Jin Shin Jyutsu • Massage Therapy • Raindrop therapy

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR MASSAGE

How can I get the most from my massage?

Always remember……

As a massage therapist, I welcome your comments about what you liked or disliked during your massage session. Open communication improves your quality of care.

What more do I need to know about receiving a therapeutic massage?

• Be as receptive and open to the process as possible.
• Avoid eating a large meal just before your massage session.
• Be on time. Arrive NO MORE THAN 5 minutes early. Simply being prompt is best in order to avoid waiting. Being on time also allows you to relax from the beginning of the massage. People who arrive in a frenzied rush can take up to 1/2 of their session just to begin to relax.
• You choose which areas of your body you would like to have massaged. See the list of acceptable areas at the Swedish Massage description on this site’s massage page. No sexual language, requests or conduct whatsoever will be tolerated.
• Most clients remove clothing for a Swedish massage or Jin Shin deep muscle massage. Your therapist will leave the room while you undress for the massage as well as when you dress after the massage. During the massage you will be draped with a sheet (& blanket in cold weather or upon request). One body part such as your back, one arm or one leg or your feet will be exposed at a time for the massage. If you prefer to remain fully clothed for your massage, it is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing. It is always your choice. Chair massage clients always remain clothed, as do High TouchR clients. The back, lower legs and feet must be exposed for a Raindrop Therapy session.
• Give your massage therapist accurate health information at each visit to ensure you receive the best treatment for your needs. Massage therapy is a branch of the healthcare team. Good communication is very important. Your therapist will give you a general list of health questions to answer on your first visit. Please report updates. This is to ensure that you receive the best care for your needs.
• Be open about any apprehensions or concerns you may have before your session begins. This will help you to be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your therapist is a professional dedicated to do her best to help you feel at ease.
• Please let your therapist know if you dislike the music being played during your session. It is OK to ask for something different, specific or nothing at all to be played music-wise during your session. It is YOUR TIME to RELAX and focus on YOUR WELLBEING. Music is intended to complement this process. Silence is great for this process too. It is your choice.
• TALKING during your session is ALWAYS YOUR CHOICE too. At Radiant Wellness Therapies, Inc. your therapist will never insist on continuous chit-chat. Your therapist will only ask minimal questions that are necesary to provide you with the best care. You may ask ANY QUESTIONS about your massage that come to mind during your treatment. You are welcome to talk during your session if you like. Silence is your choice too. Many clients choose to simply close their eyes and relax completely during a massage.
• Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. If you find yourself holding your breath or limiting your breathing, check in with your body. Are you anxious or nervous? Exhale that anxiety. Is the pressure too much? Holding your breath can be a guarding mechanism for too much pressure. Always tell your therapist if you feel any discomfort from the massage. Please let your therapist know if the pressure is ever too much or too little. This is your time to relax. Everyone has different ideas about how much pressure they like. Your therapist won’t know what pressure you like if you don’t tell her.
• Tightening up, i.e. contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage session is counterproductive. “Holding up” your hand, arm or foot for the therapist never helps either. Just relax. Massage therapy requires one simple effort on your part….be willing to let go of your stress or tension & communicate openly with your therapist. Let your massage therapist know if you would like to have the technique being used for your massage adjusted for your well-being. Every “Body” is unique and responds differently to various massage & bodywork techniques. There is no reason for you to simply tolerate something your therapist is doing.
• If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, count your exhales at your normal rate of breathing or simply bring your attention to following the hands of the massage therapist. Either technique helps you center your attention on YOU.
• Ask your therapist to stop anything you dislike or anything that seems inappropriate. You also have the right to end the session at any time.
• After a massage, most people feel very relaxed. If you wish to feel more energized than relaxed after your massage, please let your therapist know before the massage begins. This request can be accommodated. Many people notice reduced aches and pains after a massage. Many people also mention getting a better night of sleep after a massage. The full effects of your massage may reveal themselves in many subtle ways over a period of days after your massage.
• If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, rest on the table before getting up slowly. If this persists, you may sit in a chair to regain your equilibrium before going home. Call a ride if needed.
• Drink extra water after a massage.
• Absorb the results of your massage by allowing some quiet time after your massage if possible.
• Remember that massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative. Each visit is like making a deposit into your personal wellness bank. Chronic patterns of stress in the body are reprogrammed with multiple visits. Frequency of sessions can depend on an individual’s response to each successive visit.