Frequently asked, but not often answered questions
As a massage therapist, it is my goal to provide quality bodywork to people. One of the responsibilities of a bodyworker is to provide a safe, comfortable environment for our clients to be in so they can get the most out of the work being done.
Let's face it, if you've never had a massage, there a whole lot of questions that you may have that you may feel a little silly asking. There are a lot of good sites out there that answer the questions about what to expect for your first massage. Sometimes, however, other little questions pop up that didn't occur to you until you are on the table.
I'd like to share some of the questions that I am often asked either on the table, or by people nervous about receiving massage.
The most common question that I am asked by my female clients is:
"I forgot to shave my legs! Is that going to be a problem? I'm so sorry, I can reschedule if I need to. Are you mad at me?"
A: That's okay, No, No need, and of course not. Truth be told, if you hadn't of mentioned it, I probably wouldn't have noticed. I work with many body types, including men with very hairy legs and arms, so a little leg stubble or hair will slip by my notice. The massage is about you, your muscles, and your state of mind, so if you feel more relaxed knowing you have cleanly shaven legs, then by all means do so before your massage... but if you forget, I certainly won't hold it against you, so don't even worry about it. I've discussed this with some of my colleges and it seems we are all of similar opinions, so set your mind at ease and enjoy your massage.
Q: I'm really tired and might fall asleep, is that okay?
A: When receiving relaxation massage, the goal is to set your mind and body at ease. There is no greater sign of that, then being able to fall asleep in a strange room, on a table, with someone working with your muscles! Some people report that they like being awake so that they can feel how good the massage is, but if your body wants to sleep, I say let it. Your therapist will gently wake you if they have a question, or need you to change position.
On the flip side, if you wish that you could fall asleep, but can't, try and identify what the problem may be. Is the music too loud? Are you too cold or too hot? Do you have a lot on your mind? If it is something the therapist can change (like adding a blanket), be sure to let them know. Rest assured that a good hour relaxation massage will be equivalent to a good night's rest to your body, whether you are asleep or not. If you're having trouble sleeping at home, it has been shown that massage helped clients sleep more restfully at night.
If you are receiving massage of a therapeutic nature that requires your input, it is best to try and stay awake. Your therapist will be asking you questions on your pain levels, or moving you into certain positions that they will need your participation to accomplish. For the most part, if you are receiving this type of massage you won't be tempted to sleep, so it usually is not an issue.
——
As always, if you have questions about Massage Therapy, ask your therapist to clarify any concerns for you.
Let's face it, if you've never had a massage, there a whole lot of questions that you may have that you may feel a little silly asking. There are a lot of good sites out there that answer the questions about what to expect for your first massage. Sometimes, however, other little questions pop up that didn't occur to you until you are on the table.
I'd like to share some of the questions that I am often asked either on the table, or by people nervous about receiving massage.
The most common question that I am asked by my female clients is:
"I forgot to shave my legs! Is that going to be a problem? I'm so sorry, I can reschedule if I need to. Are you mad at me?"
A: That's okay, No, No need, and of course not. Truth be told, if you hadn't of mentioned it, I probably wouldn't have noticed. I work with many body types, including men with very hairy legs and arms, so a little leg stubble or hair will slip by my notice. The massage is about you, your muscles, and your state of mind, so if you feel more relaxed knowing you have cleanly shaven legs, then by all means do so before your massage... but if you forget, I certainly won't hold it against you, so don't even worry about it. I've discussed this with some of my colleges and it seems we are all of similar opinions, so set your mind at ease and enjoy your massage.
Q: I'm really tired and might fall asleep, is that okay?
A: When receiving relaxation massage, the goal is to set your mind and body at ease. There is no greater sign of that, then being able to fall asleep in a strange room, on a table, with someone working with your muscles! Some people report that they like being awake so that they can feel how good the massage is, but if your body wants to sleep, I say let it. Your therapist will gently wake you if they have a question, or need you to change position.
On the flip side, if you wish that you could fall asleep, but can't, try and identify what the problem may be. Is the music too loud? Are you too cold or too hot? Do you have a lot on your mind? If it is something the therapist can change (like adding a blanket), be sure to let them know. Rest assured that a good hour relaxation massage will be equivalent to a good night's rest to your body, whether you are asleep or not. If you're having trouble sleeping at home, it has been shown that massage helped clients sleep more restfully at night.
If you are receiving massage of a therapeutic nature that requires your input, it is best to try and stay awake. Your therapist will be asking you questions on your pain levels, or moving you into certain positions that they will need your participation to accomplish. For the most part, if you are receiving this type of massage you won't be tempted to sleep, so it usually is not an issue.
——
As always, if you have questions about Massage Therapy, ask your therapist to clarify any concerns for you.
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