What to expect at your first session

By Christy Torrence CMT
 

Every therapist has a different approach to massage and bodywork and how they relate to each individual client. I personally view each session is a partnership between the therapist and client and communication is essential.  Every person has different wellness goals and how they would like massage to benefit them and I like to custom design each session based on these goals. 

At the first meeting, I encourage, if possible, for people to schedule a 75-minute session to allow for a thorough consultation and to allow plenty of time for bodywork following.  A health questionnaire is filled out prior to the consult and that allows me to know of any physical limitations or contraindications to bodywork as well as how I can tailor the session to work with specific issues or goals a person might have. 

The massage room is a quiet space designed to encourage relaxation and to put the mind at ease-if only for an hour.  It is dimly lit during the session and wonderful scents of aromatherapy waft through the air to further enhance the benefits. There is peaceful music playing in the background and there are a full range of musical styles available based on individual tastes.  Don’t be afraid to request something you like or bring your own CD. The massage table is set up with sheets and a blanket and a pillow to support the knees.  I will acquaint all first-time visitors with the set-up of the table and whether to begin face-up or down for the session.  After the consult, I will leave the room while you undress and get comfortable on the table under the sheet and blanket.  It is up to the client their level of undress for the session.  Most people remove all clothing and leave on their underwear only.  For the best results with women, it’s easier to have full access to the shoulders and the back when bras are removed, however it is possible to do massage through the clothing if requested.  Clients are draped at ALL times during the session.  We are trained in draping and maintaining the utmost comfort and modesty of all clients. 

Remember that you are the queen or king of your session!  This is a time for you to let go and it’s easiest on the therapist if you let your body be as relaxed as possible during the session.  You don’t have to help or assist with movements or holding the body unless the therapist asks you to.  Always communicate if you would like lighter or firmer pressure or if anything makes you uncomfortable.  After all, it is your time.  If you want longer time spent on the feet, the back or a problem area, etc., let your therapist know at the start of the session.  That way it can be designed to incorporate your goals in the time allotted.

Personally, I go with the flow.  If you are talking, then I am happy to converse with you.  I understand that some people relax by talking.  However, if you are quiet, I honor that as well and let you have your space and I save my findings or recommendations until the end of the session.  It’s not uncommon for people to fall into a meditative state of relaxation and even deep sleep during a session.  Snoring is quite common, so please be comfortable and let yourself go if you feel sleepy.  It’s a compliment to us. 

If you feel too warm or cold, please let your therapist know.  If you are requesting very specific bodywork on trigger points or areas of trauma or pain, it is not uncommon to feel tenderness and discomfort during such work.  Keep an open line of communication if it becomes too much.  This work is only done on people who request it and who are aware of its benefits for helping trouble areas.

Typically for a first session, I recommend a full body massage so that a client can truly experience the benefits.  I do, at times, focus only on the upper body or specific target areas if there are issues to be addressed such as pain, limited motion, trigger points, injury, etc.  I like to start with a scalp massage on just about everyone as this is extremely relaxing and allows new clients to get acquainted with my touch before moving onto the rest of the body.  In a full-body massage, I generally work in the following order…scalp, neck/shoulders, arms, front of legs (one at a time), feet, flip client over, back of legs and finish with the back.  Again, clients are covered at all times, except for the area being massaged.   

At the end of the massage, I gently let the client know that the session has ended and for them to move slowly when getting up from the table.  I leave the room while the client gets up and gets dressed.  After the session I meet briefly to discuss how the person is feeling and any findings I have.

I meet first-timers to massage who are very nervous at the start of the session.  This is quite common, because it’s hard to convey clearly what the experience is like.  Usually this nervousness fades in about 2 minutes after the session starts and what I most commonly hear is that it is sooo much better than they imagined or expected: that there was no need to be nervous.  For anyone who may have reservations about trying massage, I encourage starting with a 30-minute session on just the neck and back.  This is a good sampling of bodywork and allows a person to try it out. 

Feel free to email any questions or concerns regarding trying massage to touchwithheart@aol.com.  I’m happy to answer any questions someone might have.