This week, I thought I would list some of the most frequently asked questions I get asked as a massage therapist.
Massage is a great way to promote relaxation, but there are many more benefits to receiving treatment both mentally and physically. Massage can be an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. For a more comprehensive list of benefits, see our blog post on Massage Therapy Benefits.
At your first session, you will fill out a health history form. Before each massage, your therapist will take a few minutes to learn about your body and your massage goals. Together, you will decide the focus of your session. Your therapist will then leave the room to allow you to undress privately. Before re-entering the room, your therapist will knock to make sure you are under the sheets and ready to receive work.
No. Your comfort is the most important part of any session. You should undress to your personal comfort level; it does not matter to your therapist. Most commonly, clients will fully undress with the exception of leaving on their underwear. You will be properly draped throughout the entire session to ensure privacy.
Often times clients want to know how I find their problem areas and if I can feel what they’re feeling. The answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no. It’s not always feeling that guides me to work on a particular area. Maybe something you said in your intake made me suspicious of a certain area. You may be laying on the table crooked, indicating that your muscles may be tight on one side. Sometimes I can actually feel an irregularity in your tissue. One important thing to keep in mind is, despite my expertise, no one can tell how your body is feeling better than YOU. It’s important to keep your massage therapist in the loop during your treatment. Always let them know if their pressure or angle needs to be adjusted.
I attended Cortiva Institute in Seattle for my massage training. I continue to deepen my knowledge and improve my techniques through Continuing Education courses. Some of my favorites have been; The Somatic Nervous System, Evaluation and Treatment of Shoulder Injuries, Hydrotherapy, and Active Listening all taught through Brian Utting’s school, Pacific Northwest School of Massage.
It depends on your what body wants and/or needs. Frequently, clients will hit it hard in the beginning with sessions once a week then work toward a maintenance schedule of once a month. Your body may require more or less than that. This will be determined by how you feel and what kind of schedule fits your time or budgetary needs.
I hope these are helpful!
LMT, Pilates Instructor
and Founder of Inertia6
Rachael has a passion for movement and her athletic training and experience give her body-awareness and insight.
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