Massage therapy is quite possibly the most misunderstood form of health care available today.
SERVICES & RATES
Your insurance plan may cover the cost of your massage sessions, especially if you've been injured.
Therapeutic Massage at your Workplace
In-Home Instruction for Chronic Issues
Wellness Massage in a Hospital, Assisted Living, or Home Health Setting
In-Home Instruction for Chronic Issues
Wellness Massage in a Hospital, Assisted Living, or Home Health Setting
Salon/Spa Style In-Home Massage ~
~These sessions are limited in availability and are not posted here. They are provided only to those who have been referred directly by someone I know including friends, neighbors, established clients, and colleagues. If you've been referred please call and PLEASE be sure to let me know you've been referred & by whom so I return your call. At this time I do not return calls to those seeking this service if they have not come with a referral so it's important that you let me know this. Thank you.
It's no secret that chronic or repeated long-term stress is associated with increased risks for disease. Receiving massage, either to control stress responses or to recover after an injury, is not a luxury. It doesn't have to be extremely expensive or time consuming. Even a 20 minute seated massage during your lunch break is better than nothing at all in order to help keep destructive stress hormones under control.
Scientific research is beginning to prove what we've known all along: direct hands-on manipulation of the body's soft tissues enhances the body's ability to heal itself. Besides having the ability to help reduce pain, increase flexibility and reduce stress on joints, massage can also reduce
excessive, damaging stress hormones that have the ability to manifest into physical disease by assisting the body in reaching a balance called homeostasis. The body needs this balance to function at its highest potential and to repair and restore at the cellular level. This equilibrium is not a luxury, it is necessary in order to achieve and maintain health. Massage is one very enjoyable way to reach that balance.
Direct Insurance Billing for Your Massage Sessions
I am often asked the question, "Do you take insurance?" It's actually not up to me, it's up to your insurance provider whether they will cover my services. Most auto insurance companies will accept my bill and reimburse me directly to help you recover from an auto accident and some health insurance companies will cover your care but not in the same way.
Medicare in Maine, to the best of my knowledge, does not cover the cost of massage and neither does Medicaid unless it is provided directly by or provided directly under the supervision of a doctor. At this time I provide direct billing only for auto injuries if it is covered by insurance; if it is not covered by your insurance payment is due at the time of service. Please note the cost of this therapy is the same regardless of whether it is billed or private pay.
Workers' compensation often will cover the cost of massage; however, I do not yet accept these claims (though I plan to). Additionally, some health/medical insurance will directly reimburse YOU, their customer, but not me. This means you would pay me directly and I would provide you with the form to send to your insurance company for your reimbursement. I can not guarantee that you will be reimbursed, that is up to your insurance, which is why it is important that you clarify the terms of your plan before you schedule your session.
Massage at Home for the Injured
Visits in the home for injured clients require a prescription or permission from a qualified health care provider. These sessions are tailored to help you recover from a diagnosed injury over time with specific outcome goals. The frequency of your visits, areas to be worked on, and number of visits are determined by your doctor. Work is done on a massage table, so please be sure to check the home visit guidelines and call if you have questions about them.
Visits in the home for injured clients require a prescription or permission from a qualified health care provider. These sessions are tailored to help you recover from a diagnosed injury over time with specific outcome goals. The frequency of your visits, areas to be worked on, and number of visits are determined by your doctor. Work is done on a massage table, so please be sure to check the home visit guidelines and call if you have questions about them.
Rehabilitation Therapy (Flat rate applies. Estimate of charges provided upon verification of prescription and acknowledgement that I am able to follow said prescription. Original prescription required before service can be provided.)
These two services** focus on your chief complaints that are a direct result of the repetitive stress your line of work places on your body. Each is a seated session, fully clothed. Sessions can be provided individually or in groups depending on where you are located.
Massage for the Medically Frail in a Home Care, Assisted Living, or Hospital Setting*
Besides being a licensed massage therapist I am also a state certified Personal Support Specialist (PSS) which is somewhat similar to being a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). I am also certified in Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Massage for Medically Frail and Hospitalized** Patients. I offer the following services in home health care settings where someone would like to add a massage therapist to their list of caregivers and in medical or hospital settings that allow private duty caregivers. Unfortunately, due to Medicare restrictions, these services can not be billed to Medicare; most sessions are private pay. Please remember to apply the proper service charge as noted with each service (some are discounted).
