I get it. I was this person at one time...the person who isn't sure what to expect when you schedule a massage appointment for the first time. I received a massage gift certificate many, many years ago. While I was appreciative, I didn't know what to do next. I didn't know what to wear to my appointment...regular clothes, sweat pants, yoga clothes? When do I get under the sheets? How much of my body will be exposed during the session? What is this person (the massage therapist) going to do to me while I lie on a massage table? What happens if I fall asleep?
While every massage therapist is different, there are a few basics that I'd like to share to dispel the mysteries of what happens in my massage practice.
My process begins with the new client making an appointment over the phone or by scheduling their appointment online. A 60 minute session is a good place to start for a newbie. I offer sessions that are 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes in length.
When you arrive for your session, I will greet you and walk with you into the treatment room. The treatment room is pretty simple...a heated massage table (which is wonderful on a chilly day!), a client chair, hooks for your clothes, my desk/stool, a bookcase, and a laundry hamper. There will be soft music playing throughout the session.
Once in the treatment room, we will discuss issues you may have that massage can help with (back pain, tension, shoulder pain, headache, etc.). After we have a discussion about what may be bothering you, I will conduct an assessment to see how your body is aligned...Are your shoulders even when you stand up? Do have have flat arches in your feet? Is your head tilted more to one side? Etc.
You will be asked to complete a written confidential health intake form so that I can identify additional areas that I need to pay attention to. At times, there are questions on the intake form that trigger some additional conversations (i.e. a sprained ankle you had years ago).
At this point, I will briefly explain the plan of action during your massage. For some sessions, the massage will be a full body relaxing massage. Other sessions, I may be focused on one or more areas that may be bothering you (your low back).
I will step out of the room to give you a few minutes to undress to your level of comfort and rest comfortably laying on the massage table, completely under the sheets and blanket (well...everything is under the sheets except your face!). What exactly is "your level of comfort"? It is exactly as it sounds. Wear whatever you are comfortable in. During the session you will be completely covered with the sheet and blanket, and uncovered only when an area is being worked. For example, your leg will only be uncovered when I am working on that leg. Many clients don't wear anything (that allows me to do some glides directly on the skin to relieve tightness in your muscles), where others feel most comfortable wearing shorts/underwear. Some wear socks because their feet are cold. I can work over most clothing, and even work over the sheet in some cases. It's also best to remove necklaces, bracelets and large earrings as they can get in the way if I'm working the upper back, neck and wrist areas.
When I step out of the room, I will make a few notes on our conversation and what I observed during the visual assessment. I will wash my hands and knock gently on the treatment door before I return.
The next 60 minutes are now yours to completely relax. In my sessions, you will receive a full 60 minutes of table time when you book a 60 minute massage (Note: Other therapists may provide only 45 or 50 minutes for their 60 minute sessions).
Don't worry about keeping a conversation going during the session...you'll get more out of the session if you are listening to your body relax during the session. You should feel your breathing slow down and deepen as your body moves from a tense, sympathetic state to one of relaxation. Many of my clients fall asleep or get very close to that state during their session.
The only requirement I have during your session is that you speak up if there is ANYTHING you don't like during your session. If the pressure I'm using on your tight quadriceps is too much, let me know. If the pressure is too little, let me know that, too. I can also adjust the temperature and music if not to your satisfaction. This is your session, so be sure to speak up if you have any questions or concerns. Don't wait until the session is over...please mention any concerns you may have during your session so it can be addressed.
I will let you know when the session is over and that I am leaving the room. You may feel somewhat lethargic when you attempt to get up off the table. Take your time getting up off the table. I often suggest clients sit for a few minutes on the table before getting to their feet. Once you are dressed, open the treatment room door and I'll be waiting directly outside. I will ask for feedback as to how you are feeling, and provide you with information that may help you continue to extend the benefits of the massage session.
I look forward to working with you soon! Please post any questions or comment you may have. If you'd like to schedule an appointment with me, please click here to see my availability.
Thank you,
- Bonnie
Align Body - Relieve Pain - Improve Wellness - Enhance Performance
