Amanda is hands down the best! I highly recommend her to everyone looking for a great massage.

Love the massage and love the atmosphere of the room, low lights, music and soft bed. Thank you for each session, it is so relaxing.

Amanda has great massage knowledge and technique as well as an awesome personality! My body is looking forward to regular sessions with her. Thanks Amanda!!!

Bill is such a great human being! Such great energy.

Bill is a compassionate and caring bodyworker. His casual nature lends so much room to feel comfortable and to genuinely be able to relax. He is trustworthy, professional, and gives off such great energy!

I just had my first visit with Bill Wright. AMAZING!!! He's very good at helping you to feel comfortable and and at ease. He listened and he hit every area I told him about and many more! There is a great energy about him and it comes through with somewhat of a vibration through his hands. You will truly feel rejuvenated.

Amanda is absolutely wonderful. She provided me with the best deep tissue massage I have ever received in my 45 years. I was having extreme neck pain and she has helped me work out my pain without the use of medication. AMANDA IS AWESOME!! 🙂

Struggling with physical illness, recovering from childbirth and persistent muscle aches and pains lead me to seek massage therapy. I saw other providers, but when I began seeing Amanda in May of 2012, my search for the perfect massage therapist ended. I was very nervous about seeing a new therapist; however, Amanda has a natural soothing, warm and caring personality that quickly put me at ease so that I could enjoy the massage experience.  She listens  and focuses on YOUR needs. It is obvious that she genuinely cares about your massage experience versus this being "just a job." Her experience and treatment modalities have proven to be very effective. Amanda has been to Thailand to study massage methods that have worked wonders on my ailing body. Amanda is very good at determining the best therapeutic style and approach based on your body's needs. She is very good at listening to what you're going through to provide the most beneficial massage experience for your specific needs. I have seen several massage therapists, and Amanda has by far exceeded my expectations.  I am proud to report that I am still a client of hers and will continue to seek her soothing hands.  I highly recommend anyone to seek her well experienced hands.

 

By far the best massages I've ever had! Amanda has magic hands. I've never been to a massage therapist as talented as her. She listens to what I want and seems to know exactly what my body needs. She is consistent every time. I always walk away feeling relaxed and like a new woman. I will never go to anyone else!

There are numerous health benefits of massage and if you have ever thought I should try that, you should schedule an appointment with licensed massage and bodywork therapist Amanda Lunn at Massage Ingenuity in Holly Springs.   My name is Pam Gibson, and I have been very fortunate to enjoy monthly scheduled massages with Amanda Lunn.  She is a fabulous therapist with a superb technique. Amanda ‘s massages flow so smoothly while she massages tense and tight muscles as those muscles relax and soften beneath her healing touch. I always feel so relaxed after her massage sessions I keep returning for more. Amanda’s calm demeanor makes you feel right at home and her warm presence makes you feel very comfortable. Amanda also gives discounts for your future visits which are a fantastic way to allow you to indulge in the healing power of massage. I recommend you call Amanda for an appointment to experience your own health benefits of massage.

As I spend hour after hour sitting at a computer, I have been a massage client for several years now, for the monthly removal of the ‘knife in my shoulder blade’. Having recently moved to the Raleigh area, I was afraid it would take me forever to find an excellent massage therapist. So I thought I would try an AmazonLocal deal for a $29 massage in a chiropractor’s office in Cary. The woman went on and on about how through those special deals, she didn’t even make as much as she would for a 15 minute chair massage. And she didn’t deserve it either, given that what I received was little more than a backrub, and not even a good one at that. So I hesitated before trying again with a LivingSocial deal for Anderson Chiropractic Center. The first one that I purchased was for a chiropractic analysis and treatment from Dr. Chad Anderson, which was terrific and definitely needed after the move. He told me their massage therapist Amanda was outstanding, but not yet employed here, it was not in my budget. So when another LivingSocial deal came up, I was able to meet Amanda and learn that firsthand. And the massage I purchased as a ‘deal’ was the same quality as all subsequent full-price ones have been. She is a consummate professional. She listens. She has excellent skills and is able to ‘feel’ the knots before I mention them. Her treatment is calming and sensitive, yet she provides a deep tissue massage that is one of the best I have ever received. I hope this review helps someone find her who needs her healing hands. My only fear in sharing this recommendation is that she will become so busy I won’t be able to get an appointment.

