You’ve heard from a workmate that massage helped his migraines. Your doctor recommended massage for chronic pain management. Your midwife recommended prenatal massage for help with Sciatica pain. Your best friend gave you a gift certificate for your birthday. Your therapist recommended massage after the loss of a loved one. No matter what the reason, I’m so very glad you’ve chose our space for your wellness journey.
Who gives a professional therapeutic massage? In the state of Washington, if you’re receiving massage, it should be from a licensed and insured Licensed Massage Therapist. To be licensed in this state, you must complete a professional education course with a minimum of 625 hours and then pass a state board exam. When you enter a massage practice, licenses should be displayed for you to verify they are licensed. If they aren’t, feel free to ask! You can also look up someone’s name on the Dept. of Health website to verify their license.
How should I dress for my appointment? As far as clothing, wear what you are comfortable in. Some clients who are coming directly from work will bring a more comfortable set of clothes to change into after their session so they can be comfortable on their drive home. But, clients come in the middle of their work day, before the gym, before golf, anytime. So, your dress isn’t important.
When should I arrive for my appointment? Generally, it’s good to arrive 5 minutes before your appointment time. Of course, that doesn’t mean parking 5 minutes before, but being ready to go back at that time. Allowing time for parking, using the restroom, etc. is a good idea. Therapists often schedule clients with a 15 minute turn around, so 5 minutes gives them time to get you started without bumping into the previous client.
Do I need to undress for my appointment? This is usually what makes first time clients the most nervous. And there’s no reason to be! For traditional Swedish massage, it’s performed best skin to skin. That said, for disrobing, you will be in a private space without the therapist, and given time to undress to your level of comfort and get onto the table and cover before they enter the room. During the massage, Massage Therapists have extensive training in draping the body, so only the area that’s being addressed is exposed. This will never include your genitals. Some lactating clients choose to also wear their nursing bra during their session, or clients with a history of trauma may choose to wear something that helps them feel safe like bike shorts and a tank. Most clients undress to at least their undergarments. But, again, this is based on your comfort. It’s important that you’re able to feel relaxed during your session.
Will it hurt? Often times on TV massage is depicted as a painful procedure, or that unless you’re receiving deep tissue work, it’s an ineffective treatment. That simply is not true. We have learned a lot about anatomy and the body’s response to manual therapies in the past 30 years especially and that “lighter” work is incredibly effective. Sometimes, there are treatment goals that require work on a sensitive area (scar tissue, surgical site, breast tissue, etc.) In this case, there will be additional education and consent given, and the therapist and client work cooperatively to make them as comfortable as possible through the treatment and they may even take breaks for the client’s comfort.
When should I speak up? Any time! Here are some reasons your therapist would expect you to say something:
- You feel too hot or cold
- Pressure is too deep or ticklish
- You need a tissue
- You need to use the restroom
- You don’t feel well or want to stop for any reason
- You’d like to move on from an area or don’t want an area worked on
- You feel uncomfortable physically, emotionally, or mentally
You will never hurt a Massage Therapist’s feelings for speaking up during a session. Their treatments will not be effective if you aren’t an active part in the wellness plan. You know your body best.
I got emotional during my session and I don’t know why. It is not uncommon for someone to have an emotional overwhelm during a massage. Sometimes, completely out of the blue with no obvious trigger. Sometimes old traumas can come to mind or old injuries we haven’t thought of in years. Massage Therapists are trained to help you through these feelings, there is no need to feel embarrassed.
No matter why you’re here, we are glad you are. Your therapist is on your team for your personal wellness goals. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have, and you can also call before your appointment if any answers aren’t listed here.
See you soon!
