What to expect from a massage treatment

How long will the treatment take?

If you pay for an hour's massage then that is what you get! Filling in forms, setting up the massage table, undressing and dressing are not part of your hour's massage.

Please allow for 15 - 20 minutes at either end of your appointment to allow for setting up, consultation form filling in and discussion, and time for me to pack up and vacate your premises (i.e. when booking an appointment at 6pm the actual treatment will start at approx. 6.30 pm and afterwards I'll be ready to leave at approx. 8.45 pm).

Where will my massage session take place?

As I’m a mobile massage therapist this is up to you. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. However, I ask that the room you choose for me to treat you in has enough space for a 6” x 2” massage table. Ideally I need at least 2” around the massage table, so I can move around freely.

For your enjoyment and relaxation the room should be warm. You are free to play music of your choice if the room has that facility. Otherwise I have a portable player and a collection of music. Of course, silence is also an option.

Will I take my clothes off?

Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed. Both men and woman usually take off all clothing except their underwear. You will be properly draped by towels during the session with only the body part being massaged uncovered at any one time. Your privacy and modesty is preserved at all times.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?

No, you will be left to undress in privacy. Towels will be provided for you to cover yourself with once you are on the massage table.

Will I be covered during the session?

Except for the particular area being massaged, you will be covered with towels at all times, to keep you warm and comfortable.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

You and I will discuss the desired outcome of your massage during our initial consultation. I will ask you to fill and sign a consultation form which covers questions about your medical history and lifestyle. Together we will decide upon the form the massage will take.

A typical full body massage will include work on your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, hands and head. If however, you have digestive complaints then abdomen massage is recommended.

As this is YOUR massage you can advise if you would prefer a certain body part not to be massaged. Likewise you can ask for a particular problem area to receive more attention. Each massage is tailor-made for your requirements.

What will the massage feel like?

It depends on the techniques we decide to incorporate to best suit your needs. However, generally speaking your massage will be a combination of the following:

• Broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax superficial muscle tension
• As your muscles start to relax, pressure will be gradually increased to relax specific areas of muscular tension

Some people like a lighter touch and others prefer a lot of pressure. The key to a great massage is for the client to communicate with the therapist. Your muscles do tell a story but nothing beats “I’d like more/less pressure please” to let the therapist know what you want. It’s YOUR massage and you must get the most out of it.

What should I do during the session?

This depends on what kind of massage you are requesting. For instance during a relaxing full body massage your job, as the client, is simply to BREATHE, FEEL and RELAX. This is YOUR time to simply switch off.

During a sports massage your feedback is important and because specific problem areas are being worked on, often quite deeply, relaxation isn’t always possible. A session can begin with relaxing massage, hone in on specific areas and end with relaxing massage.

Each massage is as unique as the client.

How will I feel after the massage?

Immediately afterwards most people feel very relaxed and a bit mentally dull [spacey]. Some experience immediate freedom from muscular tension and a greater range of movement in their muscles and joints. Areas which may have received deep tissue massage may feel a little achy but this is normal and soon goes away.

After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during massage it is recommended you drink plenty of water after your massage.