WHAT TO EXPECT

* INFORMED CONSENT:
Anything that you do, or that is done to you, must occur with your informed consent. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, without notice.

* EFFECTIVE TREATMENT:
Given informed consent, you are to be treated in the most effective way according the therapist's best knowledge, skill and judgment.

* COMFORT:

Given informed consent and effective treatment, your comfort is to be respected. You are not to be subjected to any gratuitous discomfort, that is, discomfort that is not necessary to effective treatment, whether physical or mental.

from Pain and Posture Clinic

Your massage session should be specifically and exactly what YOU want! Make sure the practitioner you choose is skilled in the types of therapy you would like included in your massage. Different therapists have either learned or specialize in a variety of different modalities, or types, of massage, so it is necessary to educate yourself to some degree on the different types of massage that are available. (You may refer to the Definitions section for an abbeviated guide)

In terms of what to expect during a massage therapy session, they generally are an hour in length. Clients are usually asked to remove as much clothing as one is comfortable with and rest on a padded massage table. To respect personal privacy and provide adequate warmth, the client is covered or draped with a sheet or towel so that only the part of the body being worked on is exposed at any given time.

Whether or not you would expect to talk during a session depends on your need at the time. Some clients need to talk. Some need silence. Massage therapists will usually try to accommodate what the client needs. However, sometimes talking detracts from entering a state of relaxation or experiencing the physical or nonverbal dimensions of the massage. In any case, feel comfortable giving feedback about your needs and what you like or do not like during the session. Good communication enhances the massage session.

The massage therapist will likely use a high quality oil or lotion, but if you have an allergic response you should let the massage therapist know. Some massage therapists offer to play music during a session, others may feel it is distracting. It is best not to have eaten just before a session. Your massage therapist can answer many other questions you may have. If for any reason you must miss a massage appointment, your massage therapist will surely appreciate being notified as soon as possible.

To enjoy the benefits of massage which have been discussed, it is best to receive a therapeutic massage from a practitioner who has blended a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and massage technique with a sensitive, powerful touch and the healing sense. To your health!