Personal Appearance Inc.

"Your First Therapeutic Massage"

You are joining a growing number of men and women who have found therapeutic massage to be a valuable addition to their health and fitness routines, and an effective complement to other health care services. Many people seek therapeutic massage as a natural means to promote healthy body functioning, and to enhance the body's own restorative powers.

As with any new experience, you probably have many questions about what to expect in your first session. This page is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions from newcomers to therapeutic massage, and make your first visit as comfortable and productive as possible.

Why are you Getting A Massage?

One of the first things your massage therapist will want to know is why you are getting a massage. An experienced massage therapist will plan the session to address your needs and desires. The most common reasons are:

• General Relaxation
• Revitalization
• Relieve Sore or Tight Muscles
• Relieve Tension Headaches
• Recovery from Sports Activity
• General Health and Fitness
• Improve Circulation
• Complement to Other Health Care

Let your therapist in the initial interview what you are looking for, and discuss how his/her approach can help you.

What Are Your Concerns About the Session?

Discuss with the massage therapist any concerns of newcomers to massage:

Modesty:

In a standard massage session, you will be draped with a sheet or a large towel. You may choose to be totally or partially unclothed under the drape. As each part of the body is being massaged, it is uncovered. Genitals and women's breast should be covered at all times. Many people prefer to wear their underpants during a massage. Feel free to ask about the draping method to be used, and let the massage therapist what you are comfortable with.

Some forms of massage, such as Shiatsu and seated massage, may be performed with the client fully clothed.

Talking:

Talking during a massage is optional. Some people prefer silence, especially during a massage for general relaxation, while others like more social interaction. Always feel free to give the therapist feedback on anything causing discomfort. The therapist may request feedback from you, especially when addressing a specific problem.

Oil:

Oil, lotion, or other lubricant is commonly used to enable the therapist's hands to slide over the skin without causing chaffing or pulling hair. Inform the therapist of any allergies you have which might be aggravated by the lubricant being used. You may also inquire about removing the lubricant after the session, if you are concerned that it may stain your clothes.

Make-up and Hair:

Massage of the face, scalp or neck may result in disturbing your makeup or hair-style. Let the therapist know if this is a concern. They may either modify their technique, be especially careful, or skip an area altogether.

Pain:

Whether you will feel any pain during a massage on many factors, including your physical condition, the reason for the massage, your pain tolerance, and the therapist technique. Discuss this before the massage, and give feedback to the therapist during the session.

Tense muscles are often sore, and may hurt a little when massaged. Sometimes there is a delayed soreness after a massage. Take a hot shower or bath, and drink plenty of water to help remove waste products flushed out during a massage. This is especially important after the first massage. The more massage you receive, the less likely you will experience post massage soreness.

Length of the Session:

Massage sessions generally last from 1/2 hour to 1-1/2 Hours. The amount of time depends on the purpose of the session, the therapist's schedule, and the availability of your time and resources.

Are There Any Restrictions?

There are certain situations in which caution should be taken when receiving therapeutic massage. It is generally agreed upon that persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, recent surgery of fractures, phlebitis, fever, and other problem conditions should consult their physicians for any restrictions on receiving massage. In some cases, massage should be avoided altogether. If in doubt, check with your doctor.

What Health Information Should I Provide?

You may be asked to provide certain information to the massage therapist about your past and current health. This information is used to help plan the massage session, and to insure your safety. Important information includes any major health problems you have, medications you are taking, allergies, state of pregnancy, and recent accidents or injuries. There may be a written form to fill out. More information may be requested if a specific health problem is being addressed than for a general massage session.

Insurance Coverage

Check with your insurance company, they may cover the cost of therapeutic massage. This varies from company to company, and state to state.

Approach or Style

Many massage therapist combine several different massage styles. The two most common general styles are traditional Swedish massage, and Oriental bodywork such as Shiatsu and acupressure. Some massage therapy approaches have specific applications. Talk to your massage therapist to find out if his/hers style is suitable for the goals you have set for your massage session.

Some General Advice

Be an active participant in the session. Ask questions about things you don't understand, make your wishes known, and let the therapist know if you are uncomfortable at any time. Above all, relax and enjoy your massage!

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