Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions. Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. If you’re getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed.
What should I expect?
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) offers the following answers to common questions about massage:
Draping and Modesty:
I want you to be comfortable and relaxed during your massage. That is why I ensure that clients are draped with a sheet at all times. Only the area that is being massaged is revealed. (e.g. leg is undraped when worked on but the rest of the body is covered). You only need to remove as much clothing as you are comfortable. I understand the importance of respecting privacy so wearing undergarments is fine. Some techniques may require a degree of nudity. Your modesty will be honored at all times.
To get the most from your massage therapy
* Do not eat before a massage
* Be on time
* Switch your cell phone off
* Give accurate health information
* Communicate well:
- Do I need to remove all of my clothes? No. It’s your choice. Remove clothing to your level of comfort.
- Will wearing clothing affect the benefit? No. If you wear clothing during the massage, make sure the massage therapist can move the parts of your body you expect to be massaged through your clothes. Remember, chair massage is given without removing any clothes.
- Will it hurt? It shouldn’t. Give the massage therapist complete and accurate health information and let your massage therapist know your needs.
- What should I do if I experience discomfort? During the massage session, tell your massage therapist if you have any discomfort, whether it is from the massage or from any distractions related to the environment, including amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume or lighting.
Draping and Modesty:
I want you to be comfortable and relaxed during your massage. That is why I ensure that clients are draped with a sheet at all times. Only the area that is being massaged is revealed. (e.g. leg is undraped when worked on but the rest of the body is covered). You only need to remove as much clothing as you are comfortable. I understand the importance of respecting privacy so wearing undergarments is fine. Some techniques may require a degree of nudity. Your modesty will be honored at all times.
To get the most from your massage therapy
* Do not eat before a massage
* Be on time
* Switch your cell phone off
* Give accurate health information
* Communicate well:
- Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.
- Allergies to Oils, Lotions, Powders – The therapist may use oil, lotion or powders to reduce friction on your skin. If you are allergic to any oils, lotions or powders, tell your massage therapist, who can choose a substitute.
- During the massage session, report any discomfort
- Give feedback to the massage therapist during the massage on the amount of pressure, speed of hand movement, etc. If anything happens that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.
- Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It’s important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.