What To Expect

Recently, healthcare has started to focus more on preventive measures, as opposed to curing health problems after they develop. Massage therapy has been part of this new awareness and offers a number of benefits towards preventing medical conditions and procedures. Regardless of whether you are looking for an immediate quick fix to a problem or are seeking complimentary alternatives to healthcare, massage therapy offers a significant influence on mental, physical, and emotional conditions.

What to Expect at your Massage
Many people have heard a number of different stories about massage. Ranging from good to bad experiences there is no way to know what massage is like, or what each massage therapist is like, until you experience it for yourself. While each kind of massage offers a different experience, each massage therapist also has a different quality of touch, technique, and approach to bodywork. Although there is no other way than seeing for yourself, here is a walk through of what you CAN expect from a massage therapy session with me.

Before the Session
Health History/Confidentiality
For the first session, the client will be required to fill out a health history form, detailing information about their past and present health. Here the client can mention trouble areas or particular things I need to be aware of. Before the session begins, the health history form will be discussed. This is a great time to ask questions, convey wishes and expectations for the session, as well as, emphasize the reason for seeking massage therapy treatment.

All health and personal information given during a massage session are confidential and will only be shared with a third party if legally subpoenaed, the client has given written consent, or information regarding child abuse has been disclosed.

Pre-massage Preparation
It is expected that the client will come to the session recently showered/clean and the therapist will do the same. In addition to personal hygiene and cleanliness, a recent hot shower can loosen up muscles and prevent skin irritation during a massage.

Mood/Environment/Setting
There are infinite possibilities for massage therapy settings and the environment can significantly effect the massage experience. The touch from massage engages the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and relaxation) which facilitates potential for healing from within the body. The best setting for a massage should be conducive to this state of being. The environment may have low/soft lighting, soft music or silence, comfortably warm temperature, clean and neat space.

Getting on the Table
I will exit the room, giving the client a private environment in which to disrobe to their level of comfort and get underneath the top sheet. Upon exiting the room, I will specify whether to lie face-up or face-down to begin the session. In order for me to provide my best work, clients will typically disrobe fully. Regardless of the level of apparel, the client will be securely covered with a sheet at all times with only the area being worked exposed at any time. Make sure to remove any jewelry or other articles that may interfere with the massage. I will knock before reentering the room.

During the Session
My objective is to serve my clients needs to the best of my ability within my scope of practice. If at anytime the client feels uncomfortable for any reason, please let me know immediately. Together, we can work towards addressing the clients needs. This includes feedback about too much or too little pressure, whether to talk or not, pain, temperature, lighting, music, and sensations experienced both on or off the table. This time is for the client.

Does Massage Therapy Hurt?
Pain is not the goal of massage therapy, nor does it mean that the massage is “working”. There are a number of sensations elicited during a massage session that can be described as pain, however, massage therapy does not have to involve any of them! There is a distinction between a ‘therapeutic pain’ and ‘intolerable pain’. Therapeutic pain is a sensation that is intense, uncomfortable but tolerable, and maintaining the ability to breathe through the work and does provide a benefit. Therapeutic pain turns into BAD pain when the sensation goes from uncomfortable to intolerable. This kind of intolerable pain causes the body to tighten up in protection, which only inhibits the benefits of massage and creates more tension...clearly, the opposite reason for getting a massage!

To Talk or Not to Talk
Some people speak throughout their session, while others prefer silence. This is the clients decision. Idle conversation can detract from relaxation and neglecting awareness to the body, however, communicating with the therapist is very important. Again, this time is for the client and it is imperative that the client is comfortable, mentally and physically, throughout the massage.

Ending the Session
I will let the client know when the session is complete. Again, I will leave the room allowing the client time to get off the table and redress. When ready, the client will open the door so I will know when to return. To help sustain the effects of the massage it is common for me to end the session with post-massage care instructions, which may include stretches, exercises, hot or cold pack regiment, etc... It is also important to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise after any massage session. This is also a great time to ask questions that may have come up during the session.