Thank you for choosing Balanced Health & Fitness for your first massage experience. Everything possible will be done to ensure that your session is comfortable and productive. As with any new experience, you may be a bit unsure or apprehensive about what to expect, and you probably have some of the same questions that most newcomers have. This brochure is designed to answer many of those questions.
Did I Choose The Right Massage Therapist?
Choosing the right massage therapist depends on many factors. Some common considerations include:
* Qualifications - Always inquire about your therapist's credentials, especially if you are seeking massage for problem conditions.
* Gender - The gender of your massage therapist is a matter of personal preference, but regardless of gender, should be someone you are comfortable and able to relax with.
* Style - Although some therapy approaches have specific applications, each therapist pretty much has his/her own style. Talk to your therapist to find out if his/her style is suitable for the goals you have set.
Why Are You Getting A Massage?
One of the first questions that will be asked is why you are getting a massage. An experienced therapist will work with you in setting goals and planning the session to meet your needs and desires. Some common reasons for getting a massage include: general relaxation, relief from sore or tight muscles, relief of tension headaches, recovery from injury, general health and fitness, improved circulation, or to complement other health care methods. It is important that your specific goals be discussed.
How Much Clothing Should I Remove?
A professional massage therapist understands that each of us has a different degree of comfort when it comes to our modesty.
At Balanced Health & Fitness you will be professionally draped at all times. Only the part of your body that is being massaged will be uncovered. For example, if your right arm is being worked on, the right arm will be the only part undraped. Genitals and women's breasts are never exposed.
During a massage, many people leave their undergarments on. However, most choose to remove all of their clothing, allowing the therapist to work on those muscles that often need it the most...one's glutes, for example.
Bottom line, undress to your level of comfort!!
What About Talking During The Massage?
Talking during a massage is optional. Most people prefer silence in order to reach a state of deep relaxation. Some, however, like the social interaction. Regardless of the amount of talking you prefer, massage does involve some degree of two-way communication. During the massage, let your therapist know of any discomfort that you feel. In addition, feedback from you will be requested from time to time.
Will Oil Be Used?
Yes. At Balanced Health & Fitness, jojoba oil will be used. This enables the therapist's hands to glide without pinching your skin or pulling your hair. If you are allergic to oils or lotions, inform your therapist. The oil, healthy for the skin, is absorbed within a short period of time after the massage. Lotion is available upon request.
What About My Make-Up And Hair?
Massage of the face, scalp, or neck may result in disturbing your make-up and hair. Let your therapist know if this is a concern so that he/she can modify his/her technique, be especially careful, or avoid an area altogether.
What Should I Do During The Massage?
Make yourself comfortable. The therapist will adjust your position if needed by either moving you (for instance lifting your arm) or telling you what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
Breathe deeply. The desire to sigh or take a deep breath is a sign that you are relaxing. In fact, deep natural breaths can actually help you relax and is very therapeutic.
It's your massage and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax.
What Is The Environment Of The Room Like?
In order to promote relaxation the room lighting will be low, soft music will be playing, and a scented candle may be burning. Should you find any of these things uncomfortable, please let your therapist know.
How Will I Feel As I Am Receiving A Massage?
Massage feels great and seldom tickles like many people anticipate. Gentle, but firm pressure is used, gradually preparing you for deeper work. The normal response is to slow down, breathe deeply and relax.
The saying "no pain, no gain" just isn't true when it comes to massage therapy. Massage works with the body naturally...not against it. Working in an area of injury or chronic pain may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens after a few minutes. Your therapist will work with you. Always inform him/her of any discomfort you experience so that the technique can be adjusted accordingly.
Why Am I Given A Water To Drink After The Massage?
Drinking water is important all the time, but particularly so after a massage. During a massage, metabolic wastes are released. Drinking water aids the excretory system in removing these wastes. At a minimum, please drink the bottle of water you are given.
How Will I Feel After The Massage?
Some people leave the session feeling very relaxed. Others feel more energized. Several factors enter into the equation and however you feel is okay.
Some clients may experience certain after-effects following massage. Usually the effects are felt after the first or second massage. This is no cause for alarm. Some people complain of a slight headache, upset stomach and nausea, or the feeling they get with the onset of a cold. Such reactions are due to an increase in metabolic waste materials released into the circulatory system. The particular symptoms the client experiences depend on the organs that are being overtaxed. The symptoms seldom last long, but should you experience any after-effects and become concerned, please contact Balanced Health & Fitness. (816-589-3030)
No part of this brochure may be used or reproduced in any matter whatsoever without the written permission from the publisher, Balanced Health & Fitness, Inc.
