We all have different reasons why we go for massage.
Daily stress, aching muscles, a feeling of disconnect in our body. Whatever the reason, we make the choice to visit a professional Massage Therapist to see if they can help us.

What can we expect in our first session?
* Will your headache be gone?
* Will the massage be painful and make you stiff the next day?
* What should you wear? Or do you wear anything at all?
* Will I be warm enough?
* What If I’m not comfortable with how it feels, or if I fall asleep?
We’ll answer these and many other questions about your first massage.

When I meet a new patient the first step is to fill out what’s called a Case History form, which provides me an overview of your health history and any conditions that may assist me in developing a Massage Treatment Plan.

It’s very important to know a little bit about you; get an understanding of why you are coming for massage and what your goals for having massage are.

I answer any questions or concerns you may have about massage or the treatment process.

I promote clear communication with every client, providing the option of canceling, or stopping the treatment at any time, for any reason if you are not comfortable.

We move into the treatment room. You’ll notice dimmer lights, relaxing music, some cushions, the therapy table, hangers and a basket for your belongings.
You will be asked to remove your clothes to where you are comfortable, depending on the treatment type.
For example – if you are scheduled for a 30 minute treatment of your back, neck and shoulders; you would be asked to remove any jewelry, remove the clothing on your upper body (including bra for women), then lay on the therapy table underneath the provided sheets. There would be no need to fully undress.
If you were having a one hour full body massage; you would be asked to remove any jewelry and fully undress to where you were comfortable (it’s perfectly fine to keep your underwear on), then lay on the table under the sheets provided. I would leave the room while you change.

You are treated with modesty and respect, using professional draping techniques to expose the areas of the body being treated and working within the boundaries of professional treatment protocol.

Initially I would do what’s called a scan of your body, which is a sequence of compressions with my hands from your feet to your neck. These gentle compressions give me feedback on where the tension is being held in your body and helps you get used to my touch.

I would put a heat pack on your back, neck or wherever heat was needed most to ease tension, and begin the sequence of massage strokes.
In the prone (face down) position, we usually beginning with the legs, low, mid, upper, back, shoulders & neck, undraping each section as needed. At about the midpoint of the massage you would be covered with the sheets, asked to turn over into the supine (face up) position and we would continue the sequence of the massage. Again starting at the feet, anterior legs, hands, arms, shoulders, upper chest and ending with the head, neck & face.

A variety of strokes are used, ranging from superficial to deep pressure and a variety of stretches and range of motion movements, designed to safely move and stimulate healthy tissue recovery.

Throughout the massage I would check in with you to make sure the pressure, or movements were not too painful or uncomfortable. I always work within my patient’s comfort and pain tolerances.

At the conclusion of the massage you are given a chance to stretch, just feel the massage for a moment before you get dressed and leave the treatment room. I leave the room and you are asked to just take your time as you get dressed and feel the body awareness from your massage.

I make treatment notes of the session that are recorded and updated in your client file to provide a road map for your massage therapy progress.
And when you leave the treatment room you will be provided with a bottle of water in order to re-hydrate and assist with the elimination of metabolic wastes in your tissues.
You may also be given some stretches, or exercises you can do at home that can help any challenges or issues that may have been discovered in the massage treatment.

Everyone feels a little different after receiving a massage, especially for the first time. Some feel energized, others maybe sleepy or groggy. My hope is you feel relaxed and more connected to your body.
It’s not uncommon to feel some stiffness later the same day or the next, particularly in areas that were found to be tender in the massage. It helps to stretch, stay moving and make sure you stay well hydrated as your muscles recover and repair from the treatment.

That is a walk through of what to expect for your first massage at Soul Vitality.

Darren Hutchison
Registered Massage Therapist
Soul Vitality
Lethbridge, Alberta

Tags: Living Well

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