Physician's Permission Explained: A legible note on the PCP's letterhead or prescription slip stating that your medical records indicate that "It is safe for [First Name] [Last Name], DOB [xx/xx/xxxx], to receive circulatory massage" (in those words). It must include your full name, the current date, and be signed by your PCP. I suggest not getting this until I have confirmed that I can accept your request for a visit.
Massage or Reiki for Those Completing Their Life's Journey in Hospice
Neither requires a prescription or referral.
20 Minute Seated Massage $19 (Provided in your own office chair. Deduct $10 from service charge. Available in $15 service areas.)
Seated Massage for Groups ~ $1 for each minute reserved* (Fully clothed and in a specially designed massage chair that even allows those in skirts & dresses or those with sensitive knees to use comfortably. Charges are for time reserved, not for actual sessions provided. Please call to discuss actual session times; there is approximately a two minute transition period from one client to the next to allow for adjustment of the chair and discussion of needs. I provide the massage chair, disposable face cradle covers, chair sanitizing supplies, and music (if desired). Full service charge applies.)
*One hour minimum reservation required; Half hour minimum required for $15 service charge locations. Each person receiving seated massage is required to have a minimum of a 10 minute session; individual sessions not to exceed 15 minutes each.
**Sorry, home-based offices are not eligible for these services.
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In-Home Instruction for Chronic Issues
When immediate relief is necessary due to an active chronic issue, many people would prefer to have a friend, family member, or partner spend a couple of minutes addressing it as soon as possible rather than pop a pill to relieve pain. If you suffer from bouts of chronic pain that can be relieved after only a few minutes of massage, the most effective massage is the one that is properly administered and instruction in the privacy of your own home is available. Instruction includes understanding the locations of the muscles involved, proper massage techniques & why proper techniques matter, how to determine the right amount of pressure, and awareness of any applicable precautions. Sessions are designed to provide the most effectiveness possible in the least amount of time by addressing the right muscles in the right way with the right amount of pressure. You will also learn how cold & hot therapy works to enhance the effectiveness of the massage and how you can do this, too, at home provided your condition is not one that is commonly exacerbated by this method.
Rates are dependent upon the amount of instruction needed, please call for an estimate. Maximum time reserved is one hour.
When immediate relief is necessary due to an active chronic issue, many people would prefer to have a friend, family member, or partner spend a couple of minutes addressing it as soon as possible rather than pop a pill to relieve pain. If you suffer from bouts of chronic pain that can be relieved after only a few minutes of massage, the most effective massage is the one that is properly administered and instruction in the privacy of your own home is available. Instruction includes understanding the locations of the muscles involved, proper massage techniques & why proper techniques matter, how to determine the right amount of pressure, and awareness of any applicable precautions. Sessions are designed to provide the most effectiveness possible in the least amount of time by addressing the right muscles in the right way with the right amount of pressure. You will also learn how cold & hot therapy works to enhance the effectiveness of the massage and how you can do this, too, at home provided your condition is not one that is commonly exacerbated by this method.
Rates are dependent upon the amount of instruction needed, please call for an estimate. Maximum time reserved is one hour.
Massage for the Medically Frail in a Home Care, Assisted Living, or Hospital Setting*
Besides being a licensed massage therapist I am also a state certified Personal Support Specialist (PSS) which is somewhat similar to being a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). I am also certified in Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Massage for Medically Frail and Hospitalized** Patients. I offer the following services in home health care settings where someone would like to add a massage therapist to their list of caregivers and in medical or hospital settings that allow private duty caregivers. Unfortunately, due to Medicare restrictions, these services can not be billed to Medicare; most sessions are private pay. Please remember to apply the proper service charge as noted with each service (some are discounted).
