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- Select your practitioner carefully. Ask questions when you make your appointment or when you first arrive so that you can feel safe and comfortable.
- You may be asked to complete a confidential client form. Please share any information or concerns you might have about health problems before the session begins.
- Some health issues can be intensified, aggravated, or worsened by massage. An important example is a client on blood thinners, who might have excessive bruising and internal bleeding during a massage. Their blood does not clot easily, so they could possibly bleed to death internally during a massage. Since there are too many medical conditions to cover, contact your therapist to find out if massage is appropriate for you.
- There may be areas where you don't want to be touched, such as your hair, face or feet. Just let the practitioner know before they begin.
- The practitioner will leave the room while you undress to your level of comfort. You will be draped during all bodywork. Only the areas being worked on will be uncovered at any given time. Breasts and genitals will neither be exposed nor worked on during the session.
- It is best to start with a few deep breaths. Be sure to ask questions and express concerns at any time during the session. Let the therapist know if their pressure is too light or too intense.
- Memories and emotions about them may be triggered when your body tissues are touched. The best way to let them go is to let them “flow.” Your practitioner is there to provide a safe and accepting space for healing to take place on all levels.
- During a cold or flu, you should avoid getting a massage. Since the body's immune system is weakened during times of illness, it is important not to overload the immune system. The general rule of thumb is if you have had a temperature of 99.1 or higher within the last 24 hours, you should avoid getting a massage, even if your temperature is normal when you reach your practitioner's office.
- Immediately after an injury, massage can be too painful and can cause further damage. The exception is mild sprains, where it is recommended to receive a massage almost immediately to help diffuse the pain and decrease muscle spasm and symptoms. Once an area stabilizes you can receive massages in order to help speed up recovery time.
- We are sexual beings, and for some of us this may be what touch means; however, the bodywork you are receiving is different. If sexual feelings occur, know that this is natural and try to let them pass, focusing on deep relaxation and letting this touch be natural.
- The practitioner may move your head or limbs during your session. Try to “let go”, knowing that you are being fully supported.
- The frequency of your massages will vary based on your needs. For extremely sore muscles, chronic conditions, or after-injury care it is best to receive a massage once to twice a week. The preferred spacing between massages for less serious situations is once every week to every other week. It is recommended that you receive at least one massage per month to keep the body healthy and maintained.
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