Frequently Asked Questions

About PR Labs

What is PR Labs and what do you do?

We are a collaborative and integrated sports medicine clinic and recovery lab. Under one roof we provide physical therapy, personal training, chiropractic services, sports massage and will provide a state of the art recovery lab with an infrared sauna and cold plunge pool, as well as other recovery tools.

Where Is PR Labs?

Centrally located in Boulder, Colorado. We are at 2595 Canyon Blvd. suite #150 in the Water St. building. We are on the left as you enter the building from the parking lot. Our closest cross street is Canyon/Folsom.

Do you only work with professional athletes?

No. We are inclusive, and welcoming to all active humans. No matter your shape, size, color or skill level, we are here for you.

About Massage

What is massage? What is bodywork?

Massage is a healthcare practice in which a skilled therapist addresses physical dysfunction by manipulating the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia of the body. Bodywork is a term that includes massage, but which can also include assisted or passive stretching, resistance tests, diagnostic work, and heat/cold therapy. At PR Sports Lab., we are also health educators and believe that by you learning more about the way your body moves and works, it can vastly improve how you care for your physical health.

What should I expect at my first massage?

For your first appointment, we ask that you arrive a few minutes early in order to fill out our brief intake form detailing your physical health and history. After that, your therapist will talk with you about your expectations for the session and what types of massage work you’re interested in. Depending on your reason for coming in, the intake communication may last from 5-15 minutes on your first session. Your therapist will then leave the room and return once you are comfortably settled on the table. After your bodywork session, we will give you our assessment of the work that was done and give you helpful self-care suggestions to take home with you. More often than not, we will recommend additional sessions with a strategic plan for getting the results that you are looking for.

What should I expect after my first session?

After your massage, you may experience greater relaxation, improved range of motion, reduced pain and a better sense of your own body. It is a good idea to drink lots of water after massage and to take the rest of the day a bit easier than you normally would so that your body can take advantage of the improved circulation that massage brings and adjust to the improvements in muscle function. We do not recommend working out, training or doing any strenuous activities post-massage. Depending on your issues, your therapist may need to break up scar tissue and adhesions. Sometimes this causes some minor soreness. You might feel some discomfort from your session, but it should last 24-48 hours at most. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns after your session.

Should I wait before or after intense exercise to get a massage?

If you’re an athlete who is receiving sports massage on a regular basis (every-other-week or more), then your body is accustomed to massage as part of your training, and you may not need to be as cautious about your massage timing; we can see you at any time. If you’re someone that does not get massage regularly, you should not likely have a deep tissue massage 48 hours before a big workout or event because the introduction of massage to your body may cause you to perform differently while in training. For those newer to massage, it is most beneficial to allow time to let the benefits of massage take place in your body.  If you exercise after a massage, we recommend you focus on hydrating, stretch, and then do a lighter workout as opposed to a longer one.  Keep in mind, every body is different so we can never know for sure how your body is going to react to a massage.  We are as cautious as possible and we will educate you about your options.

Appointments

How do I book an appointment?

If you are looking for a massage you can book via schedule page. If you want to book with an associate for PT, Chiro or any of the other services, please start at the associates page.

If you are not sure, or want to check with us first, please contact us.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

If you need to cancel, if it is less than 24 hours notice, you will need to text, email or call to let us know. We have a 24 hour notice cancellation policy, you can be charged full-price for missed appointments. If you feel unwell, or have a temperature, please stay home and let us know as soon as you can, we’ll cancel or change your appointment for free. We’ll let you know as well if for any reason we can’t see you. If you do need to cancel, or change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can re-use your slot/session, if possible.

Why do you charge for missed appointments?

We reserve your session time specifically for you.  It is our goal to accommodate as many clients as possible and, as we usually have a waiting list, it is important that we fill all available slots and your providing adequate notice of cancellation helps us do that. Also, as our therapists are highly-skilled and educated professionals, they require appropriate pay.  The therapists practice a maximum of 4-5 sessions a day so that you can get high quality treatment, and so they can stay healthy and injury-free.  One missed appointment out of 4 appointments has a significant financial impact.

If you have any questions not covered here, please call or email us at any time!

Want to Talk to Someone?

Curious About Our Associates?

Sean HorningSean Horning
03:15 28 Apr 22
5 stars. Best Sports Physio. Kate Ripley is phenomenal. Highly recommend.
Kerttu VeskeKerttu Veske
22:25 11 May 21
PR Sports Labs is a wonderful collaborative space. You get all your care in one place - sports massage, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, nutrition etc. The individual focus you get from each practitioner is exceptional. I highly recommend it!
Mark CathcartMark Cathcart
06:33 01 Apr 21
PR Labs is a great, open location that is bright and modern with all new equipment, their treatment rooms are large and staffed with amazing professionals,I've worked with the owner, Kate. Both at PR Labs and Boulder Bodyworker which is now being absorbed into PR Labs as the sports massage part of the practice. I've been treated by the PT, Sarah, who solved my problems with a dry needling session and gave me some stretches to work on.I'm looking forward to when they get their strength training gym full operational later in April, and the infrared sauna and plunge pool later this year.
  •   Can't say enough great things about Kate and the whole team at PR Labs! Kate understands all the weird aches and pains that come from both holding down a desk... read more

    thumb Tina H.
    9/25/2022

      A much needed and long overdue massage. Kate is very skilled and professional. She asks what parts need work and fixes them. My head now turns from shoulder to shoulder... read more

    thumb Laurie C.
    4/23/2021

      Kate has all the essential qualities that make a great massage therapist.  She is knowledgeable about the body and knows how to relieve muscular tensions and get great results.  ... read more

    thumb Megan F.
    11/11/2020
  •   From the first time I met Kate, I was made to feel so comfortable, like we had known each other for ages. She is always so prompt and starts her... read more

    thumb Lauren D.
    1/10/2020

      Kate is excellent at working out those stubborn knots and aches!  Very professional neuromuscular massage was received today. Pamela

    thumb Pamela A.
    12/07/2019

      The best. The BEST!

    Historically, about 8 times out of 10 I walk out of a massage disappointed with a $150 hole in my pocket. When it comes to massages, I'm... read more

    thumb Christina U.
    9/27/2019
  •   Kate is an amazing therapist.  She understands the body because of her personal experience being an elite athlete.  (I claim to be a below average athlete in Boulder-  perhaps that's... read more

    thumb Susan H.
    7/24/2019

      Kate is my go-to for bodywork in Boulder. I'm an ultra runner who has had both chronic and acute injuries (achilles tendinitis, tight hamstrings, and strained pectoral to name a... read more

    thumb Lisa M.
    7/05/2019

      Kate is beyond amazing! Whether you want a super relaxing massage or if you are looking to get a sports massage to get all your "kinks" out - Kate is... read more

    thumb Kate K.
    6/27/2019