Are you nervous about getting a massage for the very first time? One of the very best weapons against nerves is knowledge. Nervousness is natural, and won’t surprise or offend your massage therapist in Calgary. Your massage therapist’s goals are to make you as comfortable as possible, to understand your goals, to learn enough about you and your concerns to help you to achieve those goals, and to provide relief and relaxation.
To help ease your mind with a little knowledge, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions asked by first-time participants in massage. Let these questions and answers set the stage for your first appointment, but be sure to take any lingering questions and concerns to your appointment. Ask your massage therapist or chiropractor in Calgary any questions you may have before getting underway.
Will I be naked during the massage?
Someone receiving a massage is typically not clothed. Having said that, you will be covered with a sheet so that only the part of your body being massaged at any given time is uncovered. Your massage therapist will not be in the massage treatment room while you get undressed but will enter once you are ready and covered. Whether you are clothed and to what extent is something to discuss with your massage therapist so that you are as comfortable as can be while your therapist also has sufficient access to your body to perform the massage.
What will the massage therapist massage?
Before massage therapy near you even begins, you and your massage therapist will discuss your medical condition, symptoms, physical lifestyle, priorities, and goals. The massage therapist will use all that information to develop a massage treatment plan which will include information about what parts of your body will be treated. Alternatively, you may go to the Chiropractor in Calgary with a request that a particular part of your body be massaged. Regardless, only those parts of your body expressly discussed and agreed in advance will be massaged and you should always feel free to redirect your therapist’s attention if any part of the treatment is uncomfortable.
What will it feel like?
The answer to this question is a lot like the answer to the prior question. It depends a lot on what goals you and your massage therapist decide to try to achieve, and what parts of your body are being addressed. There are many different types of massage that have different goals and that stem from different principles. They include Swedish, hot stone, aromatherapy, deep tissue, sports, trigger point, reflexology, shiatsu, Thai, prenatal, couple’s, and chair massage. Every type of massage uses a different combination of massage movements called strokes that vary in pattern, length, pressure, depth, frequency, and location.
When approaching this question with a massage therapist or chiropractor near you, ask them what types of massage and what strokes the specialize in. And, after describing your physical condition, symptoms, and goals, ask them what they would recommend. Don’t be afraid to try different types of massage and remember that you’re allowed and encouraged to redirect your chiropractor or massage therapist if anything feels uncomfortable, or even just to ask questions about anything unexpected.
How long does massage last?
While many massage therapists offer different packages, the length of a session will depend in part on the goals being pursued. Massage performed as part of an injury-related treatment plan may go differently than a one-time relaxation-focused massage. Typically, though, partial massages focused on your neck and shoulders or your back or your legs are performed in a 30-minute session. More complete massage treatments are conducted during a 60 or 90-minute session that may include other services at the same facility.
With this information, we hope any nerves about your first massage begin to trend toward anticipation. Use your first massage session as a chance to learn about massage treatment techniques and the potential rewards for your health and well-being.