MASSAGE THERAPY FAQ'S
How Can We Help?
For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common questions asked about Massage Therapy and their respective answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please call the clinic and we will do our best to help you.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST MASSAGE THERAPY VISIT?
You will be required to fill out a health history form. Afterward, the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.
It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies, so the therapist is aware if she needs to use a different oil during the session.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
During therapeutic body massage, you will be required to remove your clothing and wear knickers, pants or boxer shorts, so what you wear to and from the treatment does not matter. For male clients it is slightly preferable to wear pants or short boxer shorts rather than 'longer style' boxers, as this prevents oil getting onto clothing when the upper leg is being massaged. Please remove all jewellery prior to your treatment.
WHAT DO I DO DURING A MASSAGE TREATMENT?
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk.
You do not need to stay awake and it is common to drift in and out of sleep during a treatment. It is a good sign that you are deeply relaxed. Your body and muscles will still be gaining benefit from the massage even if you are asleep. The therapist will wake you gently at the end of the treatment, so you don’t need to worry if you nod off.
WHAT IF I AM EMBARRASSED ABOUT MY BODY?
The massage therapist is a professional who has worked with all body shapes and sizes. She is non-judgmental about your body weight, amount of hair, skin conditions, scars, disabilities, medical conditions, or personal history. Your dignity and modesty will be protected at all times using towels and blankets to comfortably drape your body and preserve your humility. The therapist will leave the room before and after the massage, to allow you to undress and dress with privacy.
WILL THE MASSAGE HURT?
Everybody is different when it comes to pressure, some prefer deep tissue massage, whilst others find a soothing gentle massage much more relaxing. What feels right to one client might feel painful for another or too light and ineffective for someone else. The therapist will use a variety of techniques, some working deeper into the muscle tissue than others. Massage should never be painful, but you may feel some discomfort if deep tissue techniques are used on tight or overworked and stressed muscles. Therefore, it is important that you communicate with the therapist regarding your objectives and pressure preferences and feedback any pain or discomfort during your treatment.
CAN I TALK DURING THE SESSION?
Your treatment is your valuable time and opportunity to relax. If chatting helps you to relax that is fine, but most clients find they can get most benefit from a treatment by remaining quiet and enjoying the relaxing music and touch. In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation.
There are times when you should feel free to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her know immediately. Also, let her know if you get too warm or too cold, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you and you are not able to relax during the session, alert the therapist as to how she can make it a better experience for you.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER MY MASSAGE TREATMENT?
It is common for your muscles to feel temporarily tired or heavy, like how they feel after a workout. A small number of clients receiving a massage feel achy, flu like, or complain of headache. This is due to all the toxins that have been released from your muscles. These symptoms are completely normal and should pass within 24 hours.
Some people feel cold after a massage as the treatment has encouraged blood to flow near the surface of the skin causing heat loss. During the treatment blankets and towels will prevent you feeling cold, but please bring warm comfortable clothes to wear home.
After your session, you may also start to feel thirsty. This is because the techniques used in the treatment releases fluids from your muscle tissues and into your vascular system. That means that you must restock all the water lost during your massage. A glass or two more than normal will help keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy.
WHEN SHOULD I NOT GET A MASSAGE?
There are very few instances where massage is not recommended, and these are called total contraindications. This includes being under the influence of alcohol, suffering from a cold/flu/fever, diarrhoea or vomiting or have a contagious skin infection. There are also ‘local contraindications’ which are conditions affecting specific areas of the body such as cuts, bruises or areas of injury; these areas will be avoided. Severe medical conditions such as heart problems, respiratory issues, cancer, or epilepsy will require medical approval from your GP stating that you are safe to receive a massage.
The conditions mentioned above are for indication only, so if you are concerned that any of the medical conditions apply to you, please contact the clinic first to check that the treatment is suitable for you. You should not attend for a massage if you believe that you are suffering from or have been exposed to Covid-19. Please see the specific FAQ about this condition.
DO YOU OFFER MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENTS TO MEN?
The therapist only offers appointments to male clients if they are known to her, or referred by a well-known female client, and then only at her discretion. Massage for male clients will only be in the evenings and weekends, when family members are home, for safety reasons.