On-Site Consultation (Required before services can be rendered) FREE (First consultation is available at no charge to those in the $15 service area. Any necessary subsequent consultations for this purpose will be charged the full applicable service charge. Limited to 15 minutes. Written permission must first be given for me to communicate with your doctor about your needs and I ask that you first know which service you plan to utilize. This consultation is available to you so I can assess whether your home environment will provide proper work conditions that will help prevent unnecessary strain on my body which, in turn, will also help you get the most of your session. For example, will use of your favorite chair mean that I have to lean awkwardly to reach your shoulders? Or perhaps is one side of your hospital bed too close to a wall to allow me to position myself properly in order to avoid low back strain? These are the kinds of things I need to see before scheduling your first session. Usually a telephone discussion about your needs and your environment will help in preparing for this visit. Sorry, I do not move furniture or furnishings.)
Therapeutic Massage for Symptom Relief $29 (Therapy targeted to relieve your most problematic issue(s) -- pain, flexibility, high blood pressure, poor blood circulation, muscle tension, etc. 30 minutes. No massage table or massage chair is brought to the home unless necessary (determined with on-site consultation, above). Deduct $10 from service charge only if no massage table or chair is needed; available in $15 service areas only. If there is more than one client available per visit service may be extended to other service areas. If a hospital style bed is available it may be used in place of the massage table.)
Relaxing Massage -- Head, Hands, and Feet $29 (This is designed to keep you comfortable and help improve circulation. With your physician's permission, it will allow you to sit in your favorite chair while receiving a comforting foot bath followed by gentle massage to the scalp, hands, and feet, fully clothed. 30 minutes, I bring a basin for the foot bath but no massage table or massage chair is brought to the home. Deduct $10 from service charge; available in $15 service areas only. If there is more than one client available per visit service may be extended to other service areas.)
Physician's Permission Explained: A legible note on the PCP's letterhead or prescription slip stating that your medical records indicate that "It is safe for [First Name] [Last Name], DOB [xx/xx/xxxx], to receive circulatory massage" (in those words). It must include your full name, the current date, and be signed by your PCP. I suggest not getting this until I have confirmed that I can accept your request for a visit.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage $29 or $59 (30 or 60 minutes to improve the flow of lymphatic fluid in order to help relieve symptoms associated with edema and to help support the immune system. Very light touch. Deduct $10 from service charge. I provide my own gloves and mask if needed; however, I will need to know at the time of the call if I will need a gown. 30 minute sessions are currently available only in the $15 service areas but if there is more than one client available per visit service may be extended to other service areas.)
Comfort Based Massage $29 or $59 (Similar to relaxation massage but specially designed to suit medical environments, 30 or 60 minute session to provide comfort. Deduct $10 from service charge. I provide my own gloves and mask if needed; however, I will need to know at the time of the call if I will need a gown. 30 minute sessions are available only in $15 service areas but if there is more than one client available per visit service may be extended to other areas.)
Partial*** Bed Bath and Comfort Massage $39 (Slow, comforting partial bed bath along with relaxing, gentle massage for the bed bound patient to stimulate good circulation, enhance the flow of lymphatic fluid, and promote peace of mind and physical comfort. 60 minutes -- 30 minutes for bed bath and a 30 minute massage; for bed-ridden patients only. Please provide bath supplies and deduct $10 from service charge. I provide my own gloves and mask if needed; however, I will need to know at the time of the call if I will need a gown.)
*To avoid occupational injury some services are provided to those in an adjustable hospital style bed only.
**Oncology massage requires lengthy additional training and is not yet available.
***Certain aspects of the bath are the responsibility of the client’s usual caregiver(s). This service is not to be used regularly in place of the client’s usual bathing regimen.
At this time I am offering complimentary half hour comfort-based massage or Reiki sessions to those who are preparing to return to their loved ones in spirit. For those of you familiar with Reiki, please note I have experience but am not certified* or "attuned"* in Reiki; however, a "laying on of hands" practice was part of my massage education while earning my massage license. Donations for travel expenses are accepted but not expected.
First half hour of massage or Reiki = Free session; Donations accepted for travel expenses (Biddeford, Dayton, Lyman, Old Orchard Beach and Saco only please)
Second half hour of massage or Reiki (by request only) $29 (Please deduct $10 from service charge. Available in all service areas.)
*Reiki is not a regulated practice in the state of Maine; therefore, certification in Reiki is not a state requirement in order to practice Reiki. Additionally, it is my personal belief that anyone can practice Reiki with or without an attunement because of its source; however, I also believe attunement may increase a practitioner's ability to channel the energy, especially a practitioner who was not already "tuned in" to it naturally.
