| What To Expect At Your First Massage Appointment | | | | themselves during the massage. |
| Do you have questions like: Do I have to undress | | | | The intensity of the work ranges from less physically |
| completely? Does it hurt? Is there anything I should | | | | demanding energy work, such as Reiki and relaxation |
| do to prepare? What will I feel like after? What is | | | | techniques, to the more deep tissue and pressure |
| the process? | | | | point techniques such as shiatsu, Swedish, trigger |
| All those questions can be answered with the simple | | | | point therapy, and assisted stretching. The deeper |
| statement - It depends upon your goals and desired | | | | techniques are for injury rehabilitation, improved |
| outcome. Some clients expect relaxation, some | | | | flexibility and athletic performance. |
| expect pain relief and others expect improved | | | | There should be no intolerable discomfort. The |
| athletic performance. | | | | pressure used is to client tolerance, so speak-up if |
| There are, however, some elements common to all | | | | the pressure is too much. That said; there are |
| first massage appointments and to after care | | | | benefits to tolerating some pain, depending on your |
| instructions. | | | | desired outcome. If you are there for relaxation - no |
| Intake and Consultation | | | | pain. If you are there for improved athletic |
| First, you are asked to complete a client intake form. | | | | performance - no pain/no gain. |
| This form alerts the therapist to any special needs, | | | | Be aware; there is good pain and bad pain. Good pain |
| areas of focus or treatment contraindication. Be as | | | | is pain that is local to the pressure and might move |
| thorough as possible and be prepared to briefly | | | | SLOWLY. It is somewhat dull or achy. The best way |
| discuss any conditions that will impede or improve | | | | to manage this type of pain is to breathe through it |
| your massage. | | | | and let the therapist know if it becomes too much. |
| This is a good time to discuss the techniques used | | | | Bad pain is sharp, shooting pain. This is never good. |
| and your comfort levels; tolerance to pressure, | | | | Stop the technique immediately. You might need |
| degree of undress. | | | | treatment from a Chiropractor or physician. |
| Privacy and Comfort | | | | Post Massage Care |
| Following a brief consultation in the massage room, | | | | Drink plenty of water. A massage can dislodge toxins |
| the therapist leaves you in privacy to disrobe to your | | | | and waste products from your tissues. Your body |
| comfort level. There are some massage techniques | | | | uses water as a medium by which to flush them. |
| that can be performed while fully clothed if you are | | | | Your water needs depend on many factors, including |
| uncomfortable disrobing at all; Shiatsu, for example. | | | | your health, your activity level and your environment. |
| Lie down on the table; usually face down, with your | | | | A general rule is 8 to 12 - 8 ounce cups per day. |
| head supported by a padded face cradle. Cover | | | | Healthy adult kidneys can process fifteen liters of |
| yourself with the sheets provided. You are | | | | water a day. You will not suffer from water |
| completely covered while lying on the massage table. | | | | intoxication if you drink a lot of water, provided that |
| Only the area being treated is uncovered. | | | | you drink it over a span of time. Do not drink large |
| Room temperature, heating pads and body position | | | | amounts all at once. |
| are all adjustable. Don't hesitate to ask for what you | | | | Activity level after a massage, again, depends on |
| need for your comfort. | | | | outcome goals. Plan to relax for the remainder of the |
| Massage Scope and Technique | | | | day. |
| A full body massage usually includes: the face and | | | | Do not plan a competitive athletic event for three |
| scalp, neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, arms, | | | | days after a deep tissue massage. If that is |
| hands, gluts, legs, and feet. If there are any areas to | | | | unavoidable, it is recommended that you do a light |
| avoid, let the therapist know in during the | | | | workout (30 to 50% of normal workout intensity) |
| consultation. | | | | before the event. This prevents the muscles and |
| Most massage therapist use a combination of | | | | joints from being too lax and vulnerable to injury. |
| techniques. Two therapists trained by the same | | | | If you have residual pain from a deep massage, use |
| school personalize the techniques and are never | | | | ice to reduce any sore spots. |
| exactly the same. Therefore, choosing your therapist | | | | If you have a headache, it is most likely because you |
| is an intensely personal decision. Communication and | | | | did not drink enough water. |
| responsiveness are the keys to a successful | | | | Following these guidelines goes a long way to insuring |
| relationship with a practitioner. | | | | a positive first massage experience. These processes |
| The techniques applied are determined through the | | | | and technique are employed in our clinic with much |
| consultation process and by conditions that present | | | | success. |