Your First Session With a Massage Therapist

By Kristy Keck, LMT

A growing number of men and women have found therapeutic massage to be a valuable addition to their health and fitness routines as well as an effective complement to other health care services. Many people seek therapeutic massage as a natural means to promote healthy body functioning, and to enhance the body's own restorative powers.

As with any new experience, it is good to have an idea of what to expect.

In a therapeutic professional massage therapy setting, you can expect to spend the first 10-15 minutes or so reviewing your health status and discussing your needs. Your therapist will use the information you share to cater the session to your specific needs. The remaining time is dedicated to your hands-on therapy. This can include assessment observations (such as testing range of motion, checking hip placement, etc.) as well as the massage work.

Unlike spa type settings where you order the type of massage you want, therapists in a more medically/ Therapeutic oriented setting may use any combination of up to 20 or so techniques to help you reach your goals. These massage therapy techniques may include the Swedish and deep-tissue work most people are familiar with. Your therapist may also include myofascial work, various forms of stretching, or energy balancing. The range is very broad and is unique to each therapist's training and experience.

While most massage therapy is performed skin to skin, it does not have to be. Stretching, myofascial and energy work techniques can all be performed with the patient fully clothed.

The more you relax, the more work your therapist will get done. While conversation is not helpful to most people to relax, it can be beneficial to some. Your therapist will respect your quiet time. You can expect your hair (and make-up for women) to get a bit disheveled from your session.

Lastly, drink your water before you come in. We are working directly and specifically with your muscle tissue. Imagine trying to squeeze a dry sponge. Now imagine squeezing a wet sponge. The better hydrated and “juiced up” your muscle tissue is the more effective your massage session will be. The recommended amount of daily water intake is half of your body weight in ounces. So a 200 pound individual should take in 100 ounces of water each day.