5 Things I (As Your Massage Therapist) Want You To Know:

1. I want to create a trusting environment with you.  As a health care practitioner, you are my number one priority.   Before each treatment, we will have a discussion about your health and how we can formulate a treatment that is best tailored to you to maximize the results.

2. If you don’t like something, speak up! I am skilled at many things.  Reading minds, however, is not one of them.  If you are uncomfortable with anything, the only way I will know will be if you tell me.  This can be anything from massage techniques you do not like, excessive or inadequate amounts of pressure, areas you don’t want me to treat or an insecure drape.  Literally anything.  This is your treatment, and if it is not what you want, I will be happy to make modifications to make your more comfortable.

3. Be honest about your health.  Massage therapy is not a generic treatment where everyone receives a carbon copy treatment.  There are certain conditions and symptoms where modifications need to be made to the treatment, or it may have to be postponed.  

4. You need to be comfortable.  When you’re comfortable, it is easier for you and your body to relax.  This will reduce the amount of muscle guarding and allow me to assess the level of resting muscle tension to affectively treat the soft tissues.  To achieve this level of relaxation, you can undress as much as you wish.  Any areas that will not be worked on (which will be discussed before your treatment) will remain covered by the sheets.  Checking in with you will also ensure that the treatment is proceeding to your specifications.

5. Be present.  A massage treatment is more beneficial if you avoid distractions and focus on the amazing sensations a massage can give you.  Turn off your electronic devices and leave them on the side while you are being treated unless it is an emergency.  The world will still be there at the end of your treatment, so you don’t need to be on Facebook or texting your contacts.  Forgetting the world for a short time and focusing on being connected to your body can help to maximize the benefits of your massage therapy treatment.

References:       College of Massage Therapists of Ontatio. (2014). Standards of Practice.  Retrieved on                  November 11, 2014 from             http://www.cmto.com/registrants/about-the-profession/policies-publications/standards-of-practice/