 ASK
OUR EXPERTS...
I’ve never had a massage before. What should I expect?
By Angela Gold, RMT
Upon booking your appointment most clinics will ask you to arrive 15
minutes before your scheduled appointment time. They do this to allow you
time to fill out a medical history form. This form tells your therapist how
to best treat your specific needs. It is vital that you are upfront and
honest with your therapist. Not only does this ensure you are not hurt
during the treatment but this gives your therapist the best opportunity to
meet your needs.
When you are finished filling out the forms your therapist will show you to
the treatment room. Once in the privacy of the room your therapist verbally
reviews your forms. This allows you and your therapist to address any
questions or concerns you may have.
Most massage modalities require a certain amount of disrobing. You will not
be asked to remove anything you do not want to or to do so in-front of your
therapist. Once instruction is given on how to lie on the table and which
sheets to cover up with, your therapist will leave the room and give you
time alone to disrobe and then get on to the table. Knocking or a verbal
confirmation that you are ready will be given before your therapist
re-enters the room. Please don’t ever feel rushed; if you are not ready
please say so and more time will be given. When you are ready your therapist
will enter the room and start your treatment.
Therapists drape with sheets and towels to insure that the only areas not
covered are the ones that they are immediately working on. Each therapist
has his or her own unique technique and level of depth they work with. Most
ask for feedback or read body language to know if their pressure is too much
or too little.
A massage should not be painful but some treatments can be a little
uncomfortable. Most clients refer to the sensation as a “good hurt”. It is
common after the treatment to feel as though you have just worked out at the
gym. Often this sensation does not last for more than a few hours but in
rare occasions lasts for up to 3 days. If it lasts for any longer than that
your therapist worked too deep and will need to use less pressure in your
next treatment.
Please remember to drink plenty of water after a massage.
For more advice on the benefits of massage therapy, contact Angela Gold,
RMT at 403.921.5211 or email her at
angelagoldrmt@hotmail.com
|
