Gigi J. Decker, NCTMB, BA
...is the owner and founder of A Sensitive Touch since 1999. She has been performing Professional Massage Therapy since 1986, and is trained in a variety of techniques including Connective Tissue Massage, Visceral Manipulation, CranioSacral Therapy, KinesioTaping, Esalen, Swedish, Deep Tissue techniques, Pre-Natal massage, and techniques specifically for headaches, neckaches, and backaches. She combines these techniques with her background as a student athletic trainer, a physical therapy aide, and her BA in Holistic Health Studies in order to create a truly unique massage experience that focuses on the body's fascia. Gigi has been an instructor for two different massage therapy schools in the Twin Cities. She is available for appointments at the CornerStone Medical Specialties Centre, Tuesday through Saturdays, 8am through 1pm, and Tuesday afternoons at 3pm and 4:40pm. Gigi is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and is an Active, Professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association.  For a curriculum vitae (including CEU hours), click here.

Gigi works with fascia, the connective tissue of the body which has very unique properties. It is both fibrous and semi-liquid, and both very strong yet very responsive. To see a short video of what live fascia under magnification looks like, click HERE (note: whereas you will see live tissue, there is no blood or other queasy-making body parts visible).

Deep Tissue / Connective Tissue
Deep tissue massage works the fascia and deeper muscles to release tension in the body, usually chronic tension. This is done with slow strokes and concentrated pressure on the tense area to remove toxins and loosen tissues. Deep tissue massage can result in soreness for a day or two following the massage. For more information about fascia and Connective Tissue Massage, please see www.johnlatz.com

Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation is organ specific fascial release. Whereas this sounds deep, it is very gentle work and is often done through clothing, but has profound effects. This technique releases adhesions between layers of fascia in and around organs of the abdomen, thorax and pelvis. These adhesions, which can be from infection, injury, gravity, or surgery, can often lead to biomechanical restrictions which affect movement and function in the body. Releasing the biomechanical restrictions can improve posture, flexibility, and function. To read a brief article on this technique, click here.

CranioSacral Therapy 
This very gentle technique addresses the fascia and restrictions that can surround the brain and spinal cord, thereby affecting the entire central nervous system. It is a wonderful complement to the Visceral Manipulation and the other fascial work I do. It is especially helpful for headaches, migraines, back pain, disc pain. I think it is also very helpful for when you just feel run-down or frantic, as all my clients who have tried it leave with an overwhelming sense of relaxed calm. For more information about CranioSacral, you can click here.

Swedish
Swedish massage relaxes muscles through pressure applied to the muscles and joints with soothing strokes returning blood to the heart. This increases oxygen flow and releases toxins built up in the muscles.

Trigger Point & Acupressure 
Trigger Point massage works the different muscles layers individually. The therapist works surface muscles, connective tissues and deeper ligaments. This type of massage is similar to acupressure, where pressure is placed on certain points of the body.

KinesioTaping
KinesioTape is a special elasticized tape that is especially good a reducing inflammation in an area, and also triggering a neuroreflexive effect (by decompressing pressure sensors in the skin) that "tricks" the brain into softening muscle spasms and decreasing pain. For more information about the technique in general, please see www.kinesiotaping.com. Also, if you've been KinesioTaped and I forgot to give you the care instructions, click here for a copy. Gigi became a Certified KinesioTaping Practitioner in March of 2010.

SUSAN KELLY'S MASSAGE TRAINING

Susan is 1999 graduate of Northern Lights School of Massage (Minneapolis, now known as CenterPoint) where she received her training in Sports Massage, Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Therapy.  She also attended John Latz's training in Connective Tissue Massage (see above for description) in 2003. She is also trained in Reiki (levels 1 & 2).

Reiki

This gentle energy balancing technique uses little to no hand pressure to balance the chakras (energy centers) in the person..

