
It is important to find a qualified massage therapist
who has graduated from an accredited school and/or has passed
the National Certification Exam for Massage and BodyWork and has
the appropriate business licenses for their jurisdiction. Ask someone
who you know for a referral. A good referral source is a someone
who has experienced different massage therapy styles or someone
in the health care field who is knowledgeable about the benefits of massage.
Prior to your massage, hydrate with water
to make your massage more enjoyable. Dehydrated tissue is harder
to work with and more painful for the client.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out
a health history form and review this with the therapist so the
therapist will know where you are having difficulties and what area
to focus on. This will help determine the type of massage techniques
that your therapist will use.
The office setting includes three (3) private rooms for
individual massage sessions. Each room is equipped with a massage table that has fresh linens or towels for
draping purposes. There is usually soft music and dim lighting
to enhance the relaxing experience.
The therapist will leave the room to allow you
to undress privately to your comfort level and to get on the massage
table under the sheets/towel. Remember to remove all
jewelry. The massage will be discreet, only the area that
is being worked on will be uncovered.
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.
For most techniques, the therapist will use oils
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.
Communicate with the therapist about anything
that is uncomfortable: such as pressure (too deep?),
pain, cold room, therapist talking too much? 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 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. At the end of the session, the therapist will leave the room, allowing you to get up
from the table slowly and get dressed.
Hydrate after your massage session with plenty
of water. At least 1⁄2 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.
Upon payment, many people wonder about tipping.
Tipping is optional – not expected but always appreciated.
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.
It is recommended to schedule appointments in
advance and plan on getting a massage at least one time per
month for therapeutic benefits. Don’t wait until you are in pain – use massage as a mini-vacation or stress-break
during your normal routine.

Back
to Top^
|