Q1. What can I expect for my first appointment?
A1. You should arrive 15 minutes early to fill out the Medical History form, and to review the Policies. This ensures your appointment will being on-time and you will benefit by having the full hour massage.
A2. You should undress to your comfort level. Fully unclothed is okay only if YOU are comfortable with it. Regardless of what level you undress, you will always be covered under a sheet and/or a towel during the entire massage. Only the body part being massaged will be undraped. YOUR modesty will always be honored. Breasts and genitals are ALWAYS draped and will NEVER be worked on. Most clients are comfortable undressing down to their undergarments. Optionally, you can wear a bathing suit during the massage.
A3. Head, neck, face, arms, legs, back, and abdomen are generally massaged. Let your therapist if you are uncomfortable with any of these body parts being massaged. Some therapist would rather not work on particular body parts whether due to their discomfort, or not wanting to provoke any discomfort from the client.
A4. Maybe. If you are receiving a light massage, you normally will not have any after effects. If you are receiving a deep tissue massage, you may leave with a feeling of being “bruised” or “worked out.” The area worked on may feel sore for up to 48 hours after the massage. You are encouraged to ice the area should you feel the need. You should have a better range of motion and less pain when you come in for your next massage if it is scheduled within 30 days of the prior treatment.
A5. No. If you are contagious – STAY HOME. If you are in the beginning of a cold/flu the massage may make you feel worse as the massage will “push” the virus through your body’s system. You probably won’t enjoy the massage if you are ill.
Q6. No. There are medical conditions that make massage inappropriate. That is why it is important you inform your therapist if you are under a doctor’s care, if you are on pain medication, and of ANY health conditions and/or problems.
A7. It depends on the reason(s) you are receiving a massage. If you are coming in for help with an injury, weekly sessions may be necessary for a period of time as the each session builds on the previous session’s improvements in the healing process. For those using massage for stress management and preventative care, once a month is about the norm. Time between visits may be shortened during more stressful periods. Some clients come more often just because they enjoy it that much.
A8. Anytime is good to get a massage. Don’t wait until you are injured or stressed. Massage is good for preventative care for the body and mind. Massage is great for emotional and physical health.
A9. Many therapists continue their education in alternative medicines. However, you may be referred to another practitioner that better suites your needs. It should be common practice for any therapist to acknowledge and recognize their abilities and limitations.
Q10. A 100% Certified Organic Jojoba Oil from HobaCare® will be used during your massage. There is an assortment of oils and lotions available for use. You should inform your therapist of any allergies.
Q11. When should I not get a massage?
A11. It is important you communicate with your therapist of any health problems or medications you are taking. Your therapist may require you to get approval from your doctor before getting a massage. There are contraindications and local contraindications for receiving a massage. Let your therapist know if you have ANY of the following:
o Fever (over 99.4)
o Severe cold/flu
o Liver or kidney disease
o High Blood Pressure (if severe and untreated - physicians referral needed)
o Heart disease
o Cancer
o Burns, blisters, boils, broken vessels, acne, boils, warts, hypersensitive skin, laceration, rashes, open skin lesions or sores (if localized, therapist may work around)
o Blood clot
o Infectious disease(s)
o Fracture
o Bleeding
o Acute injury
o Pregnancy induced diabetes, toxemia, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia
o Systemic infections
o Intoxication (massage can spread toxins and overstress the liver)
o Hernia
A12. No. The credit cards are cost-prohibitive for small businesses at this time. Most health insurances do not accept massage therapy as a covered modality. However, it may be possible to use flexible spending accounts to cover the expense for massages. Check with your insurance provider for additional information.
A13. Unanticipated events happen occasionally in everyone’s life. If you know you will not be able to make it to your appointment, please call to reschedule. A cancellation policy will be covered during your first visit. Basically, it states you must give 24 hours notice or a fee will be assessed. (See the cancellation policy on file in my office for complete explanation.)
Don't see your question listed here? Send me an email: massage@shirleycurtislmt.com