Service charges apply to all services except rehabilitation therapy which has its own flat rate unless otherwise stated. They cover travel time & expenses and the time it takes to prepare for your mobile session (packing & unpacking, carrying, and loading of equipment & supplies plus set up and take down time). Fees are round trip, per visit. I serve the following areas:
Biddeford, Dayton, Lyman, Old Orchard Beach, and Saco $15
Buxton, East Waterboro, Scarborough, and Waterboro $18
Buxton, East Waterboro, Scarborough, and Waterboro $18
Arundel, Biddeford Pool, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and West Kennebunk $22
Alfred, Gorham, North Waterboro, Portland, Sanford, South Portland, Wells, and Westbrook $27
Service Charge Discounts
Discounts* on your service charge are available to those who have their own massage table and linens**, as follows:
Your own massage table, already set up upon arrival: -$10
Your linens already on that massage table: -$2 more
Your own massage table ready for me to set up: -$5
Your linens ready for me to use: -$1
*Charges and applicable discounts are per visit, not per massage. There are different types of tables and not all are portable. Portable tables are your least expensive option. They can also be folded and stored easily in a closet between sessions and the most basic tables can often be found at an affordable price (some are $100 or less) new at Sam's Club orMassage Warehouse and you can sometimes buy them second hand through Craigslist (I advise thoroughly inspecting the structure of the table and checking for odors and stains before purchasing a used table). Some are more padded than others so if you buy a basic table that doesn't have much padding you could always add a fleece table cover to add padding. I highly recommend calling ahead to Sam's Club and seeing if they have any on-site. They have in the past & it would allow you to actually see and feel the table prior to purchase. You can also find sheets made for massage tables (including face cradle covers) through Sam's Club or Massage Warehouse. Make sure the description doesn't say "disposable". You can also use twin size sheets, although they don't fit as well. To further protect your table from lotion/oil stains you can add a basic twin size mattress cover/pad without plastic.
**Discount option(s) does not apply to rehabilitation rate.
Although I do not provide private duty PSS/caregiver services at this time, through training and experience being a PSS means I am familiar with the following:
~ Providing choices and encouraging practical independence (doing as much for oneself as one can for as long as possible)
~ Dementia, Alzheimer's, ALS, complications following surgery, aftermath of stroke (left neglect, etc.), narcolepsy, limited range of motion/balance/strength, Parkinson's
~ Hygiene and safety
~ Confidentiality and ethics
~ The importance of communication and barriers to communication
~ Position, site, and pressure considerations following major medical procedures
~ The physical, emotional, and mental aspects of the aging process
~ Emotional support and empowerment
~ Assistive devices
~ Transfers
~ The bed-bound client and complications that can arise
~ Standard precautions for infection/illness control including gown, gloves, and mask
~ General understanding of body systems & functions
~ Urinary and bowel incontinence
~ Ostomies
~ Catheters
~ Feeding tubes
~ Vital signs
~ Dementia, Alzheimer's, ALS, complications following surgery, aftermath of stroke (left neglect, etc.), narcolepsy, limited range of motion/balance/strength, Parkinson's
~ Hygiene and safety
~ Confidentiality and ethics
~ The importance of communication and barriers to communication
~ Position, site, and pressure considerations following major medical procedures
~ The physical, emotional, and mental aspects of the aging process
~ Emotional support and empowerment
~ Assistive devices
~ Transfers
~ The bed-bound client and complications that can arise
~ Standard precautions for infection/illness control including gown, gloves, and mask
~ General understanding of body systems & functions
~ Urinary and bowel incontinence
~ Ostomies
~ Catheters
~ Feeding tubes
~ Vital signs
~ End of life process
(207) 590-4433
TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES PLEASE CLICK HERE.
At this time I am unable to return calls to those who are ineligible so if you believe you may be eligible for services please be sure to state that in your message.
"For every $1.00 you spend at a locally owned business, $.45 cents stays in the local economy, creating jobs and expanding the city's tax base. For every $1.00 spent at a national chain or franchise store, only $.14 remains in the community."
~http://www.sacospirit.com
Akina Healing Arts (207) 590-4433