Treatments and Rates

What Treatments are Offered at LPTM?

  • Swedish Massage uses long strokes, kneading, tapotement and friction on the muscles and moves the joints to increase local blood circulation andwaterfallaid flexibility. Swedish Massage is generally the most familiar form of massage, and its strokes form the foundation of most other forms of massage. It can be used to relax you, energize you or relieve your pain.
  • CranioSacral Therapy is an extremely gentle and relaxing treatment that manipulates the body's tissues to increase fluid flow to and from the brain and spinal cord. With the body's craniosacral system as a guide and using pressure equivalent to that of a nickel, treatment focuses more directly on the cause of problems, rather than the symptoms. CranioSacral Therapy can be an especially effective treatment for headaches, migraines, TMJ syndrome and chronic pain.
  • Myofascial Release releases restrictions within the deeper layers of fascia, the primary connective tissue of the body. Fascia forms a three-dimensional web throughout the body, extending without interruption from the top of the head to the tips of the toes, surrounding and infusing every organ, muscle, bone, nerve and blood vessel all the way down to the cellular level. Trauma of any kind causes an inflammatory process which leads fascia to become solidified and shortened. Because of its continuity, lines of tension in the fascia can produce bizarre and seemingly unrelated symptoms in adjacent areas of the body.Releasing these lines of tension is accomplished by gently stretching the fiber cross-links. Deep releases are performed all over the body and in all directions, depending on where the fascial restriction is located.

My treatments are based primarily in Swedish massage techniques and tailored to each individual client’s condition, needs and goals. CranioSacral Therapy and Myofascial Release is becoming increasingly integrated into my treatments and can be the exclusive focus of any treatment if the client so desires. Treatment plans are determined in discussion with each client and are based upon a thorough knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology and orthopedic assessment.

Although individual responses to massage therapy vary from one client to the next, massage can be an effective treatment for the symptoms of:

  • chronic pain due to injury or disease;
  • back pain;
  • headaches;
  • stress;
  • sports injuries;
  • workplace injuries;
  • repetitive strain/stress injuries;
  • injuries due to motor vehicle accidents;
  • scar tissue;
  • TMJ syndrome;
  • fibromyalgia;
  • arthritis;
  • strains and sprains;
  • nerve entrapment;
  • fatigue;
  • constipation;
  • edema.

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At LPTM, I Offer:

Relaxation Massage

At their core, all massage treatments have relaxation as their primary goal. Massagetherapy has been found to lower cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a chemical associated with the body’s response to stress. Under normal conditions, cortisol helps the body’s systems return to their normal states after a stress response. However, prolonged elevated levels can have many negative effects on the body, including increased blood pressure and inhibition of the immune system.

Massage therapy has also been shown to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine in the body. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with a variety of disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, migraines, tinnitus, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. Dopamine is commonly associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation.

Therapeutic Massage

Massage therapy can do much to ease symptoms of headaches, injuries and other dysfunctions. It can relieve sore muscles, help increase range of motion and ease chronic pain. A recent survey by the American Hospital Association shows that nearly 82 percent of hospitals that use some form of complementary or alternative care use massage therapy, with 70 percent of those hospitals using massage for pain management and pain relief. A consumer survey commissioned by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) revealed that nearly half (47%) of those polled have had a massage specifically for pain relief. A 2003 survey of 1,998 massage clients showed that 63 percent believed massage therapy provided them greater pain relief than chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy or other bodywork.

Geriatric Massage

Geriatric massage is a form of massage designed to meet the specific needs of the elderly population. Older people often suffer from a variety of such age-related diseases as Parkinson's disease, arthritis, diabetes or heart disease. As a result, they have poor blood circulation and limited physical activity. Many of them are also anxious, depressed and lonely. Geriatric massage can help them maintain and improve their overall health by increasing blood and lymph circulation, relieving chronic pain and increasing range of motion. It may also help them regain certain physical functions that have been reduced or lost due to aging. In addition, geriatric massage can relieve anxiety and depression and provide comfort to touch-deprived elderly clients.

Sports Massage

Sports massage employs faster and more vigorous techniques to energize the body and get it ready to perform, or to flush out metabolic wastes after a competition. Sports massage may help prevent injury, keep the body flexible or recuperate should an injury occur. While a typical massage aims to relax the client’s body and mind, the goal of a sports massage is to maintain mental alertness while leaving the athlete’s muscles loose and ready to perform. A sports massage approach can often be beneficial for any client, not just athletes.

Medical Massage

Medical massage is used to treat specific injuries or other conditions as prescribed by a medical doctor. Treatments focus on your specific area dyfunction and usually include a more detailed initial intake to comply with the requirements of your insurance company. I have experience treating clients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, migraine, fibromyalgia, arthritis, osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, muscular dystrophy, Dupuytren's contracture, plantar fasciitis, hypertension, Guillain-Barré syndrome, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, as well as many other conditions.


