Your First Visit

Health History

Generally, first appointments begin with an intake process, starting with a health history. The health history may be mailed or downloaded so you can complete it beforehand. If not, please arrive early for your first visit to fill it out. Generally, a health history will ask about:

* Medical conditions
* Areas of concern
* Your level of pain or discomfort on good and bad days
* What helps reduce the pain and what makes it worse
* Contact information

You will also likely be asked to sign forms that explain your right to privacy such as HIPAA Consent and Disclosure.

Interview

The massage therapist will review your health history and ask questions. Because massage can affect multiple body systems, such as the cardiovascular and nervous systems, be honest with the massage therapist about your health. Knowing your history allows a therapist to determine if there are any reasons you should avoid massage or a particular technique.

The massage therapist will ask you questions to better design a session that meets your needs and goals within the time allotted. Let the therapist know what areas of your body you would like worked on, if there are any areas to avoid, and if you have any techniques that you would like to use or avoid. If you are concerned about undressing, discuss it with the therapist, who should be able to offer you some options. Don't be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. All information you give is confidential.

The therapist will outline what will happen in the session and then leave the room so you can undress to your comfort level.

When you are ready, lie down on the massage table and cover yourself with the sheet on the table. The therapist will knock before re-entering.

During the Massage

You will lie on a massage table, covered by a sheet. Make sure you are comfortable and let the therapist know if you are not. Tell the therapist if you are cold, want to be covered, don't want an area of your body touched, don't like the music, or are experiencing discomfort with the technique or how it is being applied. Remember, you are in charge, and can ask for changes or stop the session at any time.

How to get the most from your massage

• Be as open to the process as you can.
• Relax and try let your thoughts go. One way to do this is to focus on how the touch or technique feels.
• Remember to breathe, as this helps you relax. Sometimes people hold their breath when a sensitive area is massaged, but it is best to breathe through it.
• In the same way, tightening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. If you can't seem to relax your muscles, let your massage therapist know. He or she may need to adjust the massage technique.