At times there may be instances where tender spots are found which may cause some discomfort. I will communicate and work slowly with you around these areas and ensure the pressure being applied is within your limits. It is important to note that tolerating pain is not the best idea. Always work within your limits or a position where you can process the discomfort without tensing your body. Feel free to communicate this during your massage therapy.
My goal is to listen to your needs and plan your visit accordingly.
A personal health history form will need to be filled in and I may ask a few questions to gain a deeper understanding of your presenting symptoms and any underlying conditions so we can discuss and establish your treatment goals. Checking your health also helps rule out any contraindications to massage treatment.
This involves checking your range of motion and doing other tests to establish your specific needs and a baseline which can be retested again at the completion of your session.
Once I have answered all your questions, you are happy with your treatment plan and you have given your consent, we can begin.
I will leave the room and give you time to remove your clothes (if you are comfortable doing so). Please keep your undergarments on. Drapes and towels are used to cover your body so that only the area I am massaging is exposed. Maintaining dignity is essential.
Communication is important. From time to time I will check in to ensure the pressure being applied is within your limits. Your feedback is necessary to the therapeutic process.
Passive stretching may be utilised and some will require your participation to help increase muscle length. I will guide you through this process, when needed.
After a session you should feel relaxed, revitalised and rejuvenated. However, there may be times where some areas will feel somewhat tender or sensitive after treatment and sometimes this may ease over a number of days depending on the techniques applied and as your body accustoms itself to the changes. Please take your time getting up from the massage table and as you dress, feel free to gently move and stretch your body.
Next, I will return to the room and we can reassess your range of motion and tension levels. Usually you will feel a difference in the way you are able to move your body. At other times, several sessions may be necessary to reach your objective. We may discuss the progress of the treatment and possible exercises and stretches to perform at home.
An inter-disciplinary approach may be required to reach your objective and in these cases I may refer you to an allied health specialist.
As massage therapists we remain within our scope of practice and adhere to a strict code of practice. Therefore, we do not and nor should any other remedial massage therapist perform the following:
