What to expect on your first visit.
If you have never had a professional massage before, you may be curious about what to expect before, during, and after a typical massage.
When you arrive for your appointment, the therapist will discuss your current and past health with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have. During this time the two of you will discuss your needs and goals for the session. The massage therapist will record your complaints and discuss a course of treatment.
After this discussion, the therapist will exit the room, so that you may disrobe and situate yourself on the massage table. You are welcome to leave clothing on for modesty’s sake, realizing that most massage techniques are most effective when performed directly on the skin. A sheet will be used during the session to protect your modesty.
When you are completely situated on the table, the therapist will enter back into the room and make sure that you feel comfortable. A typical full body massage includes the back, buttocks, legs, feet, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, head, neck and face. The sheet will be pulled back when each area is worked and then respectfully replaced. If there are areas of your body that you are not comfortable with having massaged, for any reason, mention this to the therapist. Also, this time is your own, so please voice any needs you may have, especially if the pressure is too soft or too hard.
When the massage ends, your therapist will again leave the room. Once you have gotten up from the table and gotten dressed your therapist will assess your condition. If you noticed changes you should discuss them with your therapist who will record any changes positive or negative and again discuss a treatment plan.
~ Ron Llenado
Head Massage Therapist,
RAL Massage Therapy and
Bodywork