What to Expect

What Should I Expect From
My Massage Appointment?

Health history/intake form

At or before your first appointment you will be asked to fill out a Health history/intake form. 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 by court order. Should you want to share information that you do not want as part of your written file, please tell me when we meet in my office.

Go To Forms

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. 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. (Some people prefer to have work done while they are fully dressed. This is fine; there are many modalities which work well over clothing.) You may undress to your level of comfort, knowing that only the area being worked on will be undraped. 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. In Washington, specific work on breast/chest areas require additional training for the therapist and signed permission from the client. I have this training, but I would never perform this type of massage without discussion, verbal consent, and signed permission, as is required by law.

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, and what you are feeling as a result of the treatment.

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.)

Talking

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. Your preferences may change from appointment to appointment. That’s fine! Communication with your therapist is essential for optimal results.

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 other self care that I think might be helpful for you. This is also a good time for you to ask any questions you might have. We can reschedule at this time if that is what you wish to do.

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.