What to Expect at Your Massage Therapy Session

By Angie Rice RMT

First off a Registered Massage therapist is a regulated health
professional. Only members of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
are permitted to use the title Massage Therapist or Registered Massage
Therapist and use the letters MT or RMT after their names.  Massage
therapists have completed a 2-3 years diploma program from a recognized
massage therapy school. Before graduating they have completed extensive
hours in a supervised clinical setting treating clients.

If it's your first time seeing the massage therapist, they will likely ask
you to fill out a case history form. This is so we can understand your
current physical condition, medical history, and life style and stress
level. We also access specific areas where you might be feeling pain or
discomfort. Also mention if there is any thing specific you want addressed
during the massage treatment.

The massage therapist needs to make sure there aren't any conditions
present that rule out having a massage due to any health risks. The
massage therapist also needs to know what your needs are regarding the
massage and be sure both of you are clear about what your expectations and
goals for the treatment are.

Next you will be given clothing removal options for when the therapist
leaves the room. You should only take off as much clothing as you feel
comfortable. The reason why clothing removal is an option is because
massage therapists use an oil or lotion to perform the treatment and skin
on skin contact allows them to use the majority of the techniques that
they know. Two sheets are provided one to lie on and one to cover your
self with. The therapist will uncover only the part of the body being
massaged at that time. It is also a good idea to remove any jewelry that
might interfere with the massage.

Expect a peaceful and comfortable environment for the massage. The massage
takes place on a comfortable, padded massage table. The massage therapist
will tell you what position to lie in on the table. The massage therapist
will have music playing during the massage for your relaxation.

Depending on your requirements the massage therapist will massage either
the full body or only specific areas that need treatment. A session for a
localized injury, pain, or tightness will be focused on a specific area.
It is possible to spend most of an entire session on only one area. If
this is not the case an overall full body massage is revitalizing.
Generally including back, neck, arms and legs.

Always remember if there is anything that does not feel comfortable like
the pressure or technique being used you have the right to ask the massage
therapist to stop or modify the massage.

After the massage is finished the therapist will leave the room and allow
you to get dressed. The therapist may have suggestions for care at home
such as heating, icing or stretching. Also the therapist will usually
recommend when to book your next visit depending on what they have found
during the massage.

There is also the option of a seated massage. You sit in a specially
designed massage chair. Seated massages are usually shorter sessions that
typically run from 10 to 30 minutes. Since the chairs are highly portable,
seated massages can take place in a variety of settings, including the
workplace.

Please let your massage therapist know in advance if it is your first
visit. This is so they may take the extra time to go over all the
procedures with you. It also allows the therapist to help decide how long
the session should be. Usually they offer half hour, three - quarter hour
and hour treatments. If cost is an issue, check your extended health care
plan, most companies cover registered massage therapy treatments.