Maybe it’s your first therapeutice massage ever, or maybe it’s just your first time with me. Here is a little run down of what to expect.

BEFORE THE MASSAGE

In the days before your massage, drink plenty of water.

Do not eat just before your massage.

Give yourself enough time to arrive on time and relaxed. If you are rushing and arrive stressed, it will take longer to get into a relaxed state.

HEALTH HISTORY

Generally, first appointments begin with an intake process, starting with a health history. Arrive 10 min. early to your first appointment to allow for this. 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

Knowing your historty allows a therapist to determine if there are any reasons you should avoid massage or a particular technique and helps meet your needs.

DURING THE MASSAGE

You will lie on a massage table, covered by a sheet and blanket. Make sure you are comfortable and let the therapist know if you are not. Don’t hesitate to tell the therapist if you are too cold, hot, or if pressure is too light or too deep.

Draping

A professional massage therapist will never expose genitals, breasts, or areas client is not comfortable having exposed. Only the area the therapist is working on will be exposed.

Music

The therapist will play soft relaxing music, but be sure to tell your therapist if you prefer a different style or you would like it silent.

How to get the most from your massage

Be as open to the process as you can.

Relax and try to 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. It is common to hold the breath when a sensitive area is massaged, but it is best to breathe through it. Some find it helpful to count to 5 as they inhale and 7 on the exhale.

In the same way, tightening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. If you can’t seem to relax your muslces, let your massage therapist know. They may need to adjust the massage technique.

Answers to common questions

~Is it okay to talk? Yes it is okay to talk during your massage, but you may get more benefits of relaxation if you quiet your mind. If you are nervous about the process of receiving massage and need to talk to feel for relaxed, your therapist will understand. If your session is rehabilitation-based, the therapist will need to stay in constant contact with you regarding pain levels and measuring relief. Because it’s important that you offer specific feedback to the therapist, she may keep taling to keep you from drfiting off.

~What if I’m embabrrassed about my body? Remember that massage therapists are professionals who are sensitive to possible client issues with touch and are non-judgmental about body size and weight, amount of hair, skin conditions, scars, disabilities, medical conditions, or personal history of trauma.

AFTER THE MASSAGE

At the end of the massage, the therapist will leave the room. Wait a few minutes on the table as you get grounded (wiggle your toes and fingers), especially if you feel light-headed. Take your time getting dressed and ready and your therapist will be meet you with water which you will want to drink immediately to help flush toxins and waste.

You will have a chance to discuss the massage, set up payment, and make a future appointment if desired.

Stay aware of how your body and mind feels. Feelings range from feeling relaxed, renewed and centered, to invigorated, excited or experiencing a rush of clarity or new energy. Try receiving massages in the morning, afternoon, and evening to find the best time of day and your preference.

Realize that the benefits of massage tend to be cululative, so typically, you will feel better as you get additional/regular massages.

Answers to common questions

~Can I go back to work after my massage? Of course, but plan on enough time to readjust (about 20 min. following a massage).

~Will the oil or cream ruin my clothes or mess my hair? Most massage oils will not damage your clothing (I tend to use cream). If you have any concerns, bring a comfortable set of clothes to put on afterward. A well-trained therapist can design a session that does mess up ytour hair or make-up (communicate this need beforehand).

~Should I tip the massage therapist? It is generally considered proper protocol to tip a massage therapist, just as you would your hairdresser. It is nice to let the therapist know that you appreciate a good job, but tipping is not the only way, especially if the cost of the massage therapy is already a burden. Regardless of your decision, it is wise to be consistent.