Truthfully, it varies depending on the client and his/her goals.  The effects of massage are cumulative.  The more frequently you receive a massage, the more positive effects you will see from it.  We recommend receiving massage at least once a month for maintenance to offset what you may be doing throughout this timeframe.  If you are looking to improve your situation, we recommend coming in more frequently depending on the severity and how quickly you would prefer to see results.  You cannot come in too frequently unless you are feeling general soreness from the massage itself.  At this point we would recommend spacing out the sessions until the soreness fades.

• Oftentimes, yoga can be beneficial. It can help to both strengthen and stretch your muscles.
• Many people find that drinking more water can help. Most seem to recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces of water a day.
• Tennis ball therapy might be another great way to reduce tension and pain at home. If your back is what is bothering you, you can lay on the floor with the tennis ball under your back.  Find a “good” spot and hang out for a few seconds to a few minutes, and then roll the ball to a new spot and repeat.  If at any point, it hurts in a bad way, decrease the amount of time at each area.  If your hips are bothering you, you would follow the same strategy though sometimes you have to position yourself in a somewhat lying/seated position.  If your feet are tired and sore, you can stand with one foot on the tennis ball while holding a wall or chair for support, and roll the ball back and forth.  If you find it is not enough pressure, you can always try a lacrosse or golf ball.  If it is too much pressure, we have had clients use something softer like folded socks.
• Contrast therapy may be helpful as well. Generally, it is recommended for the first 24-48 of an injury to ice the area in order to reduce swelling and inflammation.  After that point, heat or contrast therapy is recommended.  With contrast therapy, you would alternate ice and heat for five rounds always starting and ending with ice.  Ice helps to relieve pain and constricts the blood vessels to squeeze out waste products and old hormones relieving inflammation.  Heat dilates the blood vessels allowing new hormones and nutrients to come in.  By utilizing both hot and cold therapies, you are creating a pump to get out the old and bring in the new so your body can heal and adjust more optimally.

  Just remember with all of these suggestions, we are not doctors, and this is not meant to be construed as medical advice.  Always consult a doctor before beginning a new regimen to decide if it is right for you.  If any of these suggestions bring increased pain or discomfort, stop immediately, and check in with a doctor if necessary.

When you arrive, you will fill out a health intake form and proceed to our Quiet Room where you will be able to relax until it is time for your massage.  You will then be taken back to a treatment room where your therapist will go over your completed health intake form.  The session will be conducted by a professional who has received the proper training as well as his/her North Carolina State license in massage therapy.  Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort.  The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.  Throughout the session, you will be properly draped or covered.  Only the area being worked on will be exposed.  A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin.  Many people prefer a 60– to 90–minute session for optimal relaxation.

While most people do get completely undressed, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your comfort.  For females we do recommend removing your bra so that you may more adequately feel the effects from your back massage.  For those with lower back and hip issues, removing underwear may help your therapist provide you the most relief.  However, your comfort trumps all!  If you are uncomfortable removing any clothing, please do not, as this negates your body’s ability to relax and heal.  We have had some people come in completely dressed and then as time progresses, they feel more comfortable wearing less during future sessions.  Please keep in mind, though, that traditional massage utilizes oil or lotion and is meant to be done on bare skin.  If you are wearing clothing, that area might be avoided all together or alternate modalities or techniques may be used.  The areas not being massaged will always be covered as will your genitals and breasts.  While we try to use water dispersing lotions when possible, staining may occur on clothing.

