Where will my therapeutic session take place?
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Your therapeutic session will take place in your home. You will provide a space where the massage therapist can setup the massage table. The massage therapist will provide sheets, face rest cover, and blanket. You can provide the music for your session or the massage therapist can.
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Your therapeutic session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet, decorated studio. Soft lighting and music will be used to help you to relax. A massage table will be setup with sheets, face rest cover, and blanket.
What is the purpose of the intake form?
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You will complete an intake form prior to your first therapeutic session. The massage therapist will review your answers to the questions in the form. The information that you provide will assist the massage therapist in evaluating any contraindications to massage therapy, planning the therapeutic session, and reviewing your expectations and concerns for the therapeutic session.
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Returning clients will complete a short intake form in order to update any personal information and to detail the purpose of the current session.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
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You and the the massage therapist will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body will be emphasized in the session. During your therapeutic session you will lie on both your stomach and your back and massage therapy will include work on your feet, legs, thighs, back, hands, forearms, arms, upper chest, shoulders, head, and neck. You will be asked if you want massage for your abdomen.
How long will the session last?
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A 60-minute session is sufficient for a full-body massage therapy. When there are areas of focus, for instance the neck and shoulders, the session will be adjusted to accommodate the entire body and the area of focus. A 90- to 120-minute session provides more time for optimal relaxation and therapeutic benefit. A therapeutic session can begin with a segment of integrated reflexology (feet, hands, and ears) for an area of focus, like the neck and shoulders. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
What is the expectation regarding clothing?
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Most massage therapy techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed. For sessions involving sports and stretching techniques, athletic wear is most appropriate. For on-site sessions using either a massage table or chair, the client is completely clothed.
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You decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort.
Where will the massage therapist be when I disrobe?
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The massage therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a sheet. The massage therapist will knock at the door and check that you are ready.
What will the massage therapist do after re-entering the room?
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The massage therapist will ask if you are comfortable, adjust the face cradle, place a bolster under ankles when on your stomach or under knees when on your back, and provide a blanket if you need to be warmer.
What is the procedure regarding the use of draping during the session?
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You will be draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable and maintain a safe personal space. Only that area being massaged will be exposed. The massage therapist will check-in with you to make sure that you are comfortable with the degree and manner of undraping.
What type of lubricant will be used?
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A lotion will be used to permit your muscles to be worked easily through the skin. A gel will be used with hot stones to allow gliding of the stones during their use. The lubricants used will hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed. For deep tissue techniques, less lubricant will be used; for neuromuscular techniques, only a small amount of water will be used if necessary.
What will the massage therapy feel like?
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It depends on the techniques used. In a Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your nervous system and ease superficial muscle tension. As your body unwinds, pressure will gradually be increased to relieve specific areas of muscular tension. You should communicate with your massage therapist immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage therapy is most effective when your body is at ease and feeling relaxed and your muscles are yielding to the pressure of the strokes.
What should I do during the therapeutic session?
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Make yourself comfortable. The massage therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Ask questions about massage therapy in general or about techniques being used in specific.
How will I feel after the therapeutic session?
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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 metabolic wastes are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water afterward to improve flushing of your systems, organs, and tissues, especially muscle tissue.
"Breathe, Relax & Energize"