FAQ

Q: What is Integrative Neurosomatic Therapy?

Integrative Neurosomatic Therapy is a structurally integrative approach to pain relief. This method is based on finding improper structural and biomechanical patterns. In order to find these improper patterns, dysfunctional postural patterns are analyzed and charted based on the work of Paul St. John. Posturology, the science of human balance in every physiological condition, is the primary component in Integrative Neurosomatic Therapy. Once these postural patterns are analyzed, a comprehensive program is designed to guide you through the five stages of rehabilitation:

• Eliminate muscle spasm

• Restore flexibility

• Restore proper biomechanics

• Increase muscle strength

• Increase muscular endurance

My purpose is to not only eliminate the pain, but educate you on ways to prevent recurrence of the injury. Restoring proper structure and biomechanics alleviates pain and can positively affect a variety of physiological conditions. One of the neurological laws that is the basis for INT is Wolff’s law. Simply stated, Wolff’s law says “form follows function and function follows form.” In other words, a distortion in the form of the body is often correlated to improper function of the body. For example, a slouching posture can decrease digestive function, or a trigger point into the ear can affect hearing or balance. When proper structure is restored to the body, the accompanying physiological problems are often alleviated.

Q: What is PNF stretching?

PNF stretching, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching, are stretching techniques commonly used in clinical environments to enhance both active and passive range of motion with the ultimate goal being to optimize motor performance and rehabilitation. It is considered the optimal stretching method when the aim is to increase range of motion, especially in short-term changes. Generally an active PNF stretch involves a shortening contraction of the opposing muscle to place the target muscle on stretch, followed by an isometric contraction of the target muscle. PNF can be used to supplement daily stretching and employed to make quick gains in range of motion to help athletes improve performance. Aside from being safe and time efficient, the dramatic gains in range of motion seen in a short period of time may also promote compliance with the exercise and rehabilitation program.

Q: What are your hours of operation?

Open Tuesday – Saturday by appointment only
No appointments taken Sunday – Monday

Tuesday 12 PM to 8 PM
Wednesday 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Thursday 9 AM to 7 PM
Friday 8 AM to 4 PM
Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM

Q: What is your address?

4615 SW Freeway (I-69), Suite 135
Houston, TX 77027

Q: What form of payment do you accept?

Cash, personal check, and credit cards are accepted. Payment with company flexible spending account is accepted too. Direct assignment of benefits on personal injury protection “PIP” (automobile accident cases).

Q: What do I wear during the massage?

For pain-relief or sports-related issues, gym shorts for men; gym shorts and a tank top for women (no spandex, sports bras, or tight-fitting clothing please). For Swedish and/or other relaxing massages, you will be allowed to disrobe to your comfort level. Clients will be fully draped with only the area of the body that is being treated exposed during the massage. 

Q: What is a typical pain-relief session like?

Each session begins with a postural assessment that may include measurements taken in the standing, supine and sitting positions. The postural assessment will be reviewed with you, and any questions or concerns will be addressed at that time. Followed by hands-on therapy, and may include a combination of massage techniques and stretches used to manipulate and move soft tissues in order to resolve muscular pain and dysfunction. Time will also be spent educating clients on the importance of proper posture, stretching and strengthening certain muscle groups. Specific home self-care protocols are given at the end of each session based on your individual needs.

Q: Does health insurance pay for treatment?

Payment in full is expected at the time the service is rendered. We can provide you with a receipt that contains the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) insurance billing codes needed for reimbursement if your insurance company covers “massage therapy”. It is suggested you call your insurance agent ahead of time to determine if “massage therapy” is covered under your policy. If you have been involved in an automobile accident and you have Personal Injury Protection coverage, we can accept direct assignment of benefits as one of your providers.

Q: What do I need to provide if I am planning to file as Personal Injury Protection insurance coverage?

Please provide the following information BEFORE you arrive:

• Date of automobile accident

• Claim number associated with accident

• Contact information of insurance agent (name, address, phone number) to verify PIP coverage

Once you arrive for your first appointment you will need to fill out and sign an:

• Intake/client form

• Insurance Form 1500

• Assignment of benefits form

Q: If I ignore the pain, will it go away? What are my choices?

The pain may sometimes go away on its own, however the cause of the pain still remains. In time, if the cause of the pain is not treated, the pain patterns may resurface. Trauma and stress on the body in any form will lead to tightened and inflamed muscles and tendons. Without proper muscular therapy, tight muscles will invariably lead to stress on the skeletal system, restriction of blood and lymph flow, postural compensation, and some loss of joint range-of-motion. You can mask the signal of pain with body-altering drugs OR you can treat the source of the pain effectively. 

Q: How many sessions will I need?

Everyone is different and is treated so. Your history, flexibility, strength, posture and gait, as well as your symptoms are all considered to provide you with the exact treatments your body needs. Unless your injury is due to a recent acute trauma, it has taken years to develop. Some clients with a history of chronic pain need two to three sessions a week for several weeks, while others see immediate results in as little as one or two visits. Many clients opt for a maintenance program after the body has healed and come in periodically. It is important to note that therapy, on its own, is not enough to help the body heal itself. You must be committed to put forth the effort to help yourself through proper posture, diet and exercise. Our work is designed to provide you with the best results in the quickest, most thorough way possible. 

Q: Is tipping expected?

Gratuity is always at the discretion of the client, and is both customary and welcomed by your massage therapist. While tipping is not required, it is a nice gesture. If you decide to tip, the amount is entirely up to you.