Statewide regulation of massage therapists may determine if your insurance directly covers massage by a massage therapist. Workers compensation and auto insurance Personal Injury Protection coverage usually cover therapeutic massage.

Check with your healthcare insurance provider. Once massage therapy is prescribed, you or your doctor may need to seek authorization from the insurer if coverage is not clearly spelled out in your policy or plan.

What should consumers expect when they receive a massage for the first time?
The first appointment generally begins with the massage therapist asking what prompted you to get a massage, your current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress level, and painful areas. The massage therapist may ask you about your health goals and what you hope the massage will do to help you achieve those goals.

For a full-body massage, you will be asked to remove clothing to your level of comfort. Undressing takes place in private, and a sheet, towel or gown is provided for draping privacy and warmth, so that only the part of the body being worked on is exposed at any given time. Whether or not you would expect to talk during a session depends on your need at the time. Some clients need to talk. Some need silence. Massage therapists will usually try to accommodate what the client needs. However, sometimes talking detracts from entering a state of relaxation or experiencing the physical or nonverbal dimensions of the massage. In any case, feel comfortable giving feedback about your needs and what you like or do not like during the session. Good communication enhances the massage session.