No. Relaxation massage sessions are normally performed with the client fully undressed, however some clients feel more comfortable wearing thong-type underwear. You will be covered, also known as draped, at all times. This is your massage, so feel free to undress to the degree with which you are comfortable. As you develop a working relationship with your therapist, your comfort level may change.
The amount of clothing you will need to remove for a neuromuscular session will depend upon the part of the body to be treated. Craniosacral sessions are done with the client fully clothed.
Will the therapist be present while I undress and dress?
No. The therapist will leave the room or dressing area while you dress and undress. If you do not need assistance getting onto the massage table, the therapist will give you time to undress, get onto the table, and cover yourself before returning. If you do not need assistance getting off the table, the therapist will leave the room once the massage is complete. If you do require assistance, a towel or robe will be provided in which to wrap yourself.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
Before your massage, you and your therapist will discuss the session, the reason for your visit as well as the parts of your body to be massaged.
Can everyone have a massage?
Almost everyone can have a massage. Your health is of primary concern to Oak Spirit Inc. and there are some medical conditions which may prevent you from having a specific type of massage, will require you to postpone your massage, or which will require written approval or a prescription from your doctor. If you have high blood pressure, for example, you will need written approval from your physician. If you are currently on antibiotics you will need to wait 72 hours after your last dose before having a massage.
Before your first session, you will be asked for a brief health history, including your medications. At each session, thereafter, you and your therapist will discuss any health related changes since your last session.
Can you describe a relaxation massage session?
Oak Spirit Inc. strives to provide the best service possible so every relaxation massage session is customized to fit the client's needs. The description below will give you a general idea of a typical first session.
At your first session, you and your therapist will discuss a number of topics and you will be required to sign several forms. Because we want to make sure it is safe for you to have a massage, we will discuss your health history. Massage therapy is a medical profession; therefore, you and your therapist will also discuss the company's HIPAA policies. General topics, such as appointment scheduling and cancellation, fees, etc. will also be covered.
You and your therapist will discuss the reason for your visit and develop a preliminary treatment plan that will include things such as the desired outcome and what parts of your body will be massaged. You will be asked whether you would like background music, nature sounds, or silence during your session. You may bring your own CD or choose from our selection.
Your therapist will let you know whether to lie on your back or stomach when you get on the table. The table will have both a bottom and top sheet on it . The top sheet will be turned down so you know which end is the head of the table. For your comfort, there may also be a blanket or bolsters on the table.
While you are undressing, the therapist will leave the room and wash his/her hands. Once you are on the table, the therapist will return and make sure you are comfortable. If you are on your back, your therapist will begin by massaging your face and head, followed by your neck, shoulders, chest, arms & hands. Next will be your abdominal muscles, followed by legs and feet. Your therapist will then hold the sheet in place while you turn onto your stomach. Once on your stomach, your therapist will massage your back, gluteals, legs and feet. Because every client has different needs, likes and dislikes, certain areas may be omitted and more time spent on others.
The most important thing during a relaxation massage is to RELAX. Close your eyes, daydream, sleep, enjoy!
After the massage, the therapist will leave the room while you dress. Once dressed, you and your therapist will discuss the session and treatment plan, schedule additional appointments and take care of payment for the current session.
What should I look for in a therapist?
First, you should make sure the therapist has a current license. (This applies to Florida. Not all states currently require licensing). Ask to see the therapist's license. If the treatment is not at the therapist's office, he/she should be able to show you a wallet-size license.
If you are going to a therapist for a specific type of massage make sure the therapist is adequately trained in the method. Ask what training and experience the therapist has in that specialty and whether there is a certification program for it. If there is a certification program, ask if he/she is certified.
Probably the most important thing when looking for a massage therapist is how you feel about the therapist, how you connect with him or her. Most of us have met someone and felt either an immediate connection with or aversion to someone or gotten good or bad vibes from them. These things are very important in a massage session. If you do not feel comfortable with the therapist, during a relaxation massage, you are not likely to receive the benefit of the session.
Other things you can look for are:
Certification by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). Nationally certified massage therapists must adhere to a strict code of ethics and conduct and attend approved continuing education classes. Nationally certified massage therapists are permitted to use the designation NCTMB and the NCBTMB logo on business cards and brochures (but not web sites).
Professional organizations to which the therapist belongs, Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA), for example.
Graduation from an accredited school. Some schools voluntarily apply for accreditation by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). These schools go through a rigorous process that ensures they meet and maintain a strict level of standards and academic quality.
References: Because massage therapy is a medical profession which must adhere to HIPAA regulations, you may not be able to get a client reference list from a therapist.