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FREQUENTLY ASKED MASSAGE QUESTIONS

Will insurance pay for my massage?
At this time, only insurance claims related to personal injury (i.e. auto accident) will pay for massage therapy. To have insurance pay for these claims, you will need a current, written referral from a health care provider, and pre-approval from your insurance company. High-deductible insurance plans with a Health Savings Account will often allow you to use the Health Savings Account's funds to pay for your massage, if you have a referral (see question below this one). HMO's and other standard health insurance will not pay for my services (but I will provide you with statements and/or notes if you want to go after them for "outside of network" reimbursement!). As of July 2009, legislation was passed that no longer allows Workman's Compensation to pay for massage therapy.

What if I have a health-care provider's referral?
A written referral from a doctor, therapist, chiropractor, etc. will convert the legal status of your session into a medically prescribed service. You will be exempt from paying sales tax on your service. You may qualify to use pre-tax dollars for your service (if you have a "cafeteria plan" or medical savings account). You will be able to count your massage sessions as part of your medical expenses on your taxes. So, it pays to get a referral!

Are there other ways to reduce the cost of my massage?
There are a few, easy ways to make your session more affordable:
1) Get a health-care provider's referral (see above) to make you sales tax exempt and income tax exempt for your session.
2) Bring in a competitor's coupon - I'll honor it's value (and any restrictions).
3) If you're really in a bind, click here: sliding fee scale.
4) If you're in the armed forces, you are eligible for a 25% discount (unless eligible for a larger discount through the sliding fee scale (see above).

Do I need to take my clothes off?
Not always.  Although it is often easier to work directly on skin, the amount of clothing you need to remove depends largely on the extent and type of work you are receiving. I will discuss with you prior to your session if I will need to work directly on skin, or if you want to bring shorts, etc. Men who have been referred by their health-care professional for work in the pelvic area may also wear an athletic cup supporter for modesty. You are covered the entire time by sheets; generally only the areas being worked are uncovered at the time. This helps you to relax and helps to keep you warm. The table is also heated to help keep you warm.

What is the best frequency of treatment?
This will vary, but here are some guidelines. If you are seeking massage treatment for remediation from a recent injury, I usually see you once or twice a week, depending on the severity of the pain or dysfunction. If we are doing a series of Connective Tissue Massage sessions, it is easiest to make changes with 4 weekly sessions. Visceral Manipulation (organ specific fascial release) works best if scheduled once every 2 to 3 weeks. For stress management, most people find that once a month suits their needs, but some come more frequently, especially if they are under a lot of stress.

Will therapy hurt?
If at any time the treatment you are receiving is causing you too much discomfort, ask me to stop or ease off for a few seconds. Be open and let me know how you are feeling and your session will be a lot more enjoyable and productive. The old adage "no pain no gain" is not relevant to massage therapy sessions you receive. Usually it is your physical condition or dysfunction (and not the massage) that is painful. You should feel better at the end of each session and the sessions will become more comfortable as your dysfunctions improve. After a session, you may feel some mild discomfort or muscle soreness for a few days until your body readjusts and heals itself. Drinking additional water to help flush tissues afterwards will help with the discomfort. You should call me if you have soreness that lasts for more than two days.

Is it safe to receive massage during pregnancy?
Not only is it safe, it is also very beneficial and comforting. Massage therapy can be received throughout the entire nine month pregnancy term. If you are experiencing complications during pregnancy, discuss your condition with your doctor or midwife first.

Is it safe to receive massage during cancer treatment?
Current studies are showing much benefit to receiving massage during most cancer treatments. One study equated massage to a "respite from cancer care" without pokes from needles or pain. In general, massage is to be considered like light exercise; if your doctor has given you exercise restrictions, we will enforce similar restrictions during your massage session. If nothing else, we can do gentle acupressure and some energy work to help ease some discomfort. If you are in the middle of certain chemotherapy sessions, I (the practitioner) may need to wear gloves while working on your skin. Before receiving massage, you will need to get permission (and any restrictions) from your doctor.

