What to Do
Go In Well Hydrated
You want to make sure that you are going into the massage in a state of good hydration. You will want to be comfortable during the massage, and not have to disrupt the massage to use the washroom, but do ensure that you are drinking water moderately throughout the day. This will help to remove all the toxins from your tissues effectively, and clear away all the byproducts that have accumulated in the tissue cells.
When you arrive
Come 15 minutes early to complete forms, or complete the forms at home and bring them in. Show up well hydrated, and however you are dressed for your day is fine.
Therapist Consultation
Your therapist will take you to your room and begin the consultation. Tell your therapist if there are any issues you would like addressed during your appointment, and what you would like to gain from your treatment. The therapist will leave the treatment room to give you a chance to prepare for your treatment. Because you will be draped for your treatment, most clients choose to undress to their underwear. Lie down on the table under the sheets and your therapist will return within a few minutes to begin the treatment.
During your treatment
Communication is critical during your treatment! If you are at all uncomfortable, let your therapist know right away.
Finishing up
At the end of your treatment your therapist will discuss further treatment options and follow-up care with you. You can get dressed and return to the front desk to settle up your account, make additional appointment bookings, etc.
Which Type of Massage is Right for Me?
We use many different techniques when providing your massage, so it can be confusing to know which kind of massage style is right for you. Relax! Every massage at our clinic begins with a quick consultation with your therapist. During this consultation, your therapist will ask about your goals for the treatment. We use this information to plan your treatment, including which combination of techniques will best meet your needs.
If you have particular goals (eg: acute pain or injury), or want an advanced treatment (eg: hot stone or cupping massage), you should let us know when you book the treatment so we can pair you with the most suitable therapist.
Why does Muscle Matters Need my Health History?
If you are considering getting started with massage therapy, your therapist needs to be familiar with your relevant medical history. This is going to be very essential for your own safety as well as so you can get the best massage possible.
It Ensures We Know Of Any Massage Limitations
First, informing your massage therapist of your medical history is going to help your therapist determine whether there are any massage limitations in place. In some cases, depending on your health history, there may be certain techniques we should not be using, so this will make those more apparent.
It Can Help Us Pinpoint Techniques to Be Using
Informing us of your background is also going to help us pinpoint which techniques are going to be working best for you, to ensure an optimal massage. Some massage therapy practices will help you manage certain health conditions better, so if that’s the case, they can be sure to use those methods.
It Opens the Doors for Further Discussion
Finally, by talking to your massage therapist about your medical history, it will also open up room for discussion on any other health or personal issues that they may need to know about. By speaking first about your medical history, it may bring other factors to mind that you will then feel comfortable telling them as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
That first massage appointment is a wonderful experience; however, like any new situation, you may feel reluctant to ask questions you might consider embarrassing.
As massage therapists, we understand that there are plenty of questions clients may have but are not sure how to ask them. Of course, we are here to address your concerns and to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Am I to undress completely?
Many clients prefer to leave underwear on, while others like to be completely nude. Registered massage therapists must make sure that a client is properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged should be uncovered. If you are seeking help for a problem with your hips, buttocks or lower back area, then sometimes undergarments may get in the way.
Will a massage therapist be in the room while I dress/undress?
No. Registered therapists will leave the room and give you plenty of time to prepare. Usually, a client will undress and then lie under the sheet on the table face down. We will always knock before entering.
I’m afraid to tell the therapist the pressure is too hard/soft.
Always feel free to communicate with your massage therapist, as that is what we are here for. We want to make sure that our pressure is gentle yet effective. The pressure should never be so hard that you feel constant pain. We need your feedback!
I’m self-conscious about certain parts of my body.
Many people are concerned and self-conscious for a variety of reasons. Some feel they are overweight, have acne on their face or back, or excessive hair growth; but this should never be a reason not to have a massage treatment. If this is an area of concern for you, then you can always ask that a therapist avoid a particular area.
Am I supposed to talk during a massage?
While some clients prefer to talk, others do not. In fact, most prefer to simply close their eyes and relax. There are some treatments where feedback is necessary, such as a deep tissue massage. Of course, always inform the therapist if you are experiencing any pain, or have any questions or concerns.