Before the massage

First of all, make sure it is a good time for you to have a massage. Reschedule your visit if have a fever, skin irritations (such as poison ivy or sunburn), or if you are trying to stabilize your medication (because massage can affect the dosage needed).

Your first appointment begins with a health history.  You may want to arrive five minutes early for your first visit to fill it out.  A health history will ask about:

   * Medical conditions

   * prescription medications, vitamins and supplements

   * Areas of concern

   * Your level of pain or discomfort on good and bad days

   * What helps reduce the pain and what makes it worse

   * Contact information

The information you provide in your health history will help the massage therapist determine if there are any reasons you should avoid massage or a particular technique. Because massage can affect multiple body systems, such as the cardiovascular and nervous systems, be honest with the massage therapist about your health. Massage can also enhance or reduce the effect of pharmaceutical drugs and alcohol. All information you give is confidential.

The massage therapist will ask you questions to better design a treatment that meets your goals and preferences. Let the therapist know what areas of your body you would like worked on, if there are any areas to avoid, and if you know any techniques that you would like to use or avoid.

The therapist will outline what will happen in the session and then leave the room so you can undress to your comfort level. Many first time clients worry about having to get undressed. Most clients prefer to completely disrobe, while some will remain partially clothed. You are always securely covered throughout your massage treatment. Only the area of the body being treated is uncovered. When you are ready, lie down on the massage table and cover yourself with the top sheet. The therapist will knock and make sure you are ready before re-entering. Your comfort and security are very important.

During the Massage

The therapist may play music, but be sure to tell her if you would prefer quiet.

Some typical techniques you might experiece include: gliding; kneading; friction; holding; percussion; pumping; vibration; compression; direct pressure; skin rolling; stretching; traction.

Your therapist may ask for feedback regarding pain levels and measuring relief.

Remember, you are in charge and can ask for changes or stop the session at any time.

To the get the most from your massage - remember to breathe. Sometimes people hold their breath when a sensitive area is massaged, but it is best to breathe through it. Relax and let go of your everyday worries or concerns. Tightening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. It is okay to talk, but you may get more benefits from a relaxation massage if you are quiet. Sometimes when they are nervous, people need to talk to feel safe. It's OK your therapist will understand.

After the massage

At the end of the massage, the therapist will leave the room so you can dress in private. Take your time getting off the table, especially if you feel light-headed, before you get dressed.

It is a good idea to drink water to help the body flush waste products.

How you feel after the massage will depend on the style of massage used, the length of the treatment, and the demands you place on your body afterward. You may feel relaxed, renewed, invigorated, or experience a rush of clarity or energy, or you may want only to rest.

Clinical types of massage may leave the body free from chronic tightness or acute pain patterns, but may replace it with a mild soreness from the pressure applied. After this type of massage, you may want to rest the area before jumping back into the activity that produced the soreness.

Realize that the benefits of massage tend to be cumulative, so typically, you will feel better as you get additional massages.