What to Expect From Your Massage Appointment
First let’s talk about why you should get a massage.
The benefits of massage include relaxing and softening injured, tired or overused muscles, improving joint flexibility, improving range of motion, relieving stress, easing medication dependence and enhancing immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system. Massage can also help athletes of any level prepare for and recover from strenuous workouts and lessen depression and anxiety.
However, it’s important to mention that there are times when a massage is not recommended.
These include conditions such as fever, infection, contagious illness, recent surgery, cancer, open wounds, etc. It is important to disclose all health information on your health intake form. If you have a question concerning any medical condition(s), please discuss your concerns with a doctor before your appointment. Some conditions require that you obtain a written approval from your physician prior to your session.
Now that you know if you should get a massage or not, let’s talk about your first massage appointment. You might be feeling nervous or anxious about what is going to happen. Read more about what to expect at your massage appointment from Marci Thames, a massage therapist from HealthQuest Fitness and Wellness Center.
Step one- arrive on time for your session. We want to ensure that you get the full allotted time. We also ask that you are free from heavy odors upon arrival for your session. If you exercise prior to your massage session, please shower before your massage session and allow time for cool down.
Your first massage session starts with a consultation with your massage therapist. This ensures a safe and successful session. During the consultation your therapist will discuss your health intake form that you fill out prior to your appointment, goals for the session and answer any questions you may have about your session.
It’s important to remember that this is your session and we are happy to satisfy your requests (as long as the request remains within the scope of practice for massage therapy). Good communication is critical for the best results.
HealthQuest Fitness & Wellness Center’s massage therapists have been trained in various types of modalities to be able to create a customized therapeutic massage to accommodate individual’s specific needs. Please inform us if you need an adjustment in pressure or technique to better benefit you. If there is an area of your body that you would like more or less time on please let us know.
During your session you will be securely draped with blankets and sheets except for the part of the body that we are working on. It is recommended to remove any jewelry and pull back long hair. As a client, you have the option of disrobing completely or to your comfort level. You will be provided complete privacy to robe and disrobe. Relationships between the massage therapist and clients are strictly professional and therapeutic in nature; therefore the therapist reserves the right to end a session at any time for inappropriate behavior.
Lastly, relax and enjoy yourself. We also recommend that during this time you go ahead and start thinking about when you can make your next appointment.
HealthQuest massage appointments are scheduled according to therapists’ availability. Please inquire at the reception desk for available dates and times.. HealthQuest, located in the Johnston Medical Mall, is a hospital-affiliated fitness and wellness center with medically based programs that will improve your health and your lifestyle. Find out more at www.johnstonhealth.org/healthquest or call 919-938-7581.
