| FAQ If you have not had much experience with massage therapy, you might be wondering what to expect. This article will give you some ideas about what takes place during a "typical" massage session. If it is your first time seeing the massage therapist, he or she will likely ask you some questions. The massage therapist might ask about the reasons you are getting a massage, current physical condition, medical history, life style and stress level, experiences with specific areas of pain, and whether there is any specific need you want addressed during the massage. First and foremost, the massage therapist needs to make sure there aren’t any conditions present that rule out having a massage due to any health risks. Second, the massage therapist needs to know what your needs are regarding the massage and be sure both of you are clear about what your expectations and goals for the session are. Third, the information you provide helps the massage therapist determine what techniques to use and how to structure the session. Next, the therapist will leave the room while you undress to your level of comfort. You should take off only as much as you are comfortable removing. For some people this includes the removal of all clothing, including undergarmets. For others, undergarmets and possibly even pants may be left on during the massage. When you have finished undressing, you will lay on the table underneath of a sheet and blanket. This sheet will be used for draping during the massage. When the session begins, the room will have dim lighting and soothing music in order to assist you in relaxation. During my massage, will I be uncovered? The therapist will uncover only the part of the body being massaged, insuring that modesty is respected at all times. At NO TIME in the state of Maryland is it permitted for a licensed massage therapist to expose areas that are normally covered by underwear on men and women. Men may have the chest area fully uncovered while having a chest massage but a massage therapist must keep a woman's breasts covered while working on the chest area. The draping also keeps the person receiving the massage warm. You should also remove any jewelry or other articles that might interfere with the massage. Should I tell the massage therapist if bodywork is causing pain? ALWAYS inform your massage therapist during your massage if he or she is causing pain. Sometimes during deep tissue massage a "trigger point" area may be especially sensitive to deep pressure. The massage therapist will alter the degree of pressure according to your comfort level. In addition if you feel uncomfortable being massaged in a particular area, such as your face, make sure you communicate this with the massage therapist. Remember you are paying for a service, and you should receive the quality you deserve. The massage therapist will use oil or lotion, which reduces drag on the skin while performing massage strokes or deep work. If you are allergic to some oils or lotions, be sure to tell your massage therapist. How is a session ended? The massage therapist will typically close the massage by having you turn onto your back (fully draped) and will tell you that your session has ended. Then the massage therapist will leave the room in order for you to change back into your clothing. For your safety, it is important that you sit up on the table before standing. This allows your equilibrium to stabilize and for you to "ground" yourself mentally before leaving the treatment room. When you leave the treatment room, the massage therapist will provide you with a glass of water. It is important for you to continue to drink water even after you have left. This will assist in removing the toxins that are released during massage. Not drinking water will cause the client to have a feeling of soreness in the muscles. The deeper the massage, the more toxins that are released from your muscles. How do I know what credentials the massage therapist should have? A massage therapist needs to complete 500 hours in a school which is accredited by COMTA, and NACCAS. They must pass the national certification exam given by NCBTMB and, in order to be certified in the state of Maryland, a massage therapist must pass the Maryland Jurisprudence exam. The Department of Health and Mental Hygene for the state of Maryland will provide the massage therapist with a license number. This license should be posted in a conspicuous area where the massage therapist is practicing. A certified massage therapist (CMT) is able to practice massage in any setting, including a medical setting such as a hospital or chiropractic office. A licensed massage practitioner (LMT) may not practice massage in a medical setting. The client is encouraged to request proof of credentials before receiving massage in order to guarantee a safe, professional massage that is non-sexual in nature. Please be considerate of the massage therapist's time. Many massage therapists require a 24 hour notice. |
