Working in this profession, I get asked a lot of questions. The more common questions were the catalyst for this blog (which I'm always happy to hear that you're still reading and following!). I get asked a lot about how massage can help with various conditions, as you have probably seen a few posts on here. But I also get asked questions that relate to getting ready to for your appointment. I struggled with writing individual posts, so I figured I would lump the main ones together and we where it goes!
1. What should I wear for my massage appointment?
Before you get on the table, some clients may ask me this. When you come in for your first appointment, I make a habit of saying "Get undressed to your level of comfort" or something along that line. Meaning I leave that decision up to you. A majority of the techniques work better with skin contact and feeling the skin give me (or your therapist) an extra tool for palpation and assessment. If we have to palpate through your clothes, we may be missing something that may be contributing to your symptoms. That being said, if you're not comfortable with it, don't do it. Massage therapy can still be a very effective treatment through the clothes!
A majority of people leave their underwear on which can give your therapist an added anchor for draping of the back, gluteals and legs if there is proper elasticity. Others are comfortable with not wearing anything, which is also fine. And some people may choose to keep pants, socks, shirt and/or other clothes on through the treatment which is also fine. Some women may choose to keep their bras on for comfort. What I usually suggest in that situation is I ask for permission to unhook the bra for the treatment and hook it back up before I move to the next part. That way I can cover the length of the full back without separating it into sections. The oil also doesn't get onto the bra as much that way so it is less likely to feel oily after you leave.
The point is get undressed to YOUR level of comfort, whatever that may be. I can work around that boundary to make sure that you are comfortable and can enjoy your treatment.
2. How do I get on the massage table?
Everything on the massage table can be adjusted because everyone is different. What is comfortable for you may not be comfortable for someone else. Which is why before I start your treatment I ask if everything feels comfortable for you and make adjustments when needed. Here are the ideal ways for being on the massage table:
Prone: your head and neck should be comfortably supported by the face cradle (it can raise higher/lower and pivot for cervical spine flexion and extension). The abdominal pillow should be below your rib cage (when you are lying prone without support, it adds extra lumbar spine extension which can cause facet joint irritation. This pillow provides some support to the lower back to prevent that extension and give some slack to the muscles in the lower back for treatment). The leg pillow should be directly below the knee (to take pressure off of the lower back and hips).
Supine: The leg pillow should be behind the knee to give the knee some slight extension (this also take pressure off of the lower back and hips). A pillow may be used under the head to support the neck if lying on the table is too uncomfortable.
Side-Lying: Pillows and bolsters are used under the head and shoulder to keep the upper body properly aligned. A pillow is placed between the legs to keep the hips in a neutral position. Another pillow is give to you to hug to prevent the top shoulder from rotating forward.
If these positions are too uncomfortable when a massage treatment is indicated then we may be able to have you in a seated or reclined position. These vary from case to case.
All positions can be modified to your comfort level, which is why it is important to keep the lines of communication open.
3. How do I get off the massage table safely after a treatment?
How many of you have fallen asleep during a massage? One of the main benefits from receiving a massage is that is stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, meaning it is relaxing. When you become relaxed, one of the changes that occurs in your body is a drop in blood pressure. You know that dizzy, lightheaded feeling you get when you stand up too fast? That is your body adjusting the blood pressure from the change in position. When you're relaxed your body needs a little more time to process this change which causes those symptoms. At the end of every massage I will remind you to take your time getting off the table. That is because I don't want you to have those negative side effects at the end of your treatment.
One of the best ways to do it is to bring your awareness back to your body and ask yourself "how does my body feel?". Perhaps take a really nice long fully body stretch (just thinking about that feels amazing!). Then take a few deep breaths while you say to yourself "I'm going to get off the table now" to prepare your body for moving. Once you sit up, take another few breaths before you stand and get dressed to allow your body to adjust.
There you have it, some of my most common FAQs about your treatments!
As always, if you have any comments or questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by today and I hope you have a great weekend!
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