Case History/Assessment
Before you get on the table we want to make sure we are as effective as possible, so we do a case history and assessment at the beginning of your first session.
Intake Form
You will fill this out at the start of your session. This is mainly to ensure you don’t have any contraindications that prevent you from receiving a massage and also the start of your case history.
Case History
We will review the form and discuss the reason you have come in to get a better understanding of what it is and contributing factors, such as lifestyle or previous injuries.
Assessment
Most first appointments include a postural assessment. This can often be done through clothes, but depending on what we’re focusing on you may need to undress to underwear – feel free to bring along a pair of shorts or vest top. We will also look at your movement around the affected area, to get an idea of your range of movement and levels of discomfort. Very often, especially in the first session, we will re-assess during the treatment to see how the body is responding to the work.
Treatment Plan
We will give you a brief overview of what we plan to do prior to you getting on the table. If you have any questions about anything we mention, feel free to ask when we review the treatment plan or at any point during the session.
On the Table
You will be asked to undress to your underwear, get on the table and be covered with a blanket. Depending on the area being worked on, you may only need to undress part of the way, and you’re welcome to wear shorts or a bikini top if you feel more comfortable. Please note shorts should be loose or short enough to allow full access to the hamstrings/quads if you need your legs worked on. Throughout the treatment you will be covered except for the area being worked on at that time.
Pressure
The pressure can often be quite deep and may cause some discomfort but should never be too painful. As everyone has a different pain tolerance, it is better to use a pain scale from 1-10 as we work. Work will never be carried out to a pressure / pain scale of above 8/9 so if it is this high, you must make your therapist aware.
At the End of Your Session
You will usually be shown a stretch or exercise to help you with your problem, either during or just before the massage is finished. We will usually review the movements and/or check your posture to see any immediate changes following the session.
After Your Massage
Soreness
If you’ve ever had a sports massage before, you’ll know to expect some soreness in the areas worked on. Some clients describe it as similar to ‘post-workout soreness’. Others, however, have no soreness post-massage at all. If you do get some, it should dissipate within a few days.
Water
Make sure you drink sufficient water following your session. This will help flush out anything introduced from the soft tissue into the bloodstream following the massage and rehydrate the muscle. It is important, however, to not drink too much water as well.
Rest
Your body will need to integrate the changes that have taken place as a result of the massage. Depending on the work done, you will probably need to refrain from any strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours. Listen to your body, if it feels like it needs a day off, give it one.
At any time, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. It is very important that you understand and are comfortable with all aspects of your treatment.
