What to Expect at Your Massage Session
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Expect a peaceful and comfortable environment. The therapist might play music. Some people find music playing to be relaxing, some find it distracting. If you don't like it, ask the therapist to change it or turn it off.
Before the massage begins, the therapist may offer some advice that will improve the quality of your experience. A common piece of advice is to breathe, especially if a sensitive area is being massaged.
The massage therapist may use oil or lotion, which reduces drag on the skin while performing the massage strokes. If you are allergic to some oils or lotions, be sure to tell your massage therapist so you both can make sure the ingredients in the oil or lotion do not bother you. Some massage therapists will use a powder instead of oil if you are allergic.
Depending on your needs, the massage therapist will massage either the full body or only specific areas that need attention. For example, general relaxation or stress reduction sessions usually include all the major areas of the body, while a session for a localized injury, pain, or tightness will be focused on a specific area. It is possible to spend most of an entire session on only one area. If there is anything that does not feel comfortable or right, or if there is anything you do not like, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop.
After the massage is finished, you will once again be provided with privacy in order to get dressed. If there is time to do so, you may ask the massage therapist any questions you have. The usual length of a session is an hour. A massage session on a table generally should be a minimum of 30 minutes and maximum of 90 minutes.
An exception to the above description would be a seated massage. In this case, you sit in a specially designed massage chair. The chair supports the front of the body, which allows access to most of the body. You remain clothed and oil or lotion is not used. Seated massages are usually shorter sessions that typically run from 10 to 30 minutes. Since the chairs are highly portable, seated massages can take place in a variety of settings, including the workplace.
Please let your massage therapist know in advance if you need to cancel your appointment. Many massage therapists require a 24 hour notice.
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