That is up to you and what you would like to get out of the session.  Most clients fully undress, but some are more comfortable keeping on articles of clothing.  If you are looking for lots of good leg stretches, flexible athletic shorts may be advised.  If you are looking for full relaxation, minimal clothing is best as every time we have to move or tuck the sheet into your clothing, it distracts your brain from the flow of the massage and prohibits you from falling into a deeper meditative and healing state.

Yes, No, & Maybe!  Every body reacts differently to massage, and it is hard to predict how anyone may feel during or after a session.  There is a such thing as a “good” hurt and a “bad” hurt.  You should be able to intuitively know the difference.  During your session, if the massage ever hurts in a bad way, please let your therapist know.  If you are tensing up other muscles to “take” it, the pressure is too much and is contradicting the goals of the session. On a scale from 1-10 where 1 you barely feel any pressure and 10 you feel like you are ready to hit your therapist because the pressure is way too much, a 7 is where the most therapeutic benefit lies.  That 7 is your 7.  We ask that you monitor your thoughts.  If they ever take a negative turn: the massage hurts in a bad way, you feel bruising, or you can’t even feel your therapist at all, please speak up, and let your therapist know.  We try to be intuitive and feel what your muscles need and are telling us, but unfortunately, we are not mind readers, and as every single person is different, we rely on you to help us fine tune the pressure you need for each particular session. After a massage, some people feel sore for the next 24-48 hours.  Some people feel this after even very light work; some people do not feel this at all even after very deep work.  It is hard to anticipate and predict, but if you do feel sore after a session, increasing your water intake may help drastically.  Most people feel better directly after a session while others feel sore for 24-48 hours and then feel drastically better.  If you have continued pain or soreness after a massage, please let your therapist know on your next visit as pressure, techniques, and/or time spent on an area may need to be adjusted to provide you with a more optimal session.

This session is your session.  If you would prefer to talk, you absolutely may.  If you prefer not to talk, that is okay, too.  Generally speaking, the effects of the massage are better if talking is kept to a minimum as it allows both the therapist and client to go into somewhat of a meditative state where the healing process is more ideal.  However, for some, not talking is very uncomfortable and they relax better when they are able to talk.  Some people, like the elderly and stay-at-home-parents, come solely for the opportunity to talk with and share the moment with another individual.  Our therapists try to go off of what we sense from you, but if we get it wrong, please let us know.  You can communicate your preferences before or during the session.  If you prefer not to talk beyond letting us know about the pressure or any discomfort during the session, that is perfectly okay.  You will not hurt our feelings because, truly, we want you to thoroughly enjoy your experience.

This question is hard to answer as every single body is different and heals differently.  Some are fortunate enough to have all of their concerns alleviated after the very first visit.  Some may have health issues that will never go away, and massage is just a way to cope and allow them to keep up with their daily activities.  Most fall somewhere in between these two.

Some people feel light headed after a massage as it helps to lower blood pressure.  Some feel giddy or loopy like they have taken drugs or alcohol.  Others feel energized or even sleepy.  Occasionally, some people may feel sore for the next 24-48 hours.  Some people feel this after even very light work; some people do not feel this at all even after very deep work.  It is hard to anticipate and predict, but if you do feel sore after a session, increasing your water intake may help drastically.  Most people feel better directly after a session while others feel sore for 24-48 hours and then feel drastically better.  If you have continued pain or soreness after a massage, please let your therapist know on your next visit as pressure, techniques, and/or time spent on an area may need to be adjusted to provide you with a more optimal session.