What to Expect at your Massage Appointment:

If you haven't had much experience with massage therapy, you might be wondering what to expect. You should first be aware that all massage therapists vary in their skill, technique and approach. The intent of this page is to give you a better idea of the care you will receive at Lone Palm Therapeutic Massage.

On your first visit, you will be asked to complete a written confidential medical history form. The Privacy Policy at LPTM meets the requirements of the Health Information Privacy Protection Act (HIPPA). Your therapist will assess your problem area, perhaps by checking for restricted or painful movement, palpating for tenderness or carrying out a postural observation and functional orthopedic assessment. Your blood pressure may be taken. It is important to understand that massage therapists do not diagnose disease or dysfunction. The assessment is meant only to guide your treatment.

The interview process has three purposes: 

  1. We need to make sure that there aren't any conditions present that rule out having a massage due to any health risks.
  2. We need to know what your needs are regarding massage and to be sure that both you and your therapist are clear regarding your expectations and goals for the treatment.
  3. The information you provide helps your massage therapist determine what techniques to use and how to structure the session.

A treatment plan will be developed for you according to your personal needs and goals and based upon a thorough understanding of anatomy, orthopedic assessment and the effects of different massage techniques. All treatments will be explained to you and will proceed only with your understanding and consent.

Next, you will be asked to remove your clothing, but you should take off only as much as you are comfortable removing. While a more effective treatment can be provided through direct contact with the skin, massage techniques can be applied through a light cotton shirt or by working around a sports bra. Your therapist will leave the room to provide privacy while you undress and a sheet will be provided for draping during the massage. Your therapist will uncover only the part of the body being massaged, ensuring that your privacy is respected at all times. You should also remove any jewelry or other articles that might interfere with the massage.

CranioSacral Therapy does not require the removal of clothing. For this treatment, you should simply wear something comfortable.

Your massage takes place on a comfortable padded massage table. The table itself is sanitized before and after every treatment and all linens are freshly laundered. The positioning requirements for your treatment will be explained by your massage therapist. The table may have some extra attachments or cushions such as a face rest, which allows you to lie in a face down position without turning your head and neck. Let your therapist know at any time if you are uncomfortable so that adjustments can be made.

Expect a peaceful and comfortable environment for the massage. Your massage therapist will play music during your treatment, as it is found to be relaxing to many people. If you don't like the music or find it distracting, ask your therapist to change it or to turn it off altogether. If you have your own music which you find to be relaxing, feel free to bring it with you to your session.

Your massage may involve the use of oil or lotion to reduce drag on your skin while performing certain massage strokes. If you have allergies, be sure to tell your massage therapist so you can make sure that the ingredients in the oil or lotion do not bother you. At Lone Palm Therapeutic Massage, we use Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Lotion (hypoallergenic sensitive skin formula).

Depending on your needs, your therapist will massage either the full body or only specific areas that need attention. For example, general relaxation or stress reduction sessions usually include all the major areas of the body, while a session for a localized injury, pain or tightness may be focused on a specific area. Let your therapist know if you would rather not have a certain part of your body massaged. If there is anything that does not feel comfortable in any way, you have the right to ask your massage therapist to stop or modify the treatment at any time.

After the massage is finished, you will once again be provided with privacy in order to get dressed. There will then be time to discuss the treatment and your future needs. Some basic homecare may be recommended, such as a specific stretch or the use of a hot or cold pack. You can also ask your massage therapist any questions you may have.

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How to Get the Most out of your Massage


  • Be as receptive and open to the process as possible.
  • Do not eat just before a massage session.
  • Drink extra water after a massage.
  • Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied or rushed state, it will take you longer to get to a relaxed state.
  • If possible, allow for some quiet time after your massage. You might need a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the session before you re-enter the hustle and bustle of your day.
  • If you do not want to remove all your clothing, wear clothing that you will be comfortable wearing during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be worked on. A light cotton T-shirt or a sports bra are options.
  • Good communication is very important. Give your therapist accurate health information. Before the session, let your therapist know what your needs are. During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it is from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment (e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.). Feel free to give feedback to your massage therapist regarding the massage (e.g., amount of pressure, speed of movement, etc.).
  • Don't be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It is important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional, dedicated to do his best to help you feel at ease.
  • Proper diaphragmatic breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or when a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize you are stopping your breathing, let yourself breathe. Ask your therapist if you have questions regarding diaphragmatic breathing.
  • If anything is happening during the massage that you dislike or feel is improper, you have the right to ask your massage therapist to modify the treatment. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session at any time.
  • It is not unusual to feel dizzy or light headed after a massage, so take your time getting up off the table.
  • Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly his or her body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. These changes are readily felt in day-to-day life as well, adding another dimension of reinforcement. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.

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Rates

Outcalls:

Rates begin at $90 (plus parking) for a 60-minute treatment. Contact Eric for details.

Special Kailua Outcall Rate*: $70/hr

*Schedule permitting.

Discounts:

Discounts* are available for seniors, healthcare workers and members of Hawaii Musicians' Association, AFM Local 677. Contact Eric for details.

* Treatments covered by insurance are not eligible for discounts.