Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
A: Your massage therapist may require you to fill out a health history form. Afterward the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.
It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.
Q: Will I be covered during the session?
A: You will be properly covered or draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. No areas will be exposed without your consent. You should always let your therapist know if you are uncomfortable for any reason during your massage session.
Q: What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
A: People get massages for many reasons:
- Relaxation
- Injury recovery
- Athletic massage
- Pain reduction
- Stress relief
- Physical therapy
- Migraine headache mitigation
- Improved digestion
- Fibromyalgia treatment
- Insomnia prevention
- Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer symptom reduction
Q: When Should I Avoid Massage Therapy?
A: Massage therapists offer non-invasive, non-narcotic treatments for many types of injuries and pain. However, massage isn’t for everyone. People with high blood pressure, deep-vein thrombosis, and certain skin conditions should check with a doctor before getting a massage. If you have a fever, feel dizzy, or have recently been in an accident, you may want to postpone your massage appointment.
Q: What If I Don’t Want a Massage Therapist to Work on a Certain Part of My Body?
A: Before your massage, let your therapist know which parts of your body you want them to avoid. For example, many clients aren’t comfortable with having their abdominal area massaged. Your massage therapist will know how to avoid any sensitive areas you identify and still give you a therapeutic experience.
Q: Should You Feel Soreness or Pain During a Massage?
A: It's a myth that any form of massage therapy (even deep tissue massage) must be painful to be effective. Pain during a massage isn't a sure sign that the massage is helping. In fact, pain can cause muscles to seize up, making it harder for the massage therapist to ease tense areas.
Certain techniques, like trigger point therapy, usually cause soreness. Correcting a soft tissue problem (such as adhesions, tight attachments, and trigger points) can also cause some discomfort. However, if you don't have a soft tissue condition, a massage shouldn't cause soreness or pain.
Open communication with your massage therapist is key to a massage that meets your needs. If you have an injury or chronically tight or painful areas, be sure that your therapist is aware of it before the start of the session. If the pressure is too intense, tell your massage therapist immediately so he or she can ease up.
Q: When should I not get a massage?
A: There are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. That's it.
There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get massage. But its always better to err on the side of caution.
Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs.
Q: Does My Health Insurance Cover Massage Therapy?
A: Some insurers cover alternative therapies like massage, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. However, you may face higher out-of-pocket expenses than one might expect. Before making your first massage appointment, check with your insurer and your therapist to make sure you’re covered. Ask if you need a prescription or a referral from your physician, if you must pay a deductible or a copay, or if you have coverage only for a limited number of visits. Your therapist may not currently accept health insurance directly, but will provide you with the necessary forms to manually file for reimbursement with your insurance.
If you are enrolled in a Health Savings Account, many HSA plans allow payments for Massage Therapy and other services that are not usually covered by health insurance plans. Check with your HSA Administrator to confirm the details and restrictions before scheduling your appointment.
Q: Will I Be Naked During My Massage?
A: No matter what type of massage you receive, you’re in charge of how much you undress during your massage therapy session. Talk with your massage therapist before your massage and specify the areas of your body on which you want them to work—and which to avoid. Your massage therapist will only expose the parts of your body they’re working on—never your breasts or genitals. If you feel uncomfortable with your massage, you can pause or stop it at any time.
Before your massage, your therapist will give you a sheet to cover yourself with and allow you to undress privately and employ proper “draping” techniques once they begin your massage.
Additionally, it should be noted that not all massage techniques require the client to undress.
Q: Do I Need To Remove My Bra?
A: If you are scheduled for a massage that involved the back or shoulder areas, it is preferred that you remove all clothing in that area in order to obtain maximum results. If you are uncomfortable with this, please talk with your massage therapist before your massage and they will work with you to explain the process and address your concerns. Your comfort is key to your relaxation and obtaining maximum results from the session.
Q: Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?
A: This is known as draping and depends on the therapist and in some cases, the law. The vast majority of therapists will insist on draping. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.
The genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) will not be uncovered. If the therapist is going to work on a woman's abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen.
Q: Is It Okay to Talk During a Massage Session?
A: You should always feel free to express any discomfort when undergoing a massage. However, avoid intense chatting with your massage therapist during your session; this can lead to increased muscular tension and limit the effectiveness of your massage experience.
The amount of communication you should engage in during your massage depends on your goals for the session. If you want a relaxing massage, talk as little as necessary and let your mind and body enter a meditative state. You can even practice mindful breathing, which lowers muscular tension and increases the benefits of your massage. On the other hand, if you’ve asked your massage therapist to use increased pressure and deep-tissue techniques to help you recover from an injury, communication is key. Be sure to give your practitioner regular feedback on the amount of pressure you need and which specific areas feel painful or tight.
Q: What Happens If I Fall Asleep during My Massage?
A: It’s quite common for people to fall asleep during relaxing massages. Massage therapists typically take this as a compliment and a sign that they’re providing maximum relaxation to their clients. Enjoy your massage experience and don’t expect yourself to stay awake and alert at all times. Many clients allow their bodies and minds to “reset” in deeply relaxing states.
Q: What If My Stomach Growls During a Massage—or Worse?
A: Massage therapists create “judgment-free zones” with their clients and understand that massages can sometimes lead to clients making strange noises, passing gas, or even have deeply emotional experiences. If you feel the need to laugh, cry, or even tremble, your practitioner will understand and may ask you if you want to continue the massage or take a break.
Q: Can I Stop a Massage If I Feel Uncomfortable?
A: Absolutely! You are always in control of your massage therapy session. Feel free to ask your practitioner to pause or stop your massage if you’re uncomfortable with any aspect of this treatment.
Remember, by discussing potential issues with your therapist before they arise, you can help ensure a positive experience. Most practitioners interview their clients when they arrive to find out about their health histories and needs. Take some time to share any and all concerns you have, including any shyness about your body, worries about privacy and procedure, and—of course—your goals for the session.
With a little honest communication, you can enjoy a wonderful first massage and set the stage for many more to come!
Q: How much should I tip?
A: Many clients are unsure if and/or how much they should tip their massage therapist. We recommend you think of your massage therapist as you would a waiter in a restaurant. Our therapists love what they do and your tip may reflect your appreciation for their service.