Hi everyone!
Massage Therapy is such a personal service to book, and not knowing what will happen behind closed doors can cause a lot of stress and trepidation. Luckily, I have been getting and giving massages since 2007 so I am here to help demystify the process!
The first thing you can expect from your session is to fill out some paperwork on your health history and session goals. Paperwork length varies. Make sure to notify your therapist of any contagious conditions, recent surgeries, and health conditions even if there isn’t a space for it on their form. This information will help your therapist decide how to work with you, keep you safe and maximize results. Licensed massage therapists are a part of your health care team - be open and honest so they can work with you safely and effectively.
Now that you’ve taken the time to fill out paperwork, expect your therapist to discuss some of the highlights. The most common things they will want to talk about are pressure levels, injuries, surgeries, skin conditions, accidents, daily lifestyle (such as repetitive activities), areas to avoid, and your goals from the session. Talking about what you have just written will help make sure everyone is on the same page and clear up any questions. I like to talk a bit about what we will do during the session and my style of bodywork.
Your goals are just as important as health history here! Think about why you booked and how you’d like to feel walking out. Your massage therapist may want to perform a few visual evaluations (think: if one of your shoulders or hips are hiked) or just ask more questions. At this point, they may also set a few expectations in regards to your goals. Instant gratification is so fantastic but chances are you will need more than one session to accomplish your goals long term. If you booked for pain management, there may be some more muscle groups involved that would benefit from work during your hands on time.
Before the session starts, your therapist should talk to you about undressing to your comfort level. Most of the time this involves removing all outer clothing garments and typically your bra if you wear one. If you are only getting bodywork on a smaller portion of your body, you may choose to leave on some outer garments. A trained therapist in the states will use sheets to carefully drape your body but will also have no problem working with you if you’d like to remain fully clothed, just expect a different type of bodywork. Always ask questions if you aren’t sure what to leave on. Your therapist will step out of the room after instructing you to start face up or down. Take your time and get nice and comfy on the table!
Bodywork sessions last anywhere from 30-120 minutes. During this time, technique and style will vary widely. Massage therapists will blend a mixture of techniques to help you achieve your goals. Feel free to chat away or take a nap! Speak up if something doesn’t feel good: - your therapist can change pressure, techniques, and explain why they were working with your muscles in that way. Clients who come to me for stress relief, anxiety, and relaxation tend to like a more quiet atmosphere, so aside from checking in a few times, I tend to keep quiet. When I work with clients who have injuries or lots of pain, I talk to them more about how things feel throughout the session.
As the session comes to a close, a lot of therapists like myself will do something to end the session. I will gently squeeze feet, stretch the back, or provide light pressure on the shoulders. When the hands on time has concluded, your therapist will step out and give you time to slowly sit up and change back into your clothes. After you emerge to the real world again, I take the time to talk to you about what I observed during the session, one or two things you can do at home to keep pain at bay, and recommendations for your next booking.
I hope this helps you feel at ease to book your massage! Just remember to ask questions and stand up for yourself. Every therapist will have a different flow and style but being more prepared will help you sink into relaxation and enjoy the experience.
Each client is unique, I am happy to take things slow, go at your place, and answer all your questions. Head over to the online booking page to get on my calendar!
What questions do you have about bodywork?
Have a beautiful week!
Valerie