Getting to Know You
When you arrive at the clinic for your first massage session you will be asked to fill out a short medical history form. This allows the therapist to adjust your session based on any medical conditions you have, recent injuries or surgeries, and medications you may take.
Providing Privacy and Comfort
The massage therapist will guide you back to the private, comfortable massage room to go over your medical history and ask you about your goals for the session. The therapist will show you where to put your clothes, and then leave the room so you are able to disrobe to your comfort level and get onto the table, underneath the sheet and blanket. During your massage, only the body part being worked on is undraped, but if you are more comfortable doing the massage over your clothes then please let the therapist know.
Open Communication
The massage therapist often uses oil or lotion to condition your skin and reduce friction, but please let them know of any allergies you may have so they can choose the appropriate product. During the session the massage therapist will be checking in with you to make sure you are okay with the pressure they are applying. Please do not hesitate to speak up if something feels uncomfortable or if you have any questions about the certain techniques they are using, so you are able to be as relaxed as possible.
Adjusting to Your Needs
Also make sure to let your therapist know if you need any adjustments made to the temperature, the music, or if you need any extra pillows to allow you to relax even further. If you are unable to lie on a certain side please let the therapist know, so they can accommodate your needs, such as by having you sit up in a chair for part of the session.
Should I add hot stones?
Water-heated stones placed on your body (and used for deeper massage) by the therapist help melt away tension and ease muscle stiffness, increasing circulation while promoting relaxation during your massage.
Before You Depart
At the end of the massage session the therapist will leave the room so that you are able to get up slowly, get dressed, and leave the therapy room when you are ready. When you come out they will get you some water if you would like some, and they will work with you to customize a plan for a follow-up massage to help maintain your overall wellness goals.
Remember to relax and enjoy your massage, but don’t be afraid to ask any questions that you may have, so you are able to have the most pleasant experience possible.
