It's important you feel comfortable and secure during your massage treatment, so I've written this detailed explanation about what to expect when you come in for your first session. This will be especially helpful for people who have never had a massage.
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When you first come in, we'll sit and talk for a few minutes, I'll review the health history form you filled in online when you booked - and talk about any other relevant issues about your health. In addition to helping me form a treatment plan, this information allows me to see if you have conditions that may contraindicate certain massage techniques, in which case the treatment will be modified for your safety. The information you disclose in your health history form and any notes I make about your treatments are strictly confidential and will only be released with your written consent.
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When you first come in, we'll sit and talk for a few minutes, I'll review the health history form you filled in online when you booked - and talk about any other relevant issues about your health. In addition to helping me form a treatment plan, this information allows me to see if you have conditions that may contraindicate certain massage techniques, in which case the treatment will be modified for your safety. The information you disclose in your health history form and any notes I make about your treatments are strictly confidential and will only be released with your written consent.
Based on the intake and assessment, I'll suggest a treatment plan, including areas of your body to be treated (for example: the back, neck and legs, with focus on the neck). If you are in agreement with the treatment plan, I'll describe what clothing to remove and how to get on the table. Massage is usually done with all clothing removed, however it is possible through clothing, if that's what you are most comfortable with.
I will describe how to position yourself on the treatment table. The massage table is set with a top and bottom sheet and a blanket. When I leave the treatment area and step behind the room divider, you will disrobe and get on the table in between the two sheets and pull the top sheet (and blanket) over yourself so you are fully covered. There is a 'face cradle', a circular, padded extension on the table in which you put your face, if you are laying face down. I will ask if you are ready, and when you are, I will come back into the treatment area.
The areas of your body that are being treated are undraped one at a time. So for example, if I am treating your back I will undrape only your back and tuck the sheets in around your hips. If I move on to treat your leg, I will cover your back up again and then undrape your leg - and so on. When an area is undraped, the sheet is tucked in securely so you will not be exposed or feel exposed. When you change positions, for example - from laying face down to laying on your back - I will redrape you and secure the sheets on both sides of your body and hold the sheets slightly up in the middle, making it possible for you roll over while remaining fully covered. I will position pillows during the treatment for your comfort, under your knees and head when you are on your back, under your ankles when you are on your belly, and under your knee and head when you are on your side.
After the treatment is over, I'll leave the treatment area while you get off the table and get dressed. Some people need assistance sitting up, getting off the table or getting redressed, due to injury or disability. If this is the case, I can assist you before I leave, if you would like help. Once you are dressed I will ask if you are ready and then come back in. We may need or want to discuss suggestions I may have for remedial exercise (stretches or strengthening exercises) or suggestions for frequency of possible future treatments. If you had restriction of a specific movement, I will ask you to do that movement again to observe any improvement in that range.
If you have any questions before, during or after the treatment, please feel free to ask. Communication is an essential part of an effective treatment.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may still have - you can send them to me at: jessica.marsh.hfx@gmail.com
Jessica
