Massage Therapy Treatment

Who doesn’t like a nice, relaxing massage session from time to time? For people who receive massage therapy services, they are comfortable with the services and know what to expect when making an appointment. But for people who have never been to a massage therapist, they can be unsure about what to expect from the therapist and from the massage therapy treatment. With so many different types of massage and so many different locations and settings to receive it, it is important to find a therapist and location that will best benefit you and your health care needs.

First Visit

When arriving for your first visit, be prepared for a complete health history to be taken and for the therapist to ask you questions about any health complaints you may have and which areas of your body you would like the therapist to focus on. Discuss any concerns you may have and be sure to alert the therapist as to if you are currently under the care of a physician as you may need a written letter from your primary care physician depending on your health status. If the therapist determines that massage therapy is safe and appropriate for you, the appointment will continue with the work being done on a massage table in a quiet and relaxing setting. Depending on whether you are receiving a full body massage or only a partial body massage, you will be asked to undress if necessary. The therapist will keep you draped at all times, only exposing the area being worked on. Make sure you are lying comfortably and let the therapist know if you experience any discomfort during the massage. A full body massage generally lasts for sixty minutes but can be made as a ninety minute appointment as well. A partial body massage is generally thirty minutes and fully clothed chair massage normally lasts from ten to fifteen minutes.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects generally include feeling tired or drowsy after the massage and possible soreness if certain problem areas on the body are focused on by the therapist. Follow up appointments will be discussed if necessary and it is important to check with your health insurance company because some do cover massage therapy services when deemed medically necessary.

References Cited in this Article

www.bls.gov

www.massagetherapy101.com

www.massagetherapy.com