How To Get The Most Out Of Your Massage Therapy Session

Whether you are a new Massage Therapy client, or you’re a long time Massage Therapy client, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Massage Therapy Session.

1. Make sure you have told your Massage Therapist about any and all medical conditions, and any medications you may be on.  This way your therapist can make sure that there are no contraindications(Reasons you might not be able to get a massage.  See previous blog “Why Massage Therapists ask for Medical History” for more information)
2. Let your Massage Therapist know what your goals are for the Massage Therapy session.   For example: You want to reduce neck pain, relieve muscle pain, reduce stress, etc…  Your Massage Therapist will discuss your goals with you before, during, and after your session.  Things like chronic pain, or work related stress and such do take time to reverse.  You and  your Massage Therapist will discuss all your goals and together you will come up with a treatment plan.
3. RELAX!!!  I cannot state this enough.  So what does this mean?  You are probably thinking to yourself, “If I’m on a massage table, I can’t help but be relaxed.”  Ok, yes, most of you are relaxed when you are on the massage table.  However as a Massage Therapist I come across many new, and even long time, Massage Therapy clients who tighten the muscles being worked on, or try to “help” the Massage Therapist move limbs/joints.  Can I just say, it is VERY difficult to massage a flexed/tense muscle.  So, please, if the therapist is wanting to move your arm, leg, or head, just let them.  There are exceptions to the rule… There may be times when the Massage Therapist will ask you to flex a muscle or move a joint/limb in some way.
4. Communicate with your Massage Therapist.  Let the Massage Therapist know if you need more or less pressure.  If you have asked them to focus on a specific area, and they aren’t quite hitting the right spot, let the Massage Therapist know.  I frequently hear complaints from clients that the last therapist who worked on them didn’t even come close to working the area they requested(usually at the membership spa I work at), this is partly due to the client not speaking up during the session.  If you have to, point directly to the area you want worked.  I want, and welcome, my clients to be an active part of the Massage Therapy session, after all it is YOUR session!

I hope this helps you to get the most out of your Massage Therapy Sessions!

Have you booked your massage yet?

In SWFL Call 239-537-4548

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What to Expect at Your Very First Massage Therapy Session

I have had a request to aim this particular blog post toward those of you who have NEVER had massage therapy before.  I know that there are a few of you out there, and I am hoping to ease your mind and get you on the path to total mind & body health.  I know some of you may have some preconceived notions of massage.

First off let’s clarify, we use the term Massage Therapist, not masseuse.  Even if you are in France a Massage Therapist is called a Massotherapeute.  And we do not work in “parlors”!  We work in studios, spas, doctor/chiropractic offices, or even in your home.  Ok that’s out of the way.

Now, what can you expect from the first phone call to the massage therapy session itself.

1) First contact!  The therapist will ask you a few question about what you are looking for, relaxation, muscle pain relief, any specific areas you need targeted.  Then they will ask you briefly about your medical history.  Despite what you may think, your medical history is very important.  There are certain conditions and medications that can determine what type of massage you can have, or could prevent you from being a massage therapy recipient.  Depending on your history your therapist may ask for a physician release before taking you on as a client.  For instance if you happen to be on blood thinners you would not be able to get a deep tissue massage, you may be able to receive a light Swedish Massage however.  Remember always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or adding any new therapies to your healthcare regimen.

2) The therapist may email you release forms, or have you arrive a bit early for your first session, to fill them out.  These are just so that the therapist has written permission to work on you and a written record of your medical history.  Please make sure you fill out as accurately as possible.

3) Before you even get on the massage therapy table(it’s not a bed), the therapist will consult with you about what your goals are for the session, and what your long-term goals are regarding massage therapy.  The therapist may check the range of motion if you are having problems in a joint area, or your neck, for example.  Make yourself clear, on what you are looking for, it makes it much easier for the therapist to do their job, and help you reach your massage therapy goals.  The therapist at this time will go over the plan for the session and ask if there are any areas you want avoided, for instance if you are ticklish on the bottom of your feet and would prefer not having your feet worked on, let the therapist know.

