Massage Therapy - What to Expect From a Massage Therapy Session

Have you been thinking about receiving a massage therapy session, but feel hesitant and nervous, not knowing what to expect? Has shyness or modesty been holding you back? Having a clear picture of what to expect on your first session should help.

When you arrive for your first massage therapy session, your therapist will probably have you sit down and talk to them, or fill out a form, about any health issues you might have. They will probably ask you to tell them if you have any problem areas, or areas of discomfort in your back, neck or shoulders. They will also want to know of any back injuries or surgeries you have had. Another common question would be to ask what your expecting from the massage. Are you wanting to relieve a specific painful area, or are you just needing some help letting go of stress?

Once you have answered their questions,if you like, you could ask them for an overview of how they will be working on you. You could ask what styles and technique they plan to use. This could help you to get a general feel for what to expect.

Next, you therapist will leave the room while you remove your clothing and get under the sheet on the massage table. Sometimes an extra light blanket may be provided for extra warmth. There should be a sheet under you as well and some kind of pillow for under your knees for comfort.The massage table should be comfortable yet firm. Often therapists will add extra padding and even a heated mattress pad for extra comfort.The room should be warm, quiet and comfortable.

Your therapist will have told you to start by laying face down or face up. If you are asked to start face down, there should be a head rest added as an extension from the end of the table. The headrest is a donut shaped pillow, that you can place your face down on and still be able to breathe comfortably.This is important to avoid having to lay down with your neck twisted to the side.

All that is required of you after this is to relax and begin to let go. Give your therapist feed back about their pressure. Ideally you should be able to remain comfortable throughout the massage.If they are beginning to work so deeply that your tensing up, ask them to go more lightly if you would like. Some therapists may feel discomfort and pain is expected to make progress, but if that is not what your wanting (your are there to relax) let them know!

Learning to let go of the busy mind and relax is one of the gifts of receiving massage therapy.Close your eyes and decide to put your plans and thoughts aside for the next hour or so. Experience just how relaxed you can become. With regular massage therapy sessions, you will become better at it,surprising yourself with how healing if feels to relax so deeply. If you have found the right therapist, one that makes you feel really comfortable throughout the massage, you will soon be making regular massage therapy a top priority for maintaining your health and well-being!