What Can You Expect

Generally, first appointments begin with an intake process, starting with a health history. The health history may be downloaded so you can complete it beforehand. If not, please arrive 15 minutets early for your first visit to fill it out. Generally, a health history will ask about:

* Medical conditions
* Areas of concern
* Your level of pain or discomfort on good and bad days
* What helps reduce the pain and what makes it worse
* Contact information

You will also likely be asked to sign forms that explain your right to privacy such as HIPAA Consent and Disclosure.

Interview

The massage therapist will review your health history and ask questions. Because massage can affect multiple body systems, such as the cardiovascular and nervous systems, be honest with the massage therapist about your health. Knowing your history allows a therapist to determine if there are any reasons you should avoid massage or a particular technique.

The massage therapist will ask you questions to better design a session that meets your needs and goals within the time allotted. Let the therapist know what areas of your body you would like worked on, if there are any areas to avoid, and if you have any techniques that you would like to use or avoid. If you are concerned about undressing, discuss it with the therapist, who should be able to offer you some options. Don't be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. All information you give is confidential.

The therapist will outline what will happen in the session and then leave the room and wait outside while you disrobe to your level of comfort. Remember to remove all jewelry. Some clients prefer to completely disrobe, while some will remain partially clothed. Once disrobed, you will lie on the massage table, under the top sheet. Your massage therapist will give you a few minutes for this process and will knock on the door to ask if you are ready before entering your room.

During the Massage

You will always be draped with the top sheet during your massage session and an additional blanket is available at your request. Your massage therapist will only uncover the part of the body they are working on, ensuring that your modesty is respected at all times.

Bolsters will help protect your back while lying down and pillows for additional support. A face cradle is used in the face down position so work can be done on your neck. Sometimes you may experience congestion in your sinuses due to this face-down position, but this is usually only temporary.

Make sure you are comfortable and let the therapist know if you are not. Tell the therapist if you are cold, want to be covered, don't want an area of your body touched, don't like the music, or are experiencing discomfort with the technique or how it is being applied. Do not feel obligated to carry on a conversation while getting a massage – you can relax more if you do not talk and the therapist can concentrate on the work. Remember, you are in charge, and can ask for changes or stop the session at any time.

For most techniques, the therapist will use oils, lotions or cream. Some may get in your hair so you might want to tie your hair back, if it is long. If you have allergies to oils, please let the therapist know.

Remember to breathe slowly and deeply throughout the session. Breathing will help to reduce tension and it will assist in the flow of blood and oxygen to restricted muscle tissue. 

After the Massage

Once your massage therapy session is completed, your therapist will leave the room so you may re-dress. Your therapist will be waiting outside the room for you.

After your massage drink plenty of water. At least – your body weight in ounces is recommended on a daily basis. Refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours after a massage, unless your massage is designed for a pre-determined sporting event. Proper stretching is helpful in maintaining the increased flexibility that you will experience after your massage.

Soreness: it is possible to be sore after a session, especially if it is your first massage and you fail to drink plenty of water afterwards.

How to get the most from your massage

Be as open to the process as you can.

Relax and try let your thoughts go. One way to do this is to focus on how the touch or technique feels.

Remember to breathe, as this helps you relax. Sometimes people hold their breath when a sensitive area is massaged, but it is best to breathe through it.

In the same way, tightening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. If you can't seem to relax your muscles, let your massage therapist know. He or she may need to adjust the massage technique.