Will the Practitioner Be Present When I Disrobe?
The massage therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean soft sheet and blanket.
Will I Be Covered During the Session?
You will be properly covered at all times to keep you warm and comfortable, and to protect your privacy. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged?
You and your massage therapist will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your neck, shoulders, arms, legs, hands, feet, gluteus muscles (buttocks), and back. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).
What Will the Massage or Bodywork Feel Like?
It 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 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. Usually, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lotion also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are There Different Kinds of Massage and Bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Ask your therapist about the methods he or she uses.
How Long Will the Session Last?
The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. Many people prefer an hour and a half for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths and saunas can assist in the relaxation process.
What Should I Do During the Massage or Bodywork Session?
Make yourself comfortable. Your massage therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
How Will I Feel After the Massage or Bodywork Session?
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 from relaxation, 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.
What Are the Benefits of Massage and Bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured soft tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Massage or Bodywork Inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, your massage therapist asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the therapist 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 or bodywork prior to any session. Your therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.
[parts of this article were originally published online at Massagetherapy.com.]