The first massage appointment, will generally consist of 3 main parts.
1. A consultation.
2. The massage treatment.
3. Wrapping up and discussing home care.
A complimentary consultation is a no commitment, no cost appointment, between you and the therapist.
The purpose of a consult, is for you to see the clinical space, to meet the therapist (me) and discuss your issues. This may involve discussing your health history and going through some basic orthopedic tests. This consultation, helps to gather invaluable information, that will help the treatment be as effective as possible.
If the client wishes to continue, then we move onto the paperwork.
The Health History Form
As a regulated health professional, I am required to have each new client, fill out a standard health history form. It should not take any more than a few minutes to fill out, but it is very important to take your time and fill this out completely.
An accurate health history, will help to make me aware of any existing conditions that could potentially be aggravated during the treatment. It may also help to give clues as to the root cause of an issue.
The completed health history will also provide us with the information, to develop the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs.
Coming in early for your first treatment, is strongly recommended. Arriving fifteen minutes early, will generally leave enough time, to go through your health history, discuss the treatment and begin on time
Nature of TreatmentI
In addition to reviewing your Health History and the specific issues that brought you to the clinic, we will also discuss the nature of the treatment.
The possible benefits, risks and side effects of any recommended treatments will also be discussed.
Explanations will be provided, as to how to get on to the table and what to expect throughout the treatment.
You will be encouraged to give feedback throughout the treatment, to communicate anything that you would like to be stopped, changed or modified.
It will be confirmed that you understand everything before continuing.
Questions are always encouraged.
Additionally, your informed consent will be obtained, before any treatment is begun or continued
The massage Treatment
Clothing
After you have given your consent, the therapist will exit the room. At that time you may undress to your comfort level, get in between the sheets and re-drape yourself.
Your comfort is paramount, so what you chose to leave on is entirely up to you. Skin on skin contact provides far more options for the therapist, but working around or through clothing, can also be easily accommodated.
The therapist will then knock on the door and confirm that you are ready, before they enter the room
Getting on the Table
Getting on the table is not complicated, but it can be a little confusing. There are generally four layers on the table; the under sheet, two regular sheets and a blanket. The two regular sheets are replaced with clean sheets after every treatment. For your massage, you will be asked to slip in between these two sheets.
For most back treatments, the client will start by lying on their tummy. There should be one pillow under your ankles, to allow the feet to be extended slightly. There may also be another pillow under your stomach, to help stretch the lower back. Both of these pillows are there for your comfort and can be adjusted as needed. If your treatment is to include any work on the posterior aspect of your body, then this is generally how the treatment will begin.
To work on the anterior aspect (front of your body), there should be a pillow under your knees, to take pressure of your hips. For your comfort, other pillows can be added.
The third standard method is to lie on your side. For your comfort, one pillow is used to support your head, another for the leg that is not resting on the table and a third for you to hold on to. This is an excellent position to treat expecting mothers, who can no longer lay on their back or front. It is also ideal to treat specific conditions like IT band friction syndrome or Patellar femoral syndrome
Another option, is a chair massage. I have two different massage chairs. Some clients feel more comfortable with this option.
Undraping
A massage treatment should be a comfortable and professional experience. Throughout the treatment only the areas which have previously been discussed should be uncovered and treated
Pressure
Clients will be encouraged to give feed back regarding pressure and other aspects of the treatment. There is a wide range of pressure and techniques that a therapist can apply. The application of pressure should never exceed that which the client is comfortable with.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the treatment, you will be reminded to move slowly when getting up. The therapist will leave the room to wash their hands and give you the chance to redress. Sometimes after a massage, clients can feel a little dizzy. This is normal and generally passes quickly.
After the massage you will be asked if you have any questions and appropriate home care information will be given. Home care is an important aspect to many treatments. The correct exercises, stretching and proper posture can help extend the benefits of your massage treatment significantly.
Further Information
For more information, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.
If your questions are not addressed on that page, please call or e-mail me:
Bryson Ingram R.M.T. 