What To Expect from a Massage or a Bodywork Session
Where Will My Massage or Bodywork Session Take Place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
Who Will Perform The Massage Or Bodywork?
Your session will be conducted by a professional
who has received proper training, often in
a variety of techniques. Some massage and bodywork
practitioners are licensed by the state, while
others are locally regulated. Although no two massages
are exactly alike, you may request a certain
technique or modality. You may also request your
preference as to a male or female therapist.
Must I Be Completely Undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are
traditionally performed with the client unclothed;
however, you may decide what amount of clothing
you prefer to wear for your own comfort. You
will be properly draped during the session.
Will The Practitioner Be Present When I Disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you
undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself
with a clean sheet or towel.
Will I Be Covered During The Session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep
you warm and comfortable. Only the area being
worked on will be exposed.
What Parts Of My Body Will Be Massaged?
You and the practitioner will discuss the desired
outcome of your session. This will determine
which parts of your body require massage. A typical
full-body session will include work on your
back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and
shoulders. You will not be touched on or near
your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).
Will Lubricant Be Used?
A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your
muscles to be worked on without causing excessive
friction to the skin. The lubricants used should
hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed.
What Will the Massage Or Bodywork Feel Like?
It depends on the techniques used. In a general
Swedish massage, your session may start with
broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your
nervous system and ease exterior muscle tension.
As your body unwinds, pressure will gradually
be increased to relax and relieve specific areas of
muscular tension. You should communicate with
your practitioner immediately if you feel any discomfort
so that another approach may be taken.
Massage and bodywork are most effective when
your body is not resisting.
Are There Different Kinds Of Massage And Bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork.
Various techniques utilize different strokes,
including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement,
posture and movement reeducation, application
of pressure to specific points, and more.
Ask the practitioner about the methods she uses.
How Long Will The Session Last?
The average full-body massage or bodywork
session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour
appointment only allows time for a partial massage
session, for instance the neck and shoulders,
back, or legs and feet. Many people prefer a sixtyto-
ninety-minute session for optimal relaxation.
Always allow relaxation time prior to and after
the session. Hot tubs, steam baths, and saunas can
assist in the relaxation process.
What Should I Do During The Massage Or Bodywork Session?
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will
either gently move you or tell you what is needed
throughout the session (such as lifting your arm).
Many people just close their eyes and completely
relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel
free to ask the practitioner questions about massage
and bodywork in general or about the particular
technique you are receiving.
How Will I Feel After The Massage Or Bodywork Session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience
freedom from long-term aches and pains developed
from tension or repetitive activity. 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
a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty
of water afterward.
What Are The Benefits Of Massage And Bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release
chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation,
increase joint flexibility, reduce mental
and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster
healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture,
and reduce blood pressure. Massage and
bodywork are also known to promote better
sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety,
and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are There Any Medical Conditions That
Would Make Massage Or Bodywork Inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that before
you begin your session, the practitioner ask
general health questions. It is very important
that you inform the practitioner of any health
problems or medications you are taking. If you
are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised
that you receive a written recommendation for
massage or bodywork prior to any session. Many
practitioners may require a recommendation or
approval from your doctor.
Compliments Of:
© 2006 Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
member
MaryAnne Palumbo,
Licensed Massage Therapist
Lic #MA38837 Est #MM18457
1515 S. Orlando Ave, Suite H
Maitland, FL 32751
407-756-4947
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