this is my first massage. what can i expect?
After welcome and introductions, you’ll be asked to complete a simple intake and medical history form. This is to understand any injuries or conditions you’ve had or have currently that may contraindicate massage, or guide our course of treatment.
We’ll then talk a little bit about your goals. For example, are you looking for a general relaxation massage, or is there some specific issue or injury you’d like to have treated? Once we’ve agreed upon an appropriate treatment plan, the massage begins.
Sessions can last either 60 or 90 minutes. The room lights will be soft, and there will be relaxing music playing in the background. You will be left alone to undress -- to whatever level is comfortable -- and lie covered on a specially designed table. During the massage, you will be fully draped except for the part of the body that is being worked on. The techniques used will depend on what you’re looking for from the massage. These can include, Swedish massage techniques (gliding strokes, kneading, compression, vibrating, percussion); trigger point or myofascial work; body alignment, range of motion exercises and stretching; breath work; and/or eastern point and meridian work to promote the smooth flow of energy.
Following the massage, you can relax on the table for a few minutes of “re-entry,” then get dressed, and meet me back in the waiting area. We’ll then chat for a few minutes to discuss how the session was for you, if your goal was achieved, and if you’d like to schedule another session. I’ll let you know what I observed during the session, and may suggest some stretches or exercises as follow up.
