What to expect from a massage therapy treatment

Where have you had massage in the past? Was it in a doctors office, alternative health care clinic or gym facility? Or was it in a therapists house or in a spa? Massage therapy has for years, been thought of as a relaxation treat utilized mostly by women. In recent history however, it has taken off in popularity as a form of alternative health care for pain management because of the many benefits and very few negative side-effects.

When you go to see a massage therapist you have to fill out a health history form on your initial visit. They may ask you to up-date your old form if you haven't been in a while. The therapist should then great you and the two of you will go to their treatment room.

The therapist will ask you why you're coming in and go over your health history form. Once they understand your complaint they will begin their assessment. You will be asked to stand for a postural assessment and move for a range of motion of your neck, back and limbs. Special orthopedic tests may follow. Once the therapist gains a good understanding of the structures involved and your condition, they will then explain to you how to get on the table and leave the room. There is a very strict protocol that every therapist learns about how these assessments and informed consent takes place. Everything must be very professional.

The treatment should be within your pain tolerance. Sometimes when you have an area that is very "tight", the pressure can seem like a bit much. Keep in mind that this pressure is necessary for changing the tissue and eradicating pain. However, communicate with the therapist your pain tolerance because there is such thing as too much pressure. I try my best to gauge how much pressure a client can take based on more than just what they tell me. I don't want them to clench their muscles in response to the pain because that would be counter-productive.

As a therapist it is very important to be focused on your client from the time they come in the door to the time they leave. As the treatment finished up, expect the therapist to clearly state what to expect in the next couple hours to the next few days in accordance with the massage.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask away!