net
What if I cannot make a scheduled appointment?
Please call 908.704.8850 as soon as you know you are unable to come in. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice are subject to a billing fee. But please call us!
What training and experience do you have?
Each of us has received certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork and or is a 'Specialist' with appropriate schooling and accreditation. As soon as the 2008 Massage Licensing statute becomes effective, we will become New Jersey Licensed Massage Therapists. We all have advanced training and experience. Additionally, we are all members of the American Massage Therapy Association, the nation's largest and oldest professional association for massage and bodywork professionals.