There are certain times when massage to an area might have to be avoided or massage altogether must be.  This is why it is extremely important to share with your therapist all of your medical history and any changes that may happen between sessions.  Prior authorization from your medical doctor may be necessary to proceed with massage in a safe manner.  Issues that normally are absolutely contraindicated meaning massage is not advised include deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, aneurysms, cellulitis, and phlebitis.  If you have a contagious disease or situation, it can be helpful to share this information with your therapist.  For instance, if you have a rash, massage might spread it from one area on your body to another.  If you have a minor cold or are not feeling well, it is up to you on whether to come in or not.  Massage may increase the healing process and in doing so may increase the intensity of what you are feeling while decreasing the duration of the sickness.  If you are pregnant and are having major complications or have had them during previous pregnancies, massage may not be advised, and you are encouraged to speak to your doctor about having massage therapy.  If you have health conditions you are seeing a specialist for or anything related to your heart or kidneys or cancer, please check with your physician regarding massage.  Massage helps to stimulate blood flow and in doing so may cause strain on your organs by increasing the amount of particles needing to be filtered.  If you are prohibited from exercise for this reason, massage may not be advised.  Areas that are actively swollen and inflamed or where the skin is broken may to be avoided.

Yes, Massage Ingenuity offers pregnancy massage, provided there are no major current or past complications.  Moms-to-be will lie on their side bolstered by pillows much like they are probably sleeping at home.  Some therapists may feel uncomfortable or not fully trained to work on pregnant clientele; however, at least one therapist will be adequately trained and confident to support mothers-to-be during this special time in their lives.  If there are any pregnancy-related complications, we ask that the mom check in with her obstetrician to make sure massage is safe.

That is perfectly normal! (as it is to drool!)  Many people become relaxed enough to fall into a deep meditative or sleep-like state.  It is kind of like when you are driving down the highway on a familiar path and all of a sudden you realize you have gone 20 miles without even realizing how you got there.  If something negative were to happen in that time frame, your body would recognize it and bring you instantly aware so you could react.  Optimally, during a massage session, you will fall into this type of meditative state.  When you do, your body can devote more energy to the healing process.  Again, as an example, when you are sick, it is intuitive to sleep.  The more rest you get, the more quickly you may feel better.  Our bodies and brains are constantly doing a million different things.  When we quiet down our mind and body, we can divert the energy required to being awake to help bolster those processes that are key to healing.

Yes, upon a therapist’s discretion, though we will need a signed consent from a parent or legal guardian.  We are amazed at how many knots and trigger points young people have, and as our technology continues to increase we are seeing neck and posture issues in younger and younger individuals.  Some therapists may feel uncomfortable working on children and reserve the right to pass on the appointment, however, at least one of our therapists will be able to work on children.  When determining if your young child may be able to receive a massage, we recommend trying a 30 minute session to see if they are able to lay still long enough.  We can work with you for a longer session as well; if your child cannot or does not want to receive the massage, we can offer you the rest of the session provided they are able to remain quiet and at least somewhat still in the massage room.  We have worked on children as young as six years old who were able to appreciate the massage.  Young athletes, children who spend significant time on electronics, and teens may also benefit from massage sessions.

Yes, our credit card processing system in the office (but not online) is able to accept FSA and HSA cards.  The IRS cites, “Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure…treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body.”  They further state that “medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness” (IRS Publication 502, IRS.gov).   Examples of medical issues that may qualify include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, pain management, back pain, arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, stress, sciatica, or carpal tunnel syndrome. While it is not necessary on our end, in order to avoid any auditing issues, we recommend that you visit with your medical practitioner, and let him/her know that you have an FSA or HSA that you would like to access for massage in the treatment or prevention of your particular concern.  Your practitioner will need to give three key pieces of information:

1. Medical necessity: Why you need massage therapy? (example: to help relieve pain in a particular area of your body)
2. Frequency: How often should you receive massage therapy? (example: minimum of “x” sessions per month)
3. Duration: How long should my length of treatment be? (example: 12 months)

These items would create a prescription that you could file away in case you are ever asked to back up the expense.  Once the prescription length ends, you could revisit with your health care provider to obtain a new prescription.  When you come in for your visit, simply use your FlexCard or HSA card at the time of payment.  FSAs and HSAs are great to use to get a further discount on your massage therapy services as they are pre-tax dollars!