What is therapeutic massage?
Therapeutic massage is hands-on bodywork designed to address specific physical issues rather than simply promote relaxation. It targets muscle tension, soft tissue dysfunction, limited range of motion, chronic pain, and injury recovery with a clinical, goal-oriented approach. Therapeutic massage is part of a larger plan built around your body, your history, and your goals.
What is sports massage?
Sports massage is specialized bodywork designed for active bodies. It supports performance, speeds recovery, reduces injury risk, and helps athletes and active adults maintain optimal function over time. You don’t have to be a competitive athlete to qualify for or benefit from sports massage. If you move your body regularly and want to keep doing it, you’ll love sports massage!
What is the difference between therapeutic massage and relaxation massage?
Here, the goal is always to function first. There are relaxing moments, but the results and restoring you to feeling better is my number one focus. Relaxation massage is designed primarily to help you unwind. Therapeutic massage, what I offer, goes further. It targets the specific patterns of tension, dysfunction, and pain holding your body back, with a plan built around measurable outcomes.
What is the difference between sports massage and deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage focuses on releasing chronic tension in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Sports massage is broader in scope, addressing the specific demands of athletic performance and recovery, and may incorporate deep tissue work alongside other techniques. In practice, the two often overlap. Good news, you don’t have to choose, and I won’t ask you which you prefer! I incorporate both into your massage as I listen to your body for what it needs that day.
Is therapeutic massage covered by insurance?
I don’t bill insurance directly, but massage therapy may be (in rare instances) covered under your plan, depending on your provider and whether it’s part of a prescribed treatment plan. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about massage therapy benefits and I’m happy to provide documentation to support a claim if needed. I happily accept HSA cards in my office.
How often should I get a massage?
It depends on where your body is and what we’re working on together. New clients working through pain, injury, or dysfunction typically benefit from more frequent sessions up front, often weekly or biweekly, until we’ve made meaningful progress. From there, many of my clients shift into a maintenance rhythm that works for their body and their schedule. I’ll help you figure out the right cadence and how to best support your body.
What makes Jamie Gates Wellness different from other massage therapists in NH?
I thought you’d never ask! But I’m so glad you did. Most massage therapists specialize in one or two modalities and apply them broadly. I don’t work that way. Every session begins with a thorough intake and a genuine investigation into what your body is actually doing and why. I draw from over 22 years of training across more than a dozen modalities, choosing techniques based on what I find rather than having you choose off a massage “menu”.
What should I expect during my first session?
Before we begin, we’ll talk. I’ll ask about your pain, your history, how you move, how you sleep, and what you’ve already tried. The more I know, the better I can help. From there, your first session is built entirely around what your body needs that day. After your session, we’ll discuss the best plan for your next visit.
Do you do deep tissue massage?
Yes. Deep tissue is one of many techniques I use regularly in my work. If deep tissue is what your body needs, that’s what we’ll do. If it needs something else entirely, or a combination of several approaches, that’s what you’ll get instead. The goal is always results, not a checkbox.
Do you offer cupping?
Yes. I’m a Certified ACE Massage Cupping Bodywork Therapist and use both dynamic and spot cupping depending on what your body needs. Cupping is particularly effective for releasing fascial restrictions, improving circulation, and reducing deep muscle soreness. If you’ve been curious about it, your next session is a great time to ask if it’s a good fit for your body!
How do I know which of your services is right for me?
If you’re in active pain, dealing with an injury, or working through something specific, start with Restore. If you’re feeling good and want to maintain your progress and keep your body moving well, Maintain continues the momentum. If you’re an established client who’s short on time but wants to stay tuned up regularly, The Pit Stop was made for you! Still not sure? Reach out and tell me what’s going on. I’ll help you figure it out.
Where in New Hampshire is your massage practice located?
Jamie Gates Wellness is located at 25 Bigelow Hill Road, Troy, NH 03465. Conveniently serving clients throughout the Monadnock Region and welcoming those who travel from surrounding areas, including Temple, Sharon, Hancock, Dublin, Keene, Peterborough, Westford, MA, Northampton, MA, Pepperell, MA, Fitchburg, MA and beyond.
How do I book an appointment?
To book an appointment, reach out to me on my Contact Page here. New clients will receive an intake form right away after reaching out. From there, I’ll follow up by phone, text, or email to confirm your appointment and answer any questions before your first visit.
What should I wear to my appointment?
For standard massage and bodywork sessions, you’ll undress to your comfort level and be draped throughout your session. Only the area being worked on will be uncovered at any time. For Pit Stop sessions, you’ll remain fully clothed, so wear something comfortable and easy to move in.
What is a Pit Stop session?
The Pit Stop is a 30-minute express bodywork session designed for established clients who want to keep their body feeling good between full sessions. You’ll stay fully clothed and oil-free while getting effective care. My Pit Stops were built for efficient, busy people who know their body well enough to give it the attention it needs when you need it. Get in, feel better, get back to your life.
