WHAT TO EXPECT: A step by step guide for the massage virgin.

Trying something new is exciting. For some it can also be a little daunting. To help put your mind at ease and hopefully dispel any fear or anxiety you may have I will walk you through what to expect of your first massage treatment with me at Remedial Wa. All clinics are slightly different but most qualified registered Remedial Massage therapists will operate in a fairly similar way.

Before your appointment (A few helpful tips)
Be mindful of personal hygiene and cleanliness. There’s usually no need to shower directly before a massage unless you’re coming from a strenuous work out or a grubby day on the job. If so its a good idea to factor in a quick shower before your appointment. Trust me, oil and brick dust does not a happy therapist make! If you are coming straight from the beach (JOY) just have a quick rinse, that one tiny little grain of sand can be irritatingly persistent! 
Wear comfy undies! During the massage I will at times tuck a sheet or towel into your underwear.  Although it is not intended some oil or wax may come in contact with them, so leave your best at home. Hicut briefs are better than boy leg or boxers as they allow for access to the hip area and good secure draping.
If you become unwell or develop a fever I recommend you reschedule, even at late notice. Your body and your therapist will thank you.
If you are paying for your treatment with cash please bring the right amount as many therapists don't carry change.
Check directions and allow a couple of minutes to park. Therapists are often working to a tight schedule and you want to have as much time on the table as possible.
At your appointment 
Its a good idea to arrive to your first visit a few minutes early to complete a short “Client Intake” and “Health History” form (you'll only need to do this at your first visit).
I will greet you and invite you to take a seat in the treatment room. You can expect the room be clean, tidy and welcoming, it may be gently lit with relaxing music playing and the temperature should be comfortable. 
I will take a few moments to read over your forms and ask a few questions relevant to your complaint symptoms or condition.
If you are experiencing an injury, pain or reduced mobility I will likely perform a couple of assessments to help rule out any red flags and decide on the most appropriate treatment, this also helps us both measure your improvement and effectiveness of treatment.
Being clear on what you hope to achieve from the session i.e. relaxation, stress relief, pain relief, greater mobility, time out, emotional release etc. is helpful.
Now is the time to discuss any concerns you have about your health, or anything else you feel I should know.
You can expect discussion and assessment to take anywhere from 2 to 15min.
Once a treatment plan agreed upon I will inform you how to lie on the table i.e. face down, face up, side lying and leave the room while you undress down to those comfy undies, lie on the table and cover yourself with the sheet or towel provided.
While you wait for me to return I recommend you make use of this time and space to settle in, get comfy, take a few deep breaths and let your out breath carry away any stress you may be holding on to.
Your only job now is to relax. This can be extremely easy for some and extremely difficult, near impossible for others. Don't worry. As you become more practiced at receiving massage and more trusting of your therapist it should start to feel more natural.
Practice allowing your body to feel heavy on the table or in the therapists hands, and allow her to move any limbs, joints, head or neck as she needs, so as to deliver the most effective treatment.
Taking a few deep breaths into an area of tension is also a valuable practice.
Letting go  
Other than the measurable physical benefits of massage clients also report experiencing a wide range of physical and emotional releases from very subtle to deep and intense. Feeling a "shift", "loosening", "freeing", "opening" or a "rush" are all normal sensations.
This is a time to surrender.
A time to make peace with your body.
A time to be nurtured.
During treatment
I will gently knock, enter the room and fully cover your body. Depending on the temperature I may add towels or blankets to keep you warm. If you are face down a bolster or pillow will be placed under your feet for support and comfort, if you are face up it will be placed under your knees. We may have discussed the use of other types of bolstering support for you. 
I will un-drape a part of your body and use a small amount of oil of lotion to begin the massage. Once treatment on an area is complete I will re-drape and move to another area, un-draping and re-draping as needed until treatment is complete. (Your genital area and breasts will remain draped at all times).
As a first timer I will likely ask “is the pressure ok?” or something along those lines. A variety of pressures can be used during a treatment so let me know if you experience discomfort. There are effective pain free techniques that can be used if your tolerance for pain is low. Even if you initially asked for deep tissue or trigger point, some areas are more sensitive than others and all therapists work differently so its ok to ask a therapist to ease off a little. Be honest. Always feel free to speak up if you are not comfortable with the treatment, the pressure, your positioning on the table or the room temperature. I, as your therapist, want you to enjoy your treatment as much as possible and if it's in my control I'm more than happy to make adjustments for your comfort.
A variety of strokes and pressures might be used including rocking, compression and vibrational type techniques. I may also take muscles into a gentle stretch, or ask for your participation in stretches (in this case specific instructions will be given).
The musculoskeletal system is complex and as such for a successful treatment I may work on your legs and gluteals to relieve pain in your low back. Pain in your neck, hands or arms may likely require treatment of the chest and shoulders.
Remedial massage therapists are well trained in anatomy and at times may target specific muscles you never even knew existed.
At some stage if necessary I will ask you to roll over or re position you for access to specific muscles. I will respect your privacy by screening you with the sheet/towel and re-draping before continuing your treatment.
Post massage
At the end of the treatment I will gently let you know the session is over and give instructions on getting up and dressed (I usually recommend you have a bit of a stretch and get up slowly to allow your body to adjust to the subtle changes that have occurred). I will leave the room to wash my hands and allow you to dress in privacy.
When I return I will offer you a glass of water, process the payment (if not done prior) and depending on the reasons for your visit I may re-assess your condition or complaint. I might give you some home advice,  stretches or exercises to help with your recovery.
You may feel extremely relaxed and totally blissed out (you may have even dozed off) or fresh and re-energised.
What next?
Don't wait any longer say "GOODBYE STRESS, HELLO RELAXATION" at Remedial Wa today. 

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