Allied Wellness Services
  Frequently Asked Questions...
What is the first appointment like?
When should I arrive for my appointment?
Why do I have to share my medical history,
including medications, with the practioner or massage therapist?
How is my personal information handled?
I don’t have a clue about what kind of therapy to ask about.
How do I know if I’ve never received any type of CAM or massage therapy?
How long are the sessions?
How much time can I expect to spend at a session?
What can I do to prepare for my massage?
How do I know that my practioner is qualified?
Can I use my insurance card?
What kind of payment method is accepted?
How do I find a practioner and massage therapist who is trained in my area of interest?
What if I don’t like the therapist’s technique?
I am being treated for Cancer, or I am in remission.
Is it OK to receive massage therapy services?
What if I am running late?
What if my therapist is behind schedule?
What if I miss an appointment?
How can I afford Massage Therapy?

What is the first appointment like?

You took the first step! And, that's an important one. Your initial session will include a health history, a consent form, and a dialogue between you and the therapist. This discussion will include your reasons for seeking massage therapy services, your goals and expectations so your session that is designed to meet your needs. Your initial massage therapy session is generally fifteen to twenty minutes longer than regular sessions will be.

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When should I arrive for my appointment?

It is helpful for you to arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. This will allow you to use the rest room, have a drink of water and get settled before your session.

Arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment will help you transition from your day; and, prepare you for your session.

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Why do I have to share my medical history, including medications, with the practioner or massage therapist?

There are certain medications which are contraindicated. If you have recently had surgery, or an accident, a medical release may be required prior to receiving massage therapy services. Also, there are certain medical conditions and/or injuries that could require a medical release; your doctor may want to specify what type of massage therapy is safe for you.

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How is my personal information handled?

Your Massage Therapist is trained in the use and practice of HIPPA regulations and best practices. HIPPA, Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act, is a federal law that was fully implemented in May 2002. It is designed to protect private health and medical information about you.

All client charts are maintained according to best practices and meet HIPPA privacy laws. Client charts are secured in the office, only authorized personnel have access to client records. The use of all your personal information, including health history, is permission based. We don't sell our client names to other organizations or individuals.

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I don’t have a clue about what kind of therapy to ask about. How do I know if I’ve never received any type of CAM or massage therapy?

This is a great question to ask someone you trust who already receives massage therapy. You can also check out our services page on this website; and, you can visit the American Massage Therapy Association, for more information about different types of massage therapy and their benefits.

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How long are the sessions?

We offer 30-minute, 60-minute and 90-minute sessions.

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How much time can I expect to spend at a session?

Generally, you will spend about an hour and ten minutes for a full session and about forty-five minutes for a half-session. Please allow time for a brief health update and time to get onto and off the table.

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What can I do to prepare for my massage?

It is best to recieve massage / energy work on an empty or light stomach; so, try to avoid eating for two hours prior to your appointment.

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How do I know that my practioner is qualified?

Pennsylvania is one of several states where legal licensure is stuck in legislation. This means that individuals may practice massage therapy without a legal license.

Practioners associated with Allied Wellness Services, LLC have been credentialed, hold certifications other than their basic massage therapy training, and are members of AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) or a relevant professional association. All practioners have professional liability insurance; and are First Aid and CPR certified. Some practioners have advanced degrees which compliment their massage therapy training.

Your practioner will be glad to show you his or her qualifications, just ask!

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Can I use my insurance card?

We currently don't accept insurance plans, upon request we do provide statements formatted for insurance reimbursement. AWS expects to accept some insurance plans in the future.

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What kind of payment method is accepted?

We currently accept cash and local checks, with valid photo I.D.

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How do I find a practioner and massage therapist who is trained in my area of interest?

Check out our services page. If you don't find the service you're looking for there are several options. Allied Wellness Services, LLC offers referrals; we'll be glad to talk with you about your questions, and refer you to a qualified therapist in your area of interest.

Ask your doctor, osteopathic physician or your chiropractor and ask for a recommendation. Remember, you can always use the "Find A Massage Therapist" locator service on the the American Massage Therapy Association website.

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What if I don’t like the therapist’s technique?

The first few times you work with a massage therapist it is important to tell your therapist what you liked about the session; as well as what changes you'd like for the next session.

Everyone has a preference for the type of bodywork they like; light touch, or moderate to deep. A warm room, or one that is cooler. Your massage therapist should check in with you during the first one or two sessions to ensure that you are comfortable in the environment, and are comfortable with the pressure.

You and your massage therapist are collaborative partners in your healthcare. Let your massage therapist know your preferences, so your session can be designed to meet your needs.

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I am being treated for Cancer, or I am in remission. Is it OK to receive massage therapy services?

Some physicians believe that Cancer can be expanded or affected through the Lymphatic System, so, traditional manual massage therapy is often contraindicated. It is important that you check with you doctor first. There is a type of massage therapy called Aviana's Mindful Touch Therapy®, it is safe for most people, regardless of medical status. When MTT was first developed in 1996 it was created especially for Cancer patients and their caregiversFor more about MTT, check out Allison G. Hawthorne's article in the December 2004 issue of "Infertility Times," which can be found at Aviana's Mindful Touch Therapy®; is a registered, trademarked modality; and is available in the York area only at Allied Wellness Services, LLC, or Center for Mind Body Health. For more information about MTT, check out Aviana Body.

For more information about Cancer and treatments, visit curetoday.com.

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What if I am running late?

We understand that from time to time you may be coming from another appointment that has caused you to be running late for your session. If possible, please call the office and let us know when you expect to arrive. If you are running more than 20 minutes late, it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment.

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What if my therapist is behind schedule?

There are times when your therapist could be behind schedule because a client earlier in the day was late, or it was necessary for your therapist to support a client in need. If your therapist is more than 15 minutes behind schedule, we will make every attempt to notify you as soon as possible. We respect your time and recognize that you may have other commitments. If we cause you inconvenience, we will offer you compensation options. Your therapist will discuss these options with you.

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What if I miss an appointment?

Your appointment time has been set aside for you; so, if you give us a 24-hour notice we have an opportunity to schedule someone else in your place. We understand that life can be hectic, scheduling errors can occur, accidents or illnesses can prevent us from calling, or sometimes we just forget. Our cancellation policy requires a 24-hour notice for no charge missed appointments. Other missed appointments may be subject to a minimum cancellation charge of $25.00; and up to the full session fee.

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How can I afford Massage Therapy?

We offer several different types of programs to support clients, and to reduce financial barriers. Wellness Plans are available for all clients, Wellness Plans can save you up to 15% per session.

Sliding scale arrangements are available on an individual basis; ask your therapist about sliding scale arrangements. You can also visit AWS online at yellowbook.com, and check out our coupon. Watch your email for special offers through the newsletter and stand alone offers.

Some people benefit from condition focus sessions, which are half the cost of a full session. From time to time AWS offers special introductory rates on new techniques or services.

You can contact one of the local massage therapy schools and ask them about their school clinic. The cost of these sessions can be half of the cost of professional massage therapy.

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