What to Expect in Your Massage

BEFORE YOU COME FOR YOUR MASSAGE....Take some time to notice how you are feeling in your body. Do you have areas of tension or muscle pain? Do you feel stressed? Take a few deep breaths and listen to what your body might be saying to you. Make a mental note and let your therapist know if there are some areas that might need some extra attention.

ARRIVING AT YOUR MASSAGE.... If this is your first massage you will be asked to fill out a short health intake form. The form lets your therapist know if you have had broken bones, accidents, surgeries and other health issues. Certain conditions warrant precautions in doing massage. In some cases the massage should be postponed until the condition has subsided (eg fever, infection) or until the therapist can get a note from your doctor saying massage is okay.

Your therapist will take a few moments to go over the health intake form with you. Let your therapist know if you have any concerns and what your goals are for the massage.

GETTING THE MASSAGE.... Your therapist will take you into the massage room and leave you alone for a few moments so you can get undressed and under the top sheet or towel on the massage table. You should undress to your level of comfort but realize that you will be properly and securely covered at all times. Only body parts that are being worked on will be uncovered and the genital and breast areas are never exposed.

The therapist will knock on the door and ask if you are ready and on the massage table. Then he/she will enter the room and begin the massage. Oil or lotion is used to reduce the friction on your skin as massage strokes are performed. As the massage proceeds, do not hesitate to let the therapist know if the strokes are too deep or if you are uncomfortable in any way. The therapist will adjust the massage as necessary.

During the massage, let your body relax. Try to breathe deeply to help relax yourself. Feel yourself in your body. For the most part your therapist will move your body; you don't have to assist. Take this time to passively experience being in your body. Massage is a great way to increase your body awareness. Generally it is better not to talk too much during the massage. However usually the therapist leaves the amount of talking that is done up to the client.

Some clients fall asleep or get very close to falling asleep during a massage. Some hover near the sleep in a dream-like state. Don't feel like you have to stay awake. Go with the massage experience. Subtle changes may be occurring to your consciousness and emotional state as your body goes to deeper and deeper levels of relaxation.

The therapist will conclude the massage with some final gentle strokes and/or holding of your body. Take your time getting up from the massage table. There is no need to rush.

AFTER THE MASSAGE.... Notice how your body feels. Drink plenty of water after the massage. Massage increases circulatory and lymphatic flow, so drinking plenty of water will help flush out toxins in your system. If your therapist has done any deep work, you may want to ice those areas for about 15 to 20 minutes within a few hours of the massage to reduce any post-massage soreness that might occur. If deep work has been done, you may be sore for a day or two, but you should feel fine after that. Try doing any stretches that your therapist has recommended. Stretches should be held at least 20 seconds as you continue to breathe. Stretches should be done to a comfortable level; you don't want to over stretch.

Don't forget to schedule another massage. There's no specific period of time for your next massage. It depends on your physical condition and pocketbook. If you are have chronic tightness and pain in an area, it is better to get massages more often at first (perhaps weekly) until the condition has subsided. Then you can determine what the best massage schedule is for your individual needs.