WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM
MY MASSAGE APPOINTMENT?
Health history/intake form
- At
your first appointment you will be asked to fill out a Health
history/intake form and statement indicating your understanding of Sound Body Myotherapy and Massage's Privacy Policy (or you may download and print these forms from the web and
fill them out beforehand). This form will ask you about how you feel that
day and about any medications you might be taking, any surgeries you
might have had recently, and any other medical conditions you may be
experiencing. You will be asked to update the form every year. This form
is available on the website, and you can print it and fill it out before
arriving if you’d like.
- The
information you provide is confidential and can only be released with
your written consent or as by required by law.
Beginning the Massage
- At
the beginning of each massage, I will ask you how you responded to the
previous treatment and if there have been any changes in your health or
your condition. I will ask you how you would like me to focus your
massage. I’ll develop a plan for your massage based on the information
you give me and give you a chance for input. Feel free to ask questions. Depending on the plan, I
will direct you to get on the table and lie face up, face down, or
occasionally on your side.
- I
will leave the room to wash my hands and to give you a chance to undress
and get under the covers on the table. You undress to your level of
comfort, knowing that only the area being worked on will be uncovered as I work.
Many people choose to undress completely, but others feel more
comfortable leaving underwear on. The choice is yours. My highest
priority is that you feel safe, comfortable and warm.
- Performing
massage without draping is unprofessional and illegal in many states,
including Washington and Maine, where I am
licensed.
During the session
- During
the session, my focus will be giving you my absolute attention and providing
you with exceptional treatment. A quiet, focused environment allows me to stay
attuned to your tissues and deliver the best treatment. However, it is
important that you feel free to communicate with me about anything involving
your massage: the pressure, the lighting, the music, your comfort level.
- It
is important to remember that it is your right, at any time, to terminate the
session if you feel uncomfortable. (It is also my right to terminate the
session if I feel uncomfortable.)
To talk or not to talk during the session
- It
is your decision whether to talk about other issues during the massage. Some
clients like to have a conversation. Others prefer a quieter environment.
Communication with your therapist is essential for optimal results; however,
chit chat can remove focus from your treatment.
Ending the session
- I’ll let you know when the session
is over and I will leave the room to wash while you get dressed. I’ll ask that
you open the door when you are ready, so that I can return to check in and
include home care instructions for stretches, exercises, or hydrotherapy
treatments that I think might be helpful for you. This is also a good time for
you to ask any questions you might have.
Referrals
- I am
legally bound to work only within my scope of practice. Please be reminded that
massage therapists are not able to diagnose conditions or diseases. In the
event that a client needs treatment that is out of my scope of practice, I will
happily refer that client to the proper type of practitioner.