First, we must consider your reason for seeking a massage. This allows the therapist to plan and tailor your session to meet your needs and expectations. Consider the following reasons as your plan for your massage and identify your goals for each session:
1. General relaxation,
2. Revitalization,
3. Relieve tight, knotted muscles,
4. Relieve tension,
5. Recover from an injury,
6. Improve blood flow,
7. Increase flexibility,
8. As part of a fitness program,
9. Help migraine headaches, or
10. Help relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Whatever your reason, let us know so that we can meet your needs.
Second, what concerns do you have about you massage experience? It is very important to have good communication with your therapist and address any concerns you have so your therapist can assist you in understanding the process from the very beginning:
1. Modesty: In a standard session you are draped with either a sheet or large towel. You may chose to be partially or totally unclothed. The only portion of your body that will be exposed at any time is the area that the therapist is currently working on. Please let us know what your comfort level is so that we can ensure you are able to fully enjoy your experience with us. We also offer a half-hour fully clothed massage for those who are not comfortable with undressing even partially to receive services.
2. Discussion: It is entirely up to you, our client whether or not to hold a conversation during you massage session. Please feel free to discuss this at the beginning of the session so that we can allow you quit time if that is your preference. If you prefer to give feedback during your session please feel free to do so as it help your therapist target what works best for you.
3. Oil/Lotion: Either an oil or lotion is used to help the therapist hands to glide over the skin and reduce chaffing and pulling of the hair and skin during the session. Please let us know if you have allergies or sensitivities that might be aggravated by the use of the lubricants so that we can address this prior to your session. We want to ensure your comfort and safety.
4. Make-up and Hair: Massage of the scalp, face, and neck can cause your make-up and hair to be disturbed. If this is of concern to you, please let us know so that we can avoid the area, use a different technique, or use more care in those areas.
5. Pain: Discuss any concerns about pain with us before your massage. We will help you to evaluate how much discomfort is normal for a person in your particular condition seeking your type of massage and you will be asked to give feedback during your session to make sure that your comfort level is consistent with your expectations. After your first massage it is highly recommended that you take a hot shower or bath, and drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins that your session has flushed from your tissues. The more massages you enjoy the less soreness you will experience afterward.
6. Length of Session: Massage sessions last from one half hour to one hour, depending on the style of massage and the purpose of the session.
Third, what kind of restrictions are there?
There are certain conditions that require caution when seeking massage therapy. Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Recent Surgery, Fever, Fractures or Broken Bones, or any other problem condition that your physician has previously diagnosed that limits activity. In the aforementioned circumstances a medical release from your physician is requested before treatment sessions may begin.
It is important to provide us with certain information about your past and current health so that we may better plan your sessions to meet your needs, and ensure your physical safety. You should make sure we are aware of any major health problems, medications you are taking, allergies, recent accidents, injuries, state of pregnancy, and illnesses.
Finally, financial matters...
Payment is due prior to the session. Method of payment is cash, check, or charge card.
Tipping is customary and a common practice in a massage therapy studio or health club setting.
When you have to miss a scheduled appointment it is common courtesy to provide at least 24-hour notice. Failure to provide 24-hour notice will result in you being asked to pay for the missed appointment.