How much of my body will be massaged?
When the client is seeking treatment for a specific injury or condition, the entire session may focus on only a couple of areas. There may also be a need to work areas that are adversely affected by injuries, such as when a sprained ankle causes the opposite leg to bear all the body's weight and stress of walking. For relaxation massages, we will discuss and agree upon the areas to be massaged. A "full body massage" usually includes the head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, buttocks/hips and back.  Some of the specialty techniques I do will work the chest and abdomen, which I often work while the area remains covered with clothing or the sheets. If being massaged in certain areas causes you to feel uncomfortable, you should inform me and I will adjust the massage accordingly. You should never accept a touch that feels wrong in any way or feel pressured to offer an explanation for such sensitivity. 

WHEN IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO CANCEL....

I have a cold. Can I still receive my massage today?
Colds come and go, and therefore don't scare me. Unless you have had a fever, diarrhea, and/or vomiting within the last 12 hours, I am comfortable working on you. However, if you are just too achy, tired, or drippy to fully relax, it may be better to reschedule your appointment for later. When you are ill, massage can "condense" your symptoms, making you feel temporarily worse (but most clients report they get over their cold faster after a massage).  So, if you (or a family member) are ill, please call me as soon as possible to reschedule and I will waive the cancellation fee.

The weather is really bad outside. Should I reschedule?
Bottom line is if the St. Paul Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, so am I.  If the weatherman reports that "driving could be dangerous", stay home and avoid being in an accident. Just call me as soon as you think you can't make it, and I will reschedule you and waive the cancellation fee.

OTHER OCCASIONALLY ASKED MASSAGE QUESTIONS

Where can I get copies of your relaxing music?
You can order them below by clicking here, or go to www.stevencmusic.com.  He often has little parlor concerts and benefits at his home on Summit Avenue, and these should be posted on his website.

Can I bring someone along?
If there is a care provider, or if I am working on a child, I prefer the "extra" person in the room for assistance (if necessary) and assurance. Babies under 4 months are often quite content to sit in my quiet corner.  If you need to bring a child who is willing to sit quietly, this can often work (instead of cancelling because you don't have a sitter). Quiet kids are welcome to watch DVDs or videos on my computer. Adults often find that it becomes too warm in my small room to stay comfortably, and are welcome to read a book or watch the TV in a nearby waiting room. Please contact me in advance to let me know if you need to bring an extra person. 

Can massage help reduce stress levels?
According to medical studies anything that can help you relax will reduce your stress levels and massage is one of the most relaxing therapies you can receive. Many turn to massage to manage day to day stress. Massage therapy helps the problem naturally. Without using suppression chemicals to slow you down, massage therapists attempt to work with the whole person and try to help your body regain homeostasis, achieving a balance between the various systems of your body to allow natural healing to occur.

Do massage therapists have a Code of Ethics?
Yes, massage therapists adhere to the following code:
-We provide the best quality care to any one that seeks our professional help.
-We accept all clients without discrimination.
-We acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with a client and respect each client's right to privacy.
-We practice only the modalities in which we have been professionally trained and/or certified.
-We in no way participate or engage in any type of sexual activities with our client.
-We maintain a safe, clean and professional environment.

Are there different techniques in massage?
Yes, there are many different types of massage techniques. Swedish massage is the technique most widely known by massage therapists, but others are also trained in sports massage, aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, deep tissue massage, Thai massage or techniques named for their developer such as Upledger, Heller Work and Feldenkrais. I am trained in a variety of techniques which are outlined above.

What studies have been done on massage therapy?
Massage has been studied for its use with premature infants, adults who have recently experienced a heart attack or stroke, athletes who desire to increase their athletic performance and shorten recuperation time, victims of sexual abuse, grieving patients and those who have lost limbs or experience unusual pains. Currently, the effects of massage are being studied for its use in family relations and in dealing with the separation felt when children become teenagers.

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Payment Options

I gladly accept cash, check, and online credit cards as payment.  If you want to pay online, then please see the following options.....