Be
as receptive and open to the massage process as possible. Don’t eat just before a massage session. Let your body digest your meal
first. Be
on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer
to relax. Take
off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don’t
want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable
during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and
move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.
Privacy - The therapist will
either leave the room or otherwise provide privacy while you undress. A
sheet or towel is provided for draping during the massage and the
therapist will uncover only the part of your body being massaged,
ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. After the massage is
finished, you will be provided with privacy while dressing. -
Communicate with your massage therapist
-
Before the session, give accurate health information and
let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the
massage.
-
Allergies to Oils, Lotions, Powders – The therapist may
use oil, lotion or powders to reduce friction on your skin. If you are
allergic to any oils, lotions or powders, tell your massage therapist,
who can choose a substitute.
- Some massage therapists play recorded music during the
massage session. Others find music distracting. If it’s provided, let
your massage therapist know if you have any music preferences or if you
would prefer they turn off the music.
-
Some people like to talk during a massage, while others
remain silent. Tell your massage therapist what you prefer.
- During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether
it’s from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to
the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.
- Give feedback to the massage therapist during the massage
on the amount of pressure, speed of hand movement, etc. If anything
happens that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask
the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to
end the session.
- Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns.
It’s important that you be as comfortable as possible during your
massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or
her best to help you feel at ease.
Remember to breathe normally. Breathing helps facilitate relaxation.
People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a
sensitive area is massaged. Relax your muscles and your mind. Tightening up by contracting or
hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your
massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the
massage technique they use and may also be able to help you relax the
affected area. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage,
one way to be more body-centered and to quiet your mind is to follow the
hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels. Drink extra water after your massage. Don’t get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after
your massage session. If you’re dizzy or light headed after the massage,
do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to
integrate or absorb the results of the massage session. Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions. Massage has its
greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are
cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will
feel and the more quickly your body will respond. From one session to
the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the
body are affected and released. If you’re getting massage to address
chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more
than one session is usually needed.
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American Massage Therapy Association®
