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© Cool Sports 1997
Updated August 22

Now that you've found a massage therapist and scheduled a session, you're probably wondering what happens next? What happens when you walk in that office door? Expect to spend a few moments before the start of your first session completing medical history & intake forms. You'll want to clarify & explain any health issues that are important. The therapist may also perform a 'postural analysis' or other evaluation technique(s) to help them correlate your description of any muscular complaints with any visual clues your body may give, such as; torquing (twisting), excessive forward, backward or side-ways leaning, raised shoulder(s), etc. This will help the therapist understand what is happening muscularly. It is important to remember that massage therapists are not doctors, they cannot diagnose problems nor prescribe treatments or medications. Now is also a good time to discuss any apprehensions you may have about receiving a massage such as, clothing to remove, draping, etc.

It's Your Session...

• Do not eat just before a session. Massage may stimulate the digestive process and you will become uncomfortable.
• Arrive on time, early if possible, for your session. This will give you a chance to relax and unwind a bit. Your session will be less effective if you are still mentally at work, on the freeway, or arguing with your spouse.
• Try to be receptive and open to the process. Viewing your therapist as a professional heathcare practitioner will help alleviate any pre-session anxiety you may have.
• The therapist will leave the room while you disrobe and cover yourself with the draping sheets. Get comfortable.
• Tell the therapist if you are distracted by the room temperature, music, smells or odors, noise, etc.
• Relax & breathe deeply. Simple deep breathing techniques enable many people to fully relax. Your therapist can help with this.
• You may find yourself tightening up during the session. This is counterproductive to what you're trying to accomplish. This may be caused by massage pressure that is too firm, being ticklish, or just 'guarding'. You may do this and not even be aware of it. Typically, by changing massage techniques or working on a different part of the body for few minutes the therapist can help you let go.
• If the depth & pressure of the strokes are uncomfortable (or not firm enough), by all means, let the therapist know.
• You have the right to stop the session at any time if you are uncomfortable. It is your session, enjoy it and make it work for you.

Setting Realistic Expectations
There are many factors which will influence your session. Most people have trouble relaxing and 'letting go' during their first few visits. This is normal as we all have our guard up during unfamiliar situations. The more accustomed you are to receiving massage, the more relaxed you'll be and the more benefical your sessions will become. Some people look for massage to be the 'magic bullet' that will cure everything that ails them. In one session. Sorry, but we can't work any harder than you do in getting your body healthy. Depending on your goals it may take several sessions to begin the healing process. Your therapist can help you determine an appropriate treatment plan.

After The Session

• Drink plenty of water. Massage helps flush metabolic wastes from the muscles, water will help flush them from your system.
• Try to allow some time for yourself after the session. Typical short-term physiological reactions are 'tingly', 'lightheaded', etc. These are normal as stress & tension have been reduced and little used nerve endings have been stimulated. You may need some time to re-adjust.
• If you've had deep-tissue therapy or sportsmassage, you may be sore a day or two after the session. This is normal. It will feel like you performed strenuous exercise, this will go away within 24-48 hours. Applying an ice-pack to the area will help alleviate any discomfort.

The many benefits of massage are cumulative. That is, over time, consistent bodywork will enable your body to respond faster (& healthier) to the stresses, strains, and pains caused work, exercise, and family issues.

Norm St.Onge, a massage & muscle therapist, is MA & NH licensed and internationally certified . He is the owner of ProTouch; Professional Massage & Muscle Therapy in Townsend, MA. and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals organization, and the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce. Email: protouch@tiac.net

© Cool Running 1997