| What can you expect in most cases during a | | | | massage and then should leave the room to give |
| massage session? For daily stress, discomfort and | | | | you privacy when undressing and getting onto the |
| maintenance, massage is highly recommended in | | | | table. There is no reason for the therapist to be in |
| all forms. The following will help you know what to | | | | the room at this time unless you need assistance. |
| look for and what to ask in advance so that you | | | | In that case, it would be best to bring someone |
| will be able to relax and enjoy your treatment to | | | | with you that you are comfortable with to help |
| its fullest. | | | | you on and off the table. |
| A well-trained massage therapist will take notes | | | | Your therapist will use oil or cream to help with |
| prior to each session to document where you | | | | the flowing strokes that promote good circulation |
| have discomfort and pain, what medications you | | | | and help to relax the body. If you go to a |
| may be taking and anything else that is necessary | | | | neuromuscular therapist or other specialist for |
| for your therapist to know before proceeding. | | | | chronic pain and muscular imbalances, they may |
| This will help you to know that she/he is listening | | | | use little or no oil and you may not even be able |
| to you, that your needs can be addressed | | | | to relax too easily during the session, but the |
| correctly and so that you can both keep track of | | | | results will be long lasting in the right hands and |
| your progress. If you have any aversions or | | | | worth the therapy. They will most likely warn you |
| allergies to fragrances, please inform your | | | | of this fact in advance. |
| therapist before your session. | | | | Another large part of your massage session is |
| After information is shared in the beginning of the | | | | the amount of pressure that will be used. On a |
| session, the rest of the appointment should be | | | | scale of 1-10 (10 being extreme pressure that |
| quiet if you are receiving a relaxing massage. Most | | | | would be intolerable), the pressure should range |
| likely you will enter into a therapy room that has | | | | from between 5 to 7 unless you are receiving |
| soft lighting and relaxing music playing in the | | | | more focused work and then you will need to |
| background. The room should be pleasing to the | | | | understand how the scale works for that |
| eye, but at times may have a more sterile | | | | particular therapy. The therapist will help you with |
| appearance depending on the type of therapist | | | | that. Even with deeper therapies, it shouldn't go |
| you are visiting. You will disrobe in private, and | | | | above an 8 or 9 or last too long in one area. |
| then lay on the massage table under a 'drape.' | | | | Keep in mind that the scale is measured by your |
| Draping is a very important part of the massage. | | | | tolerance only and not by the therapist's |
| It is important for your sense of privacy and | | | | suggestions. |
| comfort. In most cases, you will not be wearing | | | | There may be times that the therapist may need |
| any clothing so you need to be covered well. This | | | | some feedback during the session, but otherwise |
| is typical and better for you and the therapist to | | | | a session should remain quiet for optimum results. |
| address the whole back. You can keep your | | | | If you feel the need to talk, that is o.k. as long as |
| underwear on if you feel more comfortable. | | | | the conversation remains focused on you and not |
| The massage room may tend to be a bit cool | | | | the therapist's personal opinions or needs. A good |
| since the therapist working with you will get | | | | therapist can listen to you and perform their work |
| warm fast; your body temperature will naturally | | | | at the same time. We're used to it. During certain |
| decrease with relaxation and the therapist's will go | | | | more specific therapies, you may need to give |
| up as they work. It is important for you to | | | | feedback throughout your session. |
| question about proper draping before your session | | | | With any massage therapist, you should never |
| to make sure that it is a priority so that you can | | | | feel exposed or uncomfortable in any way. This is |
| relax fully and enjoy your session. | | | | your time for yourself and it should be a good |
| If you are naturally warm and prefer less draping, | | | | experience. The more massages you get, the |
| that can accomplished with less material and the | | | | more in touch with your body you will become |
| therapist can still achieve complete privacy for | | | | and the more easily you can relax between |
| you. As a teacher of massage therapy, I feel | | | | treatments. Remembering back to your massage |
| proper draping is a priority to the ethics of | | | | experience can help you to relax just about |
| massage in an office or salon. The therapist | | | | anywhere. |
| should tell you exactly how to prepare for your | | | | |