Here is a comparison of the two types of work, FAQ-style:

What is the difference between treatment work and relaxation work?

Treatment massage is focused on achieving goals, and helping you make significant progress toward better health. Typically treatment massage is used to reduce/eliminate pain, and recover from injury. Sometimes treatment work is uncomfortable during the massage itself, though after the massage the benefits of the work can be felt.

Relaxation massage is focused on making you feel good now, decreasing your stress level, and soothing your nervous system. This work is what most people think of when they hear the word massage. Relaxation massage is more pampering than treatment massage. Typically relaxation massage is focused on the whole body, and not specific body parts or muscles.

Is treatment massage better than relaxation massage, or vice versa?

Both types of massage achieve something different, but both are directed toward the goal of improved health, and a calm nervous system. So, both types of massage are beneficial, and which is appropriate for your situation depends on what is going on with you at the time of your session.

Do you provide both types of massage?

I certainly do! Both types of work can be used within the same massage session. Typically, most of my clients like a mixture of the two. Having some relaxation massage mixed in a treatment session increases the ability for the treatment work to be integrated by the body. In addition, mixing some treatment work into a relaxation massage can keep your nervous system soothed while also getting rid of some nagging pain or muscle tightness.

Will my insurance pay for treatment massage?

Typically yes. Please read the page for payor type which is appropriate for your situation.

Will my insurance pay for relaxation massage?

Typically no. But many of my clients enjoy adding an extra half-hour of relaxation massage, to an hour session of treatment work paid for by their insurance. The extra time added to the session is paid for by the client, and not their insurance.