4) The therapist will explain the draping technique.  The therapist will only undrape the part of the body they are working on at the time.  WE DO NOT UNDRAPE THE GROIN AREA, OR THE FEMALE BREAST TISSUE(in some states this is done, if the client agrees, in order to work the chest muscles).  You may leave your underwear on, ladies it is easier for the therapist to work on your back and shoulders if your bra is removed.  Just to clarify, you probably show more skin at the beach.   The therapist will leave the room to let you undress and get on the table under the covers.

5) While on the table the therapist should ask you about pressure, too much?, too little?, let the therapist know if you need more or less, they won’t be offended.  If the therapist DOES NOT ask you about pressure and you need more or less PLEASE SPEAK UP, the goal is your comfort!

6) At the end of your session the therapist will leave the room so you may get dressed.  Get up slowly, sit up before you stand up, you may be a bit groggy.

7) Once you are dressed your therapist may go over a treatment plan, recommendations on frequency of massage, and give you some water to drink.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO DRINK LOTS OF WATER IT WILL HELP TO FLUSH ANY TOXINS THAT HAVE BEEN RELEASED FROM YOUR BODY TISSUES

It is perfectly ok, and invited, to ask questions before, during, and after your session!!  So don’t be afraid to ask the why’s and what’s of your therapy session.  As a massage therapist I encourage my clients to be proactive in their health and wellness!

So go out and book your massage therapy session today!  (please read my previous blog about how to find the right therapist https://korenlesterlmt.wordpress.com/2013/07/17/how-to-find-the-right-massage-therapist/)

If you are in SW Florida call me to book an appointment today!  (239)537-4548  25% off your first session(new clients only, first session only, may be rescheduled once)!  I provide professional massage therapy in your home or office!  http://www.korenlesterlmt.massageplanet.com/

Be Well!

How to find the Right Massage Therapist

There are a few things you should know before you invest in a long-term client/LMT relationship.

1.  Does the state you live in require a Therapist to be Licensed/Certified?

If so make sure your therapists license is current.  Some states require yearly renewal, other’s every 2 years.  Each state will also have a set amount of continuing education credits that each therapist is required to take in order to renew the licence or certification.  These CEU’s are to keep the therapist up to date on training in the massage field and on the rules/regulations that each state has in place.  Here in Florida, a Licensed Massage Therapist is required to have their Florida LMT number on business cards, any type of media, on display at any place they are currently employed as a massage therapist, and can be asked to show their license to any who would like to verify.  You may also go to your states website, or call, to find out if they require licensure/certification, and to see if there are any complaints or investigations against any prospective therapist.

2.  Does your prospective therapist carry liability insurance?

Some states require a Licensed/Certified Massage Therapist to carry liability insurance, some do not.  However it is my belief that liability insurance is a must.

3.  What types of massage modalities does the therapist practice, or have certifications in?

If you are looking for something specific, ask.  There are many different massage modalities, some require certifications, others just expand on the therapists skills.  Not all therapists practice all modalities.

4.  Do you feel comfortable with your massage therapist?

Here is the BIG one!  It is very important to feel comfortable, and at ease with your Massage Therapist.  Here are the questions to ask yourself 1) Is my massage therapist communicating with me?  Do they ask about your goals for your session, about pressure, are they focusing on what you asked them to focus on?  2)  Is my massage therapist listening to me?  A proper massage therapist will not only listen to your verbal request, but also what your muscles and tissues are saying to their touch.  3) Do I generally feel comfortable with my massage therapist?  Everyone has energy that they put off, and not all energies work well together.  Sometimes you just don’t feel like there is a connection/compatibility, or you are just not meshing with someone.  It’s perfectly natural not to “click” with every person you meet, but it is of the utmost importance you “click” with someone who will be working on you in an intimate manner, be it a Physician, Dentist, Massage Therapist, etc…

It’s perfectly ok to ask for a consultation before choosing to have a Massage Therapist work on you, if the therapist says no, then find another!

Good luck in your search for a Massage Therapist, I hope this information was helpful.  If you have anything to add I would love your input!