Before your appointment
Before your appointment, talk to us about any concerns you have regarding your body and discuss the pressure you prefer. Your therapist will check in during the massage, but if you feel uncomfortable or want them to try a different pressure, speak up. Let your therapist know if there are any places you want them to use a different type of pressure on or avoid altogether. Voice your intentions for the massage. A massage to relieve deep muscle knots will be quite different from a massage to stimulate relaxation, so keep this in mind. It’s also important to let your therapist know if you have any medical concerns or injuries
What to Expect During Your Treatment
When you begin your treatment, you will meet with your massage therapists and answer a few questions pertaining to your health history. These questions will help to direct your best course of treatment. Your RMT may perform a few clinical tests to assess and determine the potential root cause of your concerns. This is important because the problem area is not always where the pain is!!
Once you and your therapist have determined a treatment plan, your RMT will allow you time to get comfortable on the table before treatment begins! Massage therapists often work directly on the skin, removing clothing barriers, which allows them to adequately assess and feel the soft-tissues beneath their hands. However, this is not always necessary! Depending on your condition, your treatment plan and use of the most effective techniques to assist, it may be better for your therapist to work through your clothing or your RMT may ask you to wear loose fitting clothing. It is important that you are very comfortable throughout your treatment and your RMT will ensure that this is always the case.
Your therapist will ensure maximum privacy during the treatment using sheets and educated draping techniques to maintain your comfort level as this is always our top priority!
What to Expect After your Massage Therapy Appointment
Each treatment will vary. There are side effects with having a massage therapy treatment.
A side effect you might experience is delayed onset muscle soreness. This can occur for 24-48 hours post treatment as your body is adjusting to the muscles being treated. The techniques carry blood and nutrients to your muscles while eliminating toxins. This is a physical response to the inflammation as your body heals.
You are advised to apply deep moist heat or an Epsom salts bath (if you do not have conditions in which this may be contraindicated). If you haven’t had a massage recently or if it’s your first one, it’s more likely that you will feel sore afterward. Your body will create muscle memory if you have frequent massages, so aim to be regular with your sessions when possible Communication It’s important to establish open communication with your therapist.