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What to Expect 
at Your
Massage Therapy Session
at Your Massage Therapy Session
If you have never received a professional massage you may feel a little uneasy about making your first appointment. This is natural. After all it's not every day that you walk into a private room, remove your clothes and allow a another human being to soothe away your aches and pain!
The good news is that any unease you may have is quickly diminished once you meet and speak with the therapist and begin the treatment.
After the massage session you will feel both relaxed and energized. You will look and feel better. Massage affects all the systems of the body. Benefits include increased local circulation of blood and lymph, improved muscle tone and elasticity and a calming of the central nervous system. Massage helps the body's metabolism return to normal and helps increase nutrition to each cell.
However, You may be wondering...
Optionally, you may wish to:
Completing the Intake Form(s) at home will save some time on the appointment day, allowing more time for hands-on work.
When you arrive at Intuitive Bodywork, we will have a brief interview time to discuss your goals for the massage session, answer any questions you may have and share any thoughts or concerns pertaining to your massage session.
Will I Need to Undress?
Your modesty is the most important consideration and you need only undress to your comfort level. Intuitive Bodywork is a safe space. You will never be encouraged or expected to undress more fully than you wish.
For most people, the best way to experience a full massage is with nothing on. In the case of a relaxation stress relief or wellness care massage, this allows for long flowing, relaxing techniques and easy access to the body. The client is professionally draped and only the body part being worked on is exposed at any time.
Some people are more comfortable not removing their underwear. Sometimes a client wears athletic shorts or a swimsuit. Some clients choose not to undress fully in their first few visits then decide to remove everything as they feel more secure in the environment and become more comfortable with touch.
In any massage, the genital area is never exposed. Buttocks are uncovered one side at a time and is agreed to in advance of the session. Female breasts are generally covered except in the case of lymphatic breast massage as requested, agreed to by both parties and upon completion of the Breast Massage Addendum prior to the massage session.
If the goal is relief of a specific pain problem and the concentration is only on part of the body, it is only necessary to undress as needed for the specific treatment.
After discussing your needs and establishing goals for the session, I will explain where to place your clothes and how to position yourself on the massage table. I will then leave the room so you may privately undress and place yourself on the table. After knocking to make sure you are ready, I will enter the room and begin the massage. Relaxing music or nature sounds will play in the background during the massage. I will check with you occasionally to ensure that you are comfortable, that the amount of pressure is appropriate and that your needs are being met. Some clients prefer to enter a state of deep quiet and relaxation during the massage. Others may prefer to talk. The choice is yours.
You (the client) are always in charge of the massage session! If anything at all is uncomfortable (room temperature, pressure, draping) just let your therapist know and immediate adjustments will be made to meet your needs. Even if you want to end the massage, all you have to do is say so!
Wellness.com
After the massage session you will feel both relaxed and energized. You will look and feel better. Massage affects all the systems of the body. Benefits include increased local circulation of blood and lymph, improved muscle tone and elasticity and a calming of the central nervous system. Massage helps the body's metabolism return to normal and helps increase nutrition to each cell.
However, You may be wondering...
How do I Prepare for a Massage?
There is nothing special you need to do to prepare for massage. Please plan to arrive about 15 minutes early for your first appointment in order to complete a brief health history form. Optionally, you may wish to:
- Download the Client Intake Form(s) from our website prior to your appointment.
- Complete the Intake Forms at your convenience.
-
Present your completed Intake Form(s) to the therapist when you arrive for your appointment.
Completing the Intake Form(s) at home will save some time on the appointment day, allowing more time for hands-on work. When you arrive at Intuitive Bodywork, we will have a brief interview time to discuss your goals for the massage session, answer any questions you may have and share any thoughts or concerns pertaining to your massage session.
Will I Need to Undress?For most people, the best way to experience a full massage is with nothing on. In the case of a relaxation stress relief or wellness care massage, this allows for long flowing, relaxing techniques and easy access to the body. The client is professionally draped and only the body part being worked on is exposed at any time.
Some people are more comfortable not removing their underwear. Sometimes a client wears athletic shorts or a swimsuit. Some clients choose not to undress fully in their first few visits then decide to remove everything as they feel more secure in the environment and become more comfortable with touch.
In any massage, the genital area is never exposed. Buttocks are uncovered one side at a time and is agreed to in advance of the session. Female breasts are generally covered except in the case of lymphatic breast massage as requested, agreed to by both parties and upon completion of the Breast Massage Addendum prior to the massage session.
If the goal is relief of a specific pain problem and the concentration is only on part of the body, it is only necessary to undress as needed for the specific treatment.
What Happens During the Massage Session?
After discussing your needs and establishing goals for the session, I will explain where to place your clothes and how to position yourself on the massage table. I will then leave the room so you may privately undress and place yourself on the table. After knocking to make sure you are ready, I will enter the room and begin the massage. Relaxing music or nature sounds will play in the background during the massage. I will check with you occasionally to ensure that you are comfortable, that the amount of pressure is appropriate and that your needs are being met. Some clients prefer to enter a state of deep quiet and relaxation during the massage. Others may prefer to talk. The choice is yours. You (the client) are always in charge of the massage session! If anything at all is uncomfortable (room temperature, pressure, draping) just let your therapist know and immediate adjustments will be made to meet your needs. Even if you want to end the massage, all you have to do is say so!
x
Does Massage Therapy Hurt?
No! Relaxation massage should never be painful. It is a pleasant experience. Be sure to tell me if anything is uncomfortable and I will alter the technique. Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) techniques may elicit a mild to medium discomfort, intense sensation or "good hurt" on tight or injured tissues but there should be no pain.Click on the Medline Plus Icon for Interactive
or Self Playing Presentations and a pdf. Summary
about Massage Therapy
or Self Playing Presentations and a pdf. Summary
about Massage Therapy
U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Massage Therapy Links
Touch Research Institute (TRI)
(AMTA)
(ABMP)
Holistic Junction
Your source for Holistic Practitioners; Massage & Holistic Schools, Alternative Healthcare and Literature
Your source for Holistic Practitioners; Massage & Holistic Schools, Alternative Healthcare and Literature
Massage Therapy has helped children with many physical, mental and emotional challenges. To find out more, click here to read my chapter in the resource guide
"Healing Practices To Help Kids Grow Up Easier."
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Massage Therapy Publications
Click on the Icons to Visit each Publication Online
Click on the Icons to Visit each Publication Online
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Other Informative Links & Resources
In addition to being a great site for anyone interested in a career as a nurse practitioner, this site maintains a wealth of current information & resources for all health care providers and patients
Make Appointment
717-884-9568
Email: alan@intuitivebodywork.net
717-884-9568
Intuitive Bodywork Massage Therapy
337 Bridge Street
New Cumberland, PA 17070
717.884.9568Email: alan@intuitivebodywork.net