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What should I expect
from my first massage?
How do I prepare for a massage and what do I do afterward?
To prepare yourself
for your massage, taking a nice warm shower, or a short soak in
the hot tub is a great way to start to unwind and prepare yourself
for the massage. Don't worry about your body type or appearance,
massage therapists have seen hundreds of bodies of all types, we
are here to work on YOUR body, and to do what we can to make this
a positive experience for YOU.
A glass or two of wine is fine, but any more can seriously effect
your bodies ability to cope with the toxins that will be released
with your massage. Most importantly, just relax, and look forward
to this time for your health and mind.
On your first
meeting, your massage therapist will do an "intake" - asking
questions about your general health, specific injuries and whether
you are under a doctor's care. They may also ask you to stand or
walk around for them to do a "postural analysis". Ask any
questions you have for your therapist at this time. The entire
process only takes a few minutes and should not substantially cut
into your massage time.
The therapist will then give you instructions on how they want you
on the table (face up/down etc.) They should be out of the room
while you are changing.
The massage room should be clean, private and quiet. Some
therapists use music, candles, aromatherapy or soothing sounds to
assist your relaxation and enhance your message. If you don't want
any of those things you are free to ask the therapist to stop
using them. Also, each therapist likes to use a special oil or
lotion. If you have something you like to use on your skin, bring
it and they will be happy to use it.
If you are getting a massage for relaxation, there should be
little or no talking. For deep tissue work the therapist will be
checking in with you to make sure you are tolerating the work and
to remind you to breathe and relax. Sometimes light conversation
is used to distract clients during the deep work.
The client is always in control of the massage! Whether to talk or
not, if there should be music or no music or different music,
whether to use scent or not during your massage, whether your
massage should be deeper or lighter. If you are uncomfortable at
all, always speak up and be honest with your therapist about your
expectations and comfort. However, at any time the massage
professional feels threatened or uncomfortable with a situation,
they can end the session immediately, and you will be required to
pay the entire fee.
Massage is strictly professional and conscientious body work for
relaxation of mind, body and soul.
Afterward, if you
are able and not restricted due to medication, drink plenty of
water to help your body's organs flush the toxins which will have
been released and cleanse your tissues and cells replenishing them
with new fresh blood and nutrients. Allow the effects of the
massage to linger, and just let go, relax and enjoy the release of
stress, soreness and pressure your body has been holding for to
long
Do I have to
completely undress?
No. However, to
derive the highest benefits of a massage, the client should be
disrobed to allow the therapist to employ techniques without the
disruption which clothing causes.
Many techniques are most effective when performed directly to the
body. The therapist will leave the room while you undress, get
comfortable on the massage table and cover yourself with the sheet
he/she will use to "drape" you during the massage.
It does not matter to the professional therapist what you wear
during YOUR massage. They will work to give you the best massage
no matter what you are wearing. You disrobe to the degree YOU
decide for YOUR massage.
If is your first massage, you may be a little nervous and may want
to wear some kind of swim wear or underwear. Your therapist will
understand, so be comfortable and enjoy your massage wearing what
you choose, if anything at all. Remember that you can wear a suit
of armor if you choose to although your massage will not feel as
good and the price is generally the same.
What does massage do
- other than feel good?
Scientific study has
now proven many of the healing aspects of massage, that some
cultures have known for thousand of years.
Just a few of the benefits of Massage are listed here;
*Helps rid the body of toxins
*Stretches superficial tissue
*Assists lymphatic and venous flow
*Helps to break up and loosen subcutaneous scar tissue
*Increases nutrition to the cells and skin
*Increases the red and white blood cell count
*Can help reduce certain types of edema
*Increases respiration to the skin
*Stimulates the sensory receptors (nerves) of the skin and deeper
tissue
*Relieves joint ache and pain
*Promotes good posture and self esteem
*Improves tone and texture of the skin
*Assists digestion
*Causes release of natural endorphins and promotes relaxation
Can I bring someone
with me to my massage session?
Many of our clients
have massages along with their partners, we permit your having
someone with you during your massage. If you have someone with you
during your massage, they should be quiet and non-interfering with
the therapists performance of the massage. Excessive talking,
laughter, and being in the way of the therapist at the massage
table are to be avoided.
The relationship between the client and therapist is very
important. Your partner will get much more from the massage
experience if the atmosphere is more quiet. However, feel free to
be nearby your loved one, as this is a wonderful shared
experience. If however you would like to sit in the hot tub, take
a shower, or read a book until its your turn, that will be fine as
well. Whatever is best for you and your partner.
Are there reasons
that massage might not be recommended?
Yes. There are
several conditions and situations when massage may not be
recommended. Contra-indications may be temporary or permanent and
may require physician recommendation or approval. Of course, any
of the following are obvious contra-indications:
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GENERAL |
IMPORTANT |
VERY IMPORTANT |
Are pregnant
Wear contact lenses
Have inflammation of any kind
Have any cysts
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Are anemic
Have any tumors
Have a hernia condition
Have arthritis/bursitis
Have been diagnosed with varicose veins
Have a skin condition or rash
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Have a hematoma
Have diverticulitis
Have had embolisms
Have ever had aneurysms
Have phlebitis
Have edema
Have fever
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Have an open
wound
Have ringworm
Have paralysis of any kind
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Have any
undiagnosed medical problems
Have numbness or tingling in any part of body
Are under physician care for hypertension
Have suffered a mental breakdown
Have had seizures of any type
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Are under
cardiologist care
Are being treated for cancer
Are a hemophiliac
Have arteriosclerosis
Have multiple sclerosis
Suffer from tuberculosis
Have uncontrollable diabetes
Have a gout condition
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Is "tipping" the
therapist expected?
While any gratuity
is always at the discretion of the client, it is customary and
welcomed by your massage therapist. The fee you pay for your
massage to the therapist or cashier belongs strictly to the
business. While tipping is not required, it is most welcome and
goes directly to your massage therapist. It does not matter if the
therapist is the owner, partner or employee of the massage
business.
Tipping the person who gave you your massage is a nice gesture if
he/she has given you a good massage. If you do decide to give your
therapist a tip, the amount to give is entirely up to you.
The average tip is 15-20% of the charge for the particular service
the therapist performed.
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