What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue with various degrees of pressure and movement involving muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin. The oldest form of massage therapy dates back thousands of years as far as India and ancient China. Throughout the years, massage therapy has made its way beyond the luxury of day spas and more into physical therapy clinics, hospitals, private practices, and chiropractic offices. This is due to the healing and rehabilitative nature of reducing muscle tension and pain.

What is an LMT or MAT?

An LMT is shortened version of "licensed massage therapist" and an MAT (followed by an ID number) is a licensed massage therapist approved to practice in the state of Hawaii. According to the Board of Massage Therapy in Hawaii, massage apprentices are required to undergo a minimum of 570 hours of curriculum and 420 hands-on clinical hours. Once a massage apprentice receives a certification from their accredited massage school, they must take the Hawaii State Exam--which is only offered four times a year--is broken down into four parts; Laws & Rules 10%, Anatomy & Physiology 50%, Massage Theory 15%, and Clinical Situations 25%. A 75% minimum passing score is required to obtain an MAT license.

Due to the extensive time, knowledge, and application, it takes to become a massage therapist, please refrain from calling LMTs "masseuse" or "masseur" as these titles once had a sexual connotation to them.

Can you fix ____ or cure my _____?

Massage therapy can be a great supplement to your overall health with many benefits. However, massage therapy should also be treated as an integrative aspect of healing and pain management, not a cure-all for pain. Please consult with your medical doctor or specialist to determine the right treatment plan for your concerns as your condition may be affected by multiple factors. While Hawaii licensed massage therapists can assess your pain, we are not allowed to diagnose any conditions you may have during your massage session.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, with a doctor's prescription and insurance verification, MassageWorks Hawaii accepts insurance. Please wait until your insurance is approved via our insurance portal on our tab: "Insurance Verification."

This is my first massage. What should I expect?

1. Create a MassageBook account under the "Your Next Appointment" tab, book a session, and complete the intake/waiver form as thoroughly as you can.

2. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment. Your therapist will go over your intake form to address any concerns. It is recommended to use the restroom prior to your session.

3. The therapist will step out of the room for a minute as you get situated or undressed under the massage sheets.

4. The therapist will return to the room and perform the massage. You will be asked routinely if the pressure is adequate. The main goal is for you to relax. If the massage therapist needs you to move, flip over, or shift; they will communicate with you to do so throughout the session.

5. You can communicate your needs throughout the session if the pressure is too hard, soft, or another spot requires attention. It is normal to fall asleep during a massage.

6. Your therapist will let you know when the massage is over. They will step out to leave the room and ask you to get dressed.

7. Once you are dressed, you will receive water/tea and a general assessment of what was found during the session, as well as a recommended time to return.

Are masks required for my appointment?

Masks are strongly recommended. Since the office space is enclosed and indoors, please wear a mask when facing up (supine) on the massage table for neck/shoulder work. You do not need to wear a mask prior to your session or when face down (prone) on the table. Angel, who is also fully vaccinated and boosted, wears a mask for every massage session out of courtesy to the client.

Do I have to remove my clothes? What's the standard of undress?

No, you do not have to remove your clothes. If you choose to have a dry session (no lotion), I would suggest wearing comfortable, loose clothing for stretching/mobilization techniques. Any uncovered skin will be covered and tucked properly with a drape/sheet to ensure your privacy, NO EXCEPTIONS. For those receiving a session with lotion, the standard for most people would be everything removed (including bras) except the underwear/boxers/briefs that cover genitalia. However, I want to emphasize that if you're uncomfortable or concerned in this situation, please communicate with the massage therapist! Our job is to ensure your safety and comfort are a priority.

What if I did not enjoy or feel satisfied with my massage? Can I get a refund?

Services are non-refundable. Please communicate with your massage therapist throughout your session to ensure you receive the right pressure and modality. If your massage is evident to be unsatisfactory, let your therapist know as soon as possible so we can stop the session and avoid charging you for a full session, and refer you to other massage therapists.

How often should I receive a massage?

As often as you would like! The therapist will give you a general timeline to return based on their recommendation. For ideal maintenance, we recommend every 3 to 4 weeks.

Why do I need to make an account to book with you?

Efficiency!

Simply put, a MassageBook account is like having a wallet with a lot of pockets--can you imagine only having one pocket? Your account allows me to do the following: keep your intake-form secure & HIPPA compliant, allow you to book ahead of time so we don't play "phone tag," reschedule/modify your appointment, sign the waiver/intake form, and pre-pay for massage services.

Why do I need to pre-pay?

