Confidentiality:
All health information or personal conversation during a massage is strictly confidential. This information will only be released with the client’s written consent.
Scope of Practice:
Massage Therapy is a hands-on approach to restoring and enhancing health by removing imbalances and tension in muscles and other soft tissues connecting your entire body. I do not diagnose medical conditions. I work closely with any referring doctor and integrate his or her information into my evaluations. I happily refer clients to other qualified professionals if they have a need for additional health services.
Client-Therapist Relationship:
The massage I offer is therapeutic in nature. The relationship between therapist and client is strictly therapeutic. Dating, and social or sexual intimacy will not be part of the relationship.
Privacy & Draping:
Throughout the session, I honor your privacy. You may undress to your level of comfort. You may wish to undress completely or leave on some or all of your clothing. It is of utmost importance that you are comfortable. You will be covered by a sheet throughout the session except for the area being worked on. Some of my sessions..such as post event Sports Massage or Muscle Release Technique can be administered in athletic clothing or traditional massage draping. I have worked comfortably with high school athletes and minors (with parental consent) in this manner...and can be very effective either way with your comfort level.
Cancellations:
If you need to cancel your session, 24 hours notice is appreciated. If proper notice is not given, you may be charged $20.
Payment:
I accept cash, personal check or Mastercard or Visa for payment of your session. Payment is due at time of service. A $30 fee will be charged for returned checks.
Massage Therapy is gaining recognition and popularity as a key component in our healthcare routine. Whether you are a serious athlete, weekend warrior, suffering from chronic pain, a nagging affliction or simply running after your three-year old, massage can have great benefits. Perhaps you already see massage as an integral part of “body maintenance”…After all, we change the oil in our cars ever so many miles…why not “tune-up” through massage also? But what should you expect? Read on to learn a bit more about it…..
The Environment/Setting
Massage Therapy offices are as varied as the massage therapists that occupy them. But the setting for your massage can certainly enhance or detract from your experience. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (our rest and relax and digest mode) This encourages and supports healing from within. The setting for your massage should be conducive to this. You will likely find:
Your Health History
You will be required to fill out a health history form which details information about your health past and present. Your recent and normal physical activites and what type of massage you may have received in the past. As there are certain medical conditions and medications that the therapist needs to be aware of to ensure that you can receive massage safely.. this is a very important aspect prior to the start of your treatment. Here you can mention any areas that are troubling you or anything in particular you would like the massage therapist to pay attention to.
Before the session begins, you will discuss your health history with the massage therapist. This is a great time for you to ask questions, convey your wishes and expectations for the session as well as emphasize what areas of the body give you trouble. Your therapist will typically cover this at the beginning of each session to cover any medical changes and customize your treatment to what you need and desire. In orthopedic massage or if you have come in with a particular affliction, the therapist may do a physical assessment at this time to determine where to work and what type of massage is needed. The therapist may also do a postural assessment at this time too to determine also, where to work and design your treatment. This is not the therapist “looking at you funny” but many times a high shoulder on one side or a foot facing a bit out can indicate muscle tension in a particular area.
Getting on the table
The therapist will let you know whether you should start lying on your stomach or on your back. A bolster under your ankles or under your knees or a head pillow may be used for your comfort or to align your body to receive even strokes. Sometimes, some treatments may include a side-lying position in which the therapist will assist you in draping you modestly and placing a pillow under your knees for comfort.
Whether you are new to massage or not she will outline the order of the treatment (ie: we’ll start on your neck and move to your arms..etc..) so that you know what to expect. She will then leave the room and allow you a few minutes to get undressed and on the massage table. You may remove as much or as little clothing as you feel comfortable. You will be covered by the draping at all times except for the specific area that is being worked on. Some modalities , such as sports massage can be effective through clothing also. Make sure to remove any jewelry or other articles that may interfere with the massage…even earrings if possible. Your therapist will typically have a little tray or bowl to place your belongings in. You will get underneath the top sheet, so that you are completely covered. This not only respects modesty but also helps keep you warm. The therapist will always knock before reentering the room to make sure you are ready to begin.
During the Massage - Speak up and be honest!
The massage therapist will uncover only the area of the body being massaged. Some people talk during a massage session while others prefer silence. That is a personal decision. Many clients find that a great deal of idle conversation distracts from their ability to relax and from their awareness of their body. However, communication with the therapist is incredibly important! In orthopedic and sports massage, the therapist may have you take an active role in moving through stretches and through various strokes to be more effective. Throughout the session, be sure to communicate with the therapist about your comfort. This may include feedback about:
Feedback for the therapist is valuable. Most massage therapists are here to serve the client's needs and appreciate any information you can provide. It is imperative that you are comfortable, mentally and physically, throughout your massage. If you feel the pressure is too much, too light or ineffective or a specific technique is not working for you, tell the therapist. If you feel a various technique has really “hit the spot” …also communicate that to your therapist. She will be thankful for the information and incorporate it in the remaining time of the session. This is YOUR time…. the therapist may be an expert in what they do in relevance to massage, but you are an expert in how your body feels and making your massage an effective and successful one is a team effort between you and t your therapist.
Will it hurt?
Massage therapy should not hurt! If you are experiencing pain during the massage, the pressure is too deep or perhaps the area is not warmed up enough.. It is likely that your body is actually tightening up in response to the painful pressure which not only inhibits the benefits of the massage but may also create more tension than you had before you came in. Let your therapist know! This is NOT a “no pain, no gain” type of treatment! Many therapists come up with “scales” of pressure (ie: “more or less pressure” or “on a scale of 1-10 let me know when we reach a 6”..as in Trigger Point work) to use as communication. Therapeutic Massage may cause some discomfort in areas that are regularly painful or particularly tight in your body but you should be able to breathe and relax into the work throughout your massage session.
Ending the session
The massage therapist will let you know when the session is complete. She will leave the room allowing you time to get off the table and dressed. When you are ready, open the door and she will know to return. It is common to end the session with post-massage care instructions which may include stretches, exercises, a regimen of ice and/or heat as well as drinking plenty of water. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions that may have risen during your massage.
Above all, remember that the time during your massage session is YOUR time. This includes the time before, during and after being on the massage table. Don't be afraid to ask your therapist questions or to discuss what would make you more comfortable. Enjoy it!