1. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
2. What should I bring with me?
3. Is a massage always appropriate?
4. What do I wear during the massage?
5. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
6. How will a massage feel?
7. Will the massage oils used make me break out?
8. How long will a massage treatment last?
9. Will my massage hurt? Will I hurt after?
10. Do I tip my massage practitioner?
11. Do I qualify for medical massage?
12. How do I talk to my doctor about massage?

Q: What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

We ask that you arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your scheduled session. Your massage therapist will then have you fill out a health history form and any other applicable healthcare paperwork.

Afterwards, 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.

Q: What should I bring with me?

If a doctor is referring you, please bring the referral or prescription supplied by your physician. Your insurance company cannot be billed without this documentation, and we will not be able to treat you until we are able to submit it.

If you have a gift certificate, please bring it with you to your appointment.

Q: Is a massage always appropriate?

No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is important that you are as forthcoming as possible on your health history forms.

The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

Q: What do I wear during the massage?

Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress. During the massage, the therapist will only undrape the area being worked on while the rest of you remains covered.

Q: What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, he or she will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

The most important thing to remember is that you are in control of your massage.

Q: How will a massage feel?

It usually depends on the techniques used.

In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased (to your tolerance) to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension.

In a treatment based massage, the therapist's touch is sometimes more focused and pointed, with more range-of-motion involved.

A light oil, lotion, or cream is usually used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.

Q: Will the massage oils used make me break out?

Our therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as we have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.

Q: How long will a massage treatment last?

The average full-body massage lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment allows time for a more focused, structure-specific session. Many people prefer a 60 to 90 minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

Medical massage billed to your insurance lasts 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on what your body's specific needs are.

Q: Will my massage hurt? Will I hurt after?

Your massage will be performed within your pain tolerance, and again - you are in control of your massage. You dictate the depth and speed of your massage. If you want pressure that is lighter or deeper, just let your therapist know.

As for after your massage, sometimes the body will release lactic acid as a result of the massage. Lactic acid can pool and result in muscle soreness. In this case, we recommend putting about one cup of Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) into a warm - not hot - bath, and soaking the target areas.

Q: Do I tip my massage practitioner?

At Equilibrium Therapeutic Massage, we neither encourage nor discourage tipping.

If you feel the need to tip, many people feel it is appropriate to tip your LMP as you would your hairdresser.

Q: Do I qualify for medical massage?

There are many medical conditions that can be improved with massage. If you've recently been in a auto accident, been injured at work, or are living with a painful condition (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, etc.), then massage may be of benefit to you.

Q: How do I talk to my doctor about massage?

All you need to do it ask your doctor if massage can improve your condition. Many doctors, including family practitioners, osteopaths, chiropractors, and naturopaths, recognize that massage can be of great benefit to their patients.

And, we've made it easy for you! Instead of having your doctor write a prescription, you can download this referral*, and simply have him or her fill it out for you. This ensures that your massage therapist has the information they need.

*Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file

To download the latest Adobe Acrobat, please click on image below: