- What should I expect during my
first massage therapy visit?
- Where will my massage session take place?
- What do I wear during the massage?
- What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
-
How should a massage
feel?
- Will the massage oils used leave me all greasy or irritate my skin?
- Is massage safe for everyone?
- How long will a massage treatment last?
- How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
- What else should I know?
Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a New Client form, which will ask you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed with the therapist, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. It will also establish professional and personal boundaries between you and your therapist, addressing draping preferences and areas that are mutually agreed not to be touched and/or massaged.
Your bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. Soft music may be played to help you relax, and the individual therapist may further enhance your experience with candles, nature-type sounds, scents - any combinations to help you relax and create a sanctuary during your session time.
Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
Each session should be unique, based on the physical needs of the client and the techniques or modalities used by the therapist. Most massage therapists use variations of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. Swedish massage employs five types of strokes, the most common being broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed and the muscles warm, pressure will gradually be increased to relax and relieve more specific areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach, technique, or pressure. The session should completely be about what is best for you and your well-being as YOU decide.
Will the massage oils used leave me all greasy or irritate my skin?
Most massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions specifically designed for massage. However, if you have sensitivity to certain products or ingredients (aromatherapy products use the natural essences of plants and flowers), please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.
Is massage safe for everyone?
Many of today's health problems can benefit from massage therapy because the manipulation of soft tissues can directly affect the muscular, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic (immune) systems. Massage therapy is also effective in the control of pain chronic or acute, in stress reduction, and in creating a sense of relaxation and well-being.
However, while massage is considered one of the safest treatments (and almost certainly one the most enjoyable ways to relax), there are certain medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the New Client Form before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking that could be affected by increased blood circulation, slowing of pulse rate, or by muscular pressure during a massage session. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session.
How long will a massage treatment last?
Many people prefer a 60 to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. A one-hour treatment allows enough time for a full-body massage, but longer time should be considered for deep tissue work or extended spa-type sessions. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometime recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been flushed out of the body tissues from the massage treatment.
What else should I know?
We encourage our clients to feel free to ask questions at any point of their
visit. If you think of something along the way, or even prior to your next
visit, just ASK. Remember, it is YOUR session. It's
about YOU.
It's okay to
Indulge...You DESERVE it!
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