Recently, health care has started to focus more on preventive measures, as opposed to curing health problems after they develop. Massage therapy has been part of this new awareness and offers a number of benefits towards preventing medical conditions and procedures. Regardless of whether you are looking for an immediate quick fix to a problem or are seeking complimentary alternatives to health care, massage therapy offers a significant influence on mental, physical, and emotional conditions.
Before the Session
Health History/Confidentiality
For the first session, you will be required to fill out a health history form, detailing information about your past and present health. Here you can mention trouble areas or particular things your massage therapist needs to be aware of. Before the session begins, the health history form will be discussed. This is a great time to ask questions, convey wishes and expectations for the session, as well as, emphasize the reason for seeking massage therapy treatment.All health and personal information given during a massage session are confidential.
Pre-massage Preparation
It is expected that you will come to the session recently showered/clean. In addition to personal hygiene and cleanliness, a recent hot shower can loosen up muscles and prevent skin irritation during a massage.
Getting on the Table
Your massage therapist will lead you to your room, will give you instructions and then he/she will exit the room, giving you a private environment in which to disrobe to your level of comfort and get underneath the top sheet. Upon exiting the room, your massage therapist will specify whether to lie face-up or face-down to begin the session. Regardless of the level of apparel, you will be securely covered with a sheet at all times with only the area being worked exposed at any time. Make sure to remove any jewelry or other articles that may interfere with the massage. Your therapist will knock before reentering the room.
Does Massage Therapy Hurt?
Pain is not the goal of massage therapy, nor does it mean that the massage is “working”. There are a number of sensations elicited during a massage session that can be described as pain, however, massage therapy does not have to involve any of them! There is a distinction between a ‘therapeutic pain’ and ‘intolerable pain’. Therapeutic pain is a sensation that is intense, uncomfortable but tolerable, and maintaining the ability to breathe through the work and does provide a benefit. Therapeutic pain turns into BAD pain when the sensation goes from uncomfortable to intolerable. This kind of intolerable pain causes the body to tighten up in protection, which only inhibits the benefits of massage and creates more tension...clearly, the opposite reason for getting a massage so talk to your massage therapist and let her/him know if the pressure is ok.
To Talk or Not to Talk
Some people speak throughout their session, while others prefer silence. This is your decision. Idle conversation can detract from relaxation and neglecting awareness to the body, however, communicating with the therapist is very important. Again, this time is YOUR time and it is imperative that you are comfortable, mentally and physically, throughout the massage.
Ending the Session
Your massage therapist will let you know when the session is complete. Again, she/he will leave the room allowing you time to get off the table and redress. When ready, you will open the door so your therapist will know when to return. To help sustain the effects of the massage it is common for your therapist to end the session with post-massage care instructions, which may include stretches, exercises, hot or cold pack regiment, etc... It is also important to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise after any massage session. This is also a great time to ask questions that may have come up during the session.