Massage Therapy FAQ

1. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit? Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a health history form. Afterwards the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition, and to see if you have any presenting complaints. 2. Where will my massage session take place?



Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.3. What do I wear during the massage? Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.4. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment? Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time. 5. How will a massage feel? It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique. Back to top6. Will the massage oils used make me break-out? Most massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand. 7. Is a massage always appropriate? No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms and before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.8. How long will a massage treatment last? The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. 9. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment? Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.

2.

Are there any preparations I need to make before my appointment?

It is best to not eat for at least 90 minutes before your massage treatment. And only a light meal at that time. This is a similar process to swimming or a work out when your body will take all the blood away from the digestion process and take it to the working peripheral tissues therefore causing poor digestion and possible discomfort.

What can I expect when I go for a massage appointment?

On your first visit you will complete a confidential health history form. Your therapist will go over your health history form with you to determine your treatment needs and goals.

Must I undress for my massage?

Massage therapists are required to cover/drape you with a sheet so that they expose only the area which they are working on. You may need to undress for therapy. However, you do not need to expose yourself in any way that you are uncomfortable.

What if I am uncomfortable with my body?

It is possible to work on a client who is dressed. So just let your therapist know your comfort level.

Does the gender of the massage therapist make a difference?

This is an issue of personal preference.

I bruise easily, can I still get a massage?

It is important to let your massage therapist know (this should be asked on the health history form you will asked to fill out on your first visit). Massage therapy is not recommended for people who suffer from hemophilia.

Am I expected to talk during the massage?

If you wish to have silence, you should say so at the beginning of the treatment. The therapist may, however, require verbal information pertinent to health findings during the treatment.

After my appointment, is there anything I need to have on hand or anything specific I should do?

An epsom salt bath is recommended to soothe and to calm muscles, and enhance the benefits of the massage. It will help to alleviate stiffness you may feel the next day, and it is also recommended for use after workouts for the same reason. Have on hand a 2kg bag of epsom salts, and drink plenty of water to keep your tissues hydrated.

Do provincial health care programs cover massage therapy?

UPDATE: As of January 1st BC Health no longer covers massage therapy. Many Extended Health Care Insurance programs and Auto insurance offer coverage.

Should I Stretch before and after exercising?

Yes you should do both:

· After a 5 minute warm up as simple as marching on the spot to get the blood circulating through your muscles you can start your stretching routine safely. Hold each stretch 20 to 30 seconds and breath deeply. No bouncing and no pain.

· After your work out and cool down you do your stretches all again with not pain.