Your First Appointment

If you've never had a therapeutic massage before you might be a little unsure about what to expect before, during and after your treatment.  This primer should give you an idea of how it goes.

BEFORE THE MASSAGE
If this is your first massage, try to come 10 to 15 minutes early, especially if you haven't filled out the New Patient Intake form. Because we are a small clinic, there may not be someone at the reception desk when you arrive, but we will know you are there and someone will be out shortly to take you into the treatment room. Try not to smoke, drink alcohol or eat a full meal immediately before the massage as these may cause you to be uncomfortable during treatment. You may also wish to use the restroom at this time.

AT THE START OF YOUR TREATMENT
Once the therapist brings you into the treatment room, they will read through your intake form and ask you some questions. We do try to maximize your time on the table, but the first session shapes your treatment so it's important that we take the time to find out what your needs are. If you are generally healthy and are simply looking to relax, the assessment will likely be short. The more complex your situation the more we need to know in order to be helpful.

The therapist will then give you an idea of what kind of treatment she feels will be most helpful. She will ask if you have any concerns or questions. If you do, they will be heard and nothing will be done that you don't consent to. Even if your question doesn't occur to you until the massage has started, you can always bring it up.

Once treatment is agreed upon, the therapist will leave the room and you can undress down to your comfort level. The therapist may suggest which areas to uncover, but you are also free to stay as dressed if you prefer. Treatment can be modified for almost any situation. It is also okay to undress completely. Whatever you decide, once you are ready for treatment, lie down on the table and cover yourself with the top sheet and blanket.

The therapist will knock and ask if you are ready before she re-enters the room.

DURING YOUR TREATMENT

Once the massage as started you are still in charge. You may choose to relax completely, even doze a little, or you can talk if you prefer. The therapist will adapt to either but you're not obliged to be social. This time is for your benefit.

The therapist will check in with you periodically to ask about your comfort. Please be honest. It's not necessary to grit your teeth through pressure that is too painful or if you are ticklish. You won't get an inferior result if you ask for less pressure. It's important that your body be relaxed during treatment and it's hard to relax if you feel like you're being beaten with a sledge-hammer. Ticklishness is also a common issue. It is thought to activate the part of the brain that deals with pain and is easier to work with if the therapist understands the problem.

While the therapist works on an area of your body, she will undrape only that area. She will never undrape genitals or breasts or any other area you ask to keep covered. You can ask to cover or uncover an area if you are too warm or too cold. When the therapist wants you to turn over, they will remove any supporting pillows and then raise the sheet so that you continue to have privacy when you turn. They will do this even if you are not body-conscious, because it is part of the registered massage therapists code of conduct.

The therapist will let you know when the treatment is coming to an end. When she is finished she will leave the room so you can sit up and get dressed. It's not unusual to feel light-headed at this time so get up slowly. Dress in your clothes, but hold off on putting on your coat. When you are ready, open the door so the therapist knows that she can come back in.

AFTER YOUR MASSAGE

Before you leave the therapist may ask how you feel, retest for pain or mobility and instruct you on some things you can do at home to enhance your treatment. They will suggest a plan for your treatment -- how many sessions and how long each session should be. These are only suggestions and if they don't fit your budget or schedule, alternatives can be explored.

Once you return to the waiting room, you can pay for your massage and book your next treatment if you like. The therapist may offer you a glass of water and a piece of candy before you leave. This is because therapeutic massage can cause dehydration and lower blood glucose. Please feel free to sit in the waiting area until you feel fully alert.

You might feel sore after the session, or even sore a day or so later, as you might feel after exercising. The therapist can also instruct you how to use heat or cold to relieve the soreness.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please email us at info@bluemountainmassagetherapy.ca or call us at (604) 492-2434