Before You Have a Massage
What to expect before you get a massage can help alleviate any uneasiness you may have.
Regardless of the type of massage or bodywork you are considering, these are some basic things you can anticipate before you go for your first massage appointment.
Before You Have a Massage
- Your massage therapist or practitioner will take a confidential medical history from you and have you sign a consent form;
- Your massage therapist or practitioner will do an assessment and review of your medical history to develop a comprehensive treatment plan;
- Your massage therapist or practitioner will inform you of their particular approach and massage technique, and will inform you of what you can expect from a massage treatment;
- Your massage therapist or practitioner will ask what it is you would like to focus on if you have a particular area of concern or health problem;
- Depending on the type of massage , you may or may not have to disrobe. If you do, your massage therapist will leave the room before you disrobe to the level of your comfort, and then will ask you to lie under the sheets/blanket provided on the massage table. For a full body massage, most people undress fully. You will always have a sheet or blanket over you except for the area being worked on;
- If you are having a foot reflexology session, you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks only. Typically, a reflexologist will work your feet, lower legs and sometimes around the knees. To end the reflexology session, you might also receive a foot massage.
- You will be lying down on either your back or abdomen, with pillows under your head, abdomen and ankles of knees; or you may be lying in a comfy recliner, sitting in a massage chair, or even lying on a mat on the floor.
- The average full body massage lasts about an hour; however, you can have shorter ½ hour visits to work on problematic areas rather than having a full body massage.
Enjoy the full benefits of massage therapy by knowing what to expect before you have a massage.
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson 2006. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
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