FAQ
What are your office hours?
You can contact us any time by text message at (707) 514-6694 or email (ncblankenship@yahoo.com).
My treatment sessions are by appointment only, Monday through Friday – 9 am until 4 pm.
Exceptions can be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
How do I pay?
Are treatments covered by my health insurance?
Yes and no. I require payment at the time the services are provided. However, the treatments you receive are clinical and therapeutic, so they may be reimbursable.
You will need to validate this with your insurance company. Often, a physician’s prescription for Clinical Massage Therapy helps justify your request to your insurance company.
I do not bill health insurance companies directly.
For auto accident injuries, I can work with your healthcare provider (MD, DO, DC, DPT) to bill your auto insurance directly. If the auto insurance company denies payment, you are still responsible for any payment.
How do I make an appointment?
You can text, call, or email your request, or book through the website directly:
Mobile (707) 514-6694 and email at ncblankenship@yahoo.com.
Can I cancel an appointment?
I understand that unanticipated events happen occasionally in everyone’s life. In my desire to be effective and fair to all clients, the following policies are honored:
24-hour advance notice is required when cancelling an appointment. This allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment. If you are unable to give me 24 hours’ advance notice, you will be charged the full amount of your appointment. This amount must be paid prior to your next scheduled appointment.
Anyone who either forgets or consciously chooses to forego their appointment for whatever reason will be considered a “no-show.” They will be charged for their “missed” appointment.
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. Depending upon how late you arrive, I will determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the length of the treatment provided, you will be responsible for the “full” session. Out of respect and consideration to me and other customers, please plan accordingly and be on time.
How early should I arrive before my appointment time?
What modalities do you offer?
Do you work with Women? Men? Others?
Likewise, I expect you will be open and honest with me regarding your health, surgeries, medications, lifestyle, etc., so I can partner with you for the best possible treatment.
Where will my bodywork session take place?
How long is a typical session?
All my appointments are 90 minutes!
This gives me time to address any issue related to your complaints without having to compromise.
I will shorten the session at my discretion, if the work needed is not as extensive.
What can I expect in the first session?
As a New Client, you will have a lot of questions, AND SO DO I!
Before your appointment, you will receive an intake form to fill out. At the beginning of your first session, we will review that form together, talk about your answers in more detail, and check into any complaints you might have.
The actual time on my table during that initial intake appointment is usually about 60 minutes, leaving 30 minutes for assessment and brief instruction at the end.
This allows me to get a good picture of your condition, so during the following appointment we can start pinpointing the cause for your pain or restriction.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most techniques are traditionally performed with the client fully unclothed, so I can work directly on the skin and underlying tissues. Undress to your level of comfort, but keep in mind that the best results are obtained with direct contact to the skin, without clothing.
You will be properly and professionally covered (draped) during the entire session. If at any time you feel uncomfortable about the session, draping, or work being performed, simply tell me; I will adapt the session to ensure your comfort.
Some sessions will require you to wear comfortable clothing for exercise or self-care instruction.
For younger clients (14 years old and younger), I will work around their loose-fitting clothing while on the table. I recommend they wear typical gym-style workout gear (shorts and t-shirt).
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
What should I do during the bodywork session?
Prior to getting on the table, you and I will discuss the work to be done in this session. You are welcome to ask questions and share any concerns.
During the session, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed (such as lifting your arm). In most sessions, you will communicate with me as I am working on your areas of concern.
If you are receiving therapy for a mind-body condition such as anxiety, stress, or depression, I may work in silence.
At any time, if you have any questions regarding the session or the techniques you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the session?
Most people experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity.
Getting off the table may be like how you feel when you wake up in the morning, but people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity that can last for days.
For deep tissue work, you may experience some muscle aches or in rare instances, mild bruising, depending on the type of work performed.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes! That’s why it’s imperative that before you begin your session I know about any health problems or medications you are taking.
Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
How long will I be in therapy?
As short as possible and as long as necessary!
But that depends on many aspects including:
How long has it been a problem? How long did you ignore it? How bad is the damage? Are you taking part in your own Recovery? How does your body respond to certain treatments? Etc.
However, I will always give you a realistic estimate!
My goal is to get you where you want to be and keep you there, without needing continuous sessions.
I do recommend a maintenance session every 4-6 weeks even if you feel fine, so whatever is building up does not hit you as hard the next time around.
Who benefits from therapy?
I am experienced with creating effective relief for people living with chronic conditions or pain patterns due to overuse/strain.
Some of the conditions I treat regularly: low back pain, chronic tension and anxiety, fibromyalgia, M. piriformis syndrome (Pseudo Sciatica), carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist and hand pain), migraine, neck, arm and shoulder restrictions with associated pain and numbness (thoracic outlet), arthritis, and injuries both new and old.
I also enjoy working with pre- and post-event athletes along with pre- and post-surgery clients.
With compelling evidence of the value of actively participating in our own health, why doesn’t everyone do it?
There are many reasons, but one stands out. It’s human nature to want a quick fix, and taking charge of your own health takes time and energy.
My treatments require you to actively participate in your own care. What you choose to do can make as much or more of a difference to your health than any decisions even the most knowledgeable and skilled doctor might make for you.
What is your educational background?
Since 2000, I have been a licensed Physiotherapist and Lymphatic Drainage Specialist in Germany.
After moving to the US in 2008, I went to the Massage Therapy Institute in Davis, CA, to gain the credentials required by the State of California for licensing as a Medical Massage Therapist.
I have acquired qualifications in the fields of Neuro-Muscular Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, and Hot Stone Massage, as well as Myofascial Release, Medical Massage, and Swedish Massage.