1. What should I expect the first massage therapy visit?
The massage therapist (MT) will greet you warmly, hang your coat, seat you comfortably on a chair or sofa, and require you to fill out a medical history form. Some therapists' health information/release forms are longer than others. Please be as accurate as possible. The MT will review the information with you and clarify any questions she may have, if there are any conditions that need to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate. Afterwards, you will discuss what your goal for the massage session is so the MT can develop a care plan specifically for you. Next the MT will show you where the restroom and treatment rooms are, give instructions on where to place clothing, shoes, and accessories, and how to get onto the table. You will then be left to disrobe privately and get onto the table. The MT will ask before entering the room to make sure you are on the table and covered appropriately. Final adjustments to draping, bolsters, lighting, music, etc will be made for your optimal comfort. The MT will place gentle hands over the draping on your back, head, or feet to initiate the massage. Take a deep breath and enjoy!
2. How much do I disrobe for my massage?
You disrobe to your comfort level. Most men and women feel most comfortable leaving on their underwear. It is preferred that women do remove their bras to allow for unrestricted access to the shoulders and back. Others prefer to be nude. You will be appropriately draped with sheets, towels, and/or blankets at all times. If your underwear is high-waisted and you want work on your lower back and hips, the MT may ask you if it is okay to tuck a bit of the draping into the wasitband and pull them down slightly. Your therapist may also opt to work these areas, including the buttocks, over the draping. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or exposed, speak up immediately. Your comfort is the therapist's highest concern!
3. What if I get hot easily?
Some accomodations can be made such as lowering the temperature in the treatment room, using only a cotton sheet or beach towel for draping, and using a fan to improve air circulation. At no time is the draping to be removed. A licensed Indiana MT must have their client appropriately draped at all times.
4. What kind of pressure do I want? Depending on the reason you want massage, pressure ranges from light, long soothing strokes (like spreading lotion -Level 1) to intense deep pressure for sustained periods of time to release chronic muscle restictions (Level 5). Relaxation massages are usually done at Levels 1-2 with a small amount of Level 3 pressure (as tolerated) to work an area that needs more care. Integrative therapeutic massages start out at the lower levels to warm up the muscle tissue and can go as deep and sustained as tolerated by you.
Communicate with your MT to guide them to use the pressure that is most comfortable for you. Most therapists will ask earlier on into the session how you feel about the pressure. It is okay to say "Lighten up," or "You can go a little deeper on my shoulders but I want lighter pressure on my lower back," and even "That feels great!"
5. Does massage have to hurt to be beneficial?
No! There is much to be said for going slowly, assisting the muscles to release at their own pace. It is possible to acheive great therapeutic result using sustained, progressive pressure allowing the muscles to release in layers. You and your body set the pace. Your MT can also assist you with breathing techniques and visual imagery to lessen the perceived intensity of sensation.
6. When is the best time to schedule a massage?
Whenever you want one! Please let the MT know if you would prefer no oils or lotions to be used on your face or at the top of your neck/base of skull. The oil/lotion can get into your hair and although it washes out completely, may not be desired if you are going to an event afterwards.
Some considerations you may want to think about include: Do I want to ready myself for the day ahead or unwind from a hectic week? Do I want to drive afterwards? Do I have any moderate to heavy physical exertion I need to do (such as playing softball or landscaping) after the massage? Will I have a cushion of time afterwards to sit and "come to" with some cool water in the waiting area? Do I have enough time to get from one appointment to the next?
7. I think I'm coming down with something, should I reschedule?
Being conservative is best. If you think you may be contagious, please give the MT as much notice as possible and reschedule. Otherwise, if you have a cold, slight fever, or allergies, rescheduling may not be required. A lighter massage is indicated as the body is already beginning to show signs of stress as it combats the illness. Also, a Reiki session is wonderfully relaxing and assists the body in balancing itself. There is also quick available use of a restroom across from the treatment room if needed.
8. Do you massage children?
Yes! Pediatric massage may assist with attention-deficit disorders, Autistic spectrum disorders, optimizing athletic performance, improving poor sleeping patterns, as well as the same reasons adults want massage: it feels good to be pampered, assisting the body/mind/spirit to overcome past trauma, and improving body image, etc. It is required that the parent/guardian completes and signs the medical history form and is present in the treatment room during the massage.
9. I've had chair massage before, how is it different from table massage?
Chair massage is usually done in high traffic areas (office buildings, airports, malls) and for brief periods of time. The average chair massage is 10 minutes long- though depending on the occasion can last anywhere from 3- 20 minutes. This is usually dictated by the type of event or environment rather than by the person getting the massage. It's given over clothing and no oils or lotions are used. Chair massage primarily works the upper body and lower back and provides more of a pick-me-up, a boost in mental clarity, and localized relief.
Table massage is considerably longer: 30 minutes to as long as 3 hours! It is given in a more soothing, quiet environment, involves disrobing, oils/lotions, and laying down. The MT is able to more effectively work the feet, legs, and hips as well as spend more time in the muscle areas of care that need more attention in the back and shoulders.
10. I have some friends and family coming into town, can we all get a massage?
What a wonderful way to spend some time together and indulge yourselves! The Just For You... Party in your home/clubhouse/reception hall allows for either table or chair massage. Depending on the size of your group, two therapists can be hired. Also, reserving a day at the massage office to be treated one by one is a great option! Next door to Just For You... is Nail Fashion Update. Combine your massage with a fabulous mani/pedi! Call for further details!
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