Your massage or body work session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
Most massage and body work techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
You and the practitioner 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 back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female), or breasts (female).
There are numerous types of massage and body work; 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 the practitioner about the methods he or she uses.
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. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and body work are most effective when your body is not resisting.
The average full body massage or body work session lasts approximately one hour. A half hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60-90 minute session 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.
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner 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 body work in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
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, 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 that you drink plenty of water following your massage.
Massage and body work can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and body work is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create ab overall sense of well being.
Yes. That is why it is imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems are 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 body work prior to any session. Your practitioner may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.
