Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect from Functional therapy?

Each session begins with a body reading that examines how your joints are positioned in relationship to one another, and how your soft tissue is being pulled, twisted, or over-stretched. This helps determine where you are tilted, rotated, and bent in your body. The treatment will be performed with you lying on a massage table, seated on a bench and you may stand and walk throughout the session to evaluate the changes that occur.  The work is focused, slow, intentional, and works at the level of the soft tissue restriction so the depth of pressure can vary from superficial to deep. The work is different from receiving a massage, and people often report feeling more centered, free, expanded, lifted, and grounded.

What should I expect from a Sleep Improvement session?

Our sessions include a comprehensive assessment of your sleep patterns and challenges that result in treatments customized specifically to you. Some of the tools and innovative techniques used by Tip It Forward practitioners include: 

  • A general sleep assessment and a 1-week sleep log that both demonstrate disruptive patterns and potential sleep health concerns 

  • In-depth conversation with you to review both your sleep history and routine to ensure that your specific challenges are addressed for your unique situation

  • Providing information and materials that will assist you in your specific situation and creating a sleep wellness solution that accommodates your life

  • Administering 5-NP acupressure to allow your body a jumpstart on relaxing and achieving a sense of calm to allow for more restful sleep and a general sense of well-being

  • Mindfulness exercises and meditation techniques that have been tested and proven to assist in getting to sleep faster and more restful sleep in general 

  • Providing information and demonstrating the benefits of essential oils, such as lavender, and how to use essential oils in a beneficial way

We always listen to your unique situation, and seek to address  any concerns or answer any questions you might have to achieve your sleep goals and renew your energy.

What is Acupressure and are there any needles involved?

There are no needles! Acupressure is different from Acupuncture. Acupressure is a non-invasive treatment that improves mental clarity and provides a sense of calm. There are many methods and techniques used in acupressure. 

One of the specific acupressure treatments that we provide is the 5-NP. This treatment consists of placing ear seeds (essentially small beads under tiny band-aids) on 5 points in each ear. 5-NP is a safe, non-invasive, quick, and easy method that does not interfere with activities of daily living. The ear seeds can stay taped on the ear for up to 3 days. The ears are connected to a central body nerve, and by stimulating specific points in the ear, the 5-NP engages the body’s rest-and-digest function. Benefits of this unique and innovative treatment from our specialty practitioners include:

  • Decreased stress, anxiety, depression, and post-trauma symptoms

  • Increased restful sleep and the reduction of insomnia and fatigue

  • Relief from chronic pain in the body and reduced headaches

  • Regulation of blood pressure and increased immune function

  • Reduction of cravings and relief from withdrawal symptoms

  • Increased focus, self-esteem, inner-calm, mindfulness, and a relaxed mind

Why will this work benefit me?

We often go through life acting as if our minds and our bodies are separate. When we increase awareness of our mind-body connection, we are able to receive subtle messages when our system becomes stressed and in need of adjustment. We are empowered to change how we move and carry ourselves. 

Specific benefits of sessions vary from person to person, but the following results are often reported:

  • Greater physical energy and vitality if you’ve been feeling tired and worn down

  • More open and positive attitude toward yourself and the world

  • Better movement and less pain, emotionally and physically

  • Less pain

  • Increased mental energy and awareness of yourself 

  • Increased happiness and joy as a result of old patterns changing

Who can benefit from our therapies?

The therapies that we offer are ideal for anyone who wants to experience change and feel better in their bodies, such as:

  • People with demanding manual labor jobs 

  • People who sit a lot - who are tired, immobile, and in pain.

  • Survivors of physical violence, sexual trauma and/or physical, mental, or emotional abuse

  • Mothers who have had difficult deliveries and your body never felt quite right since

  • Change makers, visionaries, and creatives

  • Seniors who want to age gracefully 

What will happen during my first appointment?

As a new client, we will discuss your current medical status and health history. You will be asked about medications, injuries, areas of pain and soreness, your occupation and activities, and what kinds of activities cause you discomfort or soreness.  Each session is unique, and planned according to what you need to receive therapeutic benefit. Your privacy, comfort and warmth is important and respected by our team.

How active are sessions?

Sessions often begin with a moment of evaluation of the stresses and imbalances of your body. During the session, you may be asked to move in a specific way to facilitate soft tissue release, diminish pain, and increase awareness of a specific  area of your body. This may simply involve breathing at your normal capacity or it may involve particular movements of the muscles. Oftentimes, when you actively participate in the session, the results are more significant and last longer.

What should I wear to my session?

It is common for someone to remove all of their clothes for massage, and they are covered by a sheet during a session.  Depending on the treatment, we may ask you to wear a bathing suit or sports bra and shorts if you are female that you are comfortable being seen in.  

What if I am uncomfortable removing clothing for my session?

If you are uncomfortable removing clothing, there is plenty of therapeutic work that can be done fully clothed.  For fascial release patients, it is important to have access to; visibly examine; palpate and treat your body, muscles and tissues directly. Acupressure is always done fully clothed. 

How should I prepare for my session?

Eating:  If a session involves abdominal work, you will probably be more comfortable not eating immediately before a session. You can eat directly after your session. 

Water:  Any potential soreness after your session will be diminished if you drink plenty of water beforehand. Hydrated tissue is healthier tissue! Come prepared by being hydrated - but don’t drink a lot of fluids right before the session. It is best that you do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after your session.

Frequency of appointments: 

Depending on the nature of your issue, you may need to come weekly or once a month. We will decide a treatment plan that will work for you.

What is my role in the healing process?

Your day to day actions are key to your healing. Having an open, inquisitive mind is helpful so you can perceive the habits and thought patterns that keep you healthy or hinder your healing.

Your health is similar to the components of a house. Many pieces such as the foundations, walls, and roof interconnect to create a strong, complete structure.