First-time clients must create an account and pre-pay for their first session to ensure their reservation is booked. The account will input basic/personal information to better customize your massage session while being able to notify your future appointments and sign an online liability waiver.

Return clients have to option to pre-pay 100% or partial deposit to ensure booking availability.

Once you are a return/repeat client, you can call or text us for your desired appointment and offer in-person payment options. However, we still recommend you book online for convenience.

Are tips or gratuity mandatory?

No, tips or gratuity are not mandatory. Instead, tipping is highly appreciated and is the equivalent of giving your massage therapist a warm contactless hug. If you are trying to maintain your wellness budget on schedule and are unable to leave a tip, please do not feel obligated to do so.

What is your zero-tolerance policy?

The zero-tolerance policy refers to the massage therapist to terminating your session and not providing you a refund for doing so. Refrain from sexual jokes, sexual references, and act upon sexual feelings by attempting to ask your massage therapist for sexual favors. Additionally, signs of incoherence due to intoxication or assaulting or threatening a massage therapist will result in asking the individual to leave or escalating the issue to local authorities. This is a professional establishment that abides by Hawaii State Law and Regulations for massage therapy.

Where do I park and check in?

We are located within the Treehouse Coworking, 4819 Kilauea Avenue, Suite 7 of the Kahala area (full address/map is on contact us tab). You may park in our lot in Suite 7, an unmarked stall, or find street parking. Once you are parked, please come to the front and someone will check you in at the lobby. If you are arriving on the weekends or after 5pm on a weekday, the massage therapist will greet you at the front door once they are ready.

Does a massage hurt? Will I be in pain?

Generally, massages should not harm or hurt the client receiving the session. However, it is imperative the individual communicates or speaks to their therapist to adjust the pressure. Massage therapists will check in and observe if there's flinching or signs of pain during your session. The no-pain, no-gain mentality does not exist here. Clients who have experienced a deep tissue/sports style massage mentioned feeling "sore" or feelings of "going through a workout" the next day, but recovered fully the following day. Please stay hydrated, avoid strenuous physical activity, and do a follow-up treatment plan dependent on the severity of your symptoms after your massage.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please reschedule or cancel your appointment within 24 hours or your account will be charged. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows can financially hurt massage therapists. If the cancellation is less than 24 hours, please call us to discuss your next option.

What are some common signs that I need to reschedule my appointment or not get a massage?

• Cold/flu-like/fever symptoms. Please wait 3-4 days after your symptoms subside prior to booking.

• Life-threatening emergencies; heart attack, stroke, shock, etc.

• Recent surgeries. Please get a note from your doctor determining when you can receive a massage.

• Any pre-existing medical condition requiring attention from your medical doctor. Please consult with your medical doctor and obtain a note prior to seeing a massage therapist.

• If you are unable to get onto the table, get off the table, or turn/flip on the table without assistance.

• Infectious disease of the skin.

• Alcohol/intoxication/overuse of prescription drugs.

When should I arrive at my appointment?

If you are a first-time client, please arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier so we can go over your consultation. Plan ahead and accordingly for traffic, parking, pre-consultation, restroom break, and undressing.

I am--or--my massage therapist's running late. Are we able to start later?

Unfortunately, if you are running late and there is a consecutive appointment, MassageWorks Hawaii has the right to start the clock on your scheduled time. If the massage therapist is running late to your session, your massage therapist will announce your start and end of time to ensure you receive your full session.

Do you offer discounts? Are there restrictions?

Yes. We offer $10 off 60-minute and 90-minute sessions for the following:

• First-responders (Fire/Police/EMT/ER Staff)

• K-12 Teachers

• Active Duty or Reserve military members

Additional discounts are available on a limited-time basis to selected groups.

Please note: the discount applies to the individual above and must be kama'aina (resides in Hawaii). The said individual cannot use their discount for other people. Credentials and proof with valid ID are required.

I have a minor that is interested in getting a massage. Are you able to accommodate?

Yes, we ask at least one of the parents or guardians of the minor to remain in the room for the whole duration of the session, sign an additional liability waiver, and the minor to be at least 14 years of age. Minors who are at least 16 years old do not need parental accommodation to stay in the room, but it is an option!

My partner/friend/adult family member would like to sit in for the massage. Is that OK?

At this moment we allow parental guardians to remain in the room exclusively for minors. However, your person can enjoy the complimentary WiFi and quiet lounge area.

I have other concerns.

Please contact us at our email massageworks808@gmail.com or call us at 808-784-7255 and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days. For more immediate assistance, please text the number above.