What is the process relating to receiving a massage?
The process of receiving a massage, can be intimidating. If you have never received a massage, one has to wonder what goes on. It's difficult to not have some sort of "expectation" in one's mind when choosing to have a massage. Often, people are hurting or stressed; or, have a reason which has inspired them to "give massage a try". Maybe referral from another health care practitioner, advising such, to "help them" feel better. Massage is health-care related and in Oregon, the governing agency is the Oregon Board of Massage Technicians. On the State website, you can find the requirements which must be met to become a licensed massage technician (LMT) with Swedish massage as the basic trained modality. There are many types of massage (modalities) and energy work; which technicians learn and utilize when providing a massage. The State regulates continuing education requirements as to maintain one's massage licensing.
The process for receiving massage, usually starts with a health intake form. There are health-related diseases which require caution and/or refusal given providing a massage. For instance, I would not choose to give someone running a fever a massage, as it can increase the fever. We use caution when a woman is pregnant, when there is a history of heart problems, diabetes, certain allergies, etc etc. Once the intake form is completed, discussion relative to health issues occurs; and then, most LMT's will ask if you have specific muscular problems you'd like more focus on, during the massage.
I have a room that is warmed, low-key music (which can be turned off, if preferred), and a well-padded massage table with face cradle. I use flannel sheets and a blanket that you cover yourself with. I ask you to disrobe to your comfort level (if receiving a massage). Energy work sessions do not always require that you undress. I'll leave the massage room so you can undress and get onto the table, and cover as much as possible with sheet/blanket. I will knock and once you indicate you are on the table, will enter the room. I begin the process by adjusting the sheet & blanket (if necessary), place a bolster under your feet, may place a hot-pack onto your back, and check in with you relative to comfort level.
I do check in during the process to make sure the pressure I am using in providing the massage, meets with your "sensing and comfort level". I am known to have a fairly firm touch so I sometimes have to back it down. I think it's more about warming and stretching the muscle to gain optimal muscular relaxation. Most people don't want to go away hurting from too deep of work; nor, have the sensation that someone just applied lotion/oil to your skin (light touch).
There are modalities of massage which can result in either firm or light touch: Rolfing is a realigning of tendons, ligaments, and muscles that can be sensed as painful at the time of application and for some time after (as can bruise sometimes). Lymph massage, is very light as moving of lymph is encouraged close to skin's surface and moving along the lymph channels. Very light touch is needed, for that to occur. The massage I try to give, is one I'd like to receive and each technician will have their areas of expertise and levels in applying pressure. Our hands are our tools, so massage is as variable as our physical selves and our ability to understand and associate with the client's needs.
We apply our hands, knowledge, and learned skills given each and every client we have the opportunity to work with (each unique). Even when I am working on a client I've seen previously, each session is unique.
Once the massage is complete, the therapist leaves the room and you can slowly move to dress and emerge into the world. It is suggested you consume plenty of water following a massage to help with movement of toxins out of the body. Massage encourages healing and elimination of bodily toxins.
Should you have concerns or want more information relative to the process, please call me.
Massage, really does do a body good.
Linda
The process for receiving massage, usually starts with a health intake form. There are health-related diseases which require caution and/or refusal given providing a massage. For instance, I would not choose to give someone running a fever a massage, as it can increase the fever. We use caution when a woman is pregnant, when there is a history of heart problems, diabetes, certain allergies, etc etc. Once the intake form is completed, discussion relative to health issues occurs; and then, most LMT's will ask if you have specific muscular problems you'd like more focus on, during the massage.
I have a room that is warmed, low-key music (which can be turned off, if preferred), and a well-padded massage table with face cradle. I use flannel sheets and a blanket that you cover yourself with. I ask you to disrobe to your comfort level (if receiving a massage). Energy work sessions do not always require that you undress. I'll leave the massage room so you can undress and get onto the table, and cover as much as possible with sheet/blanket. I will knock and once you indicate you are on the table, will enter the room. I begin the process by adjusting the sheet & blanket (if necessary), place a bolster under your feet, may place a hot-pack onto your back, and check in with you relative to comfort level.
I do check in during the process to make sure the pressure I am using in providing the massage, meets with your "sensing and comfort level". I am known to have a fairly firm touch so I sometimes have to back it down. I think it's more about warming and stretching the muscle to gain optimal muscular relaxation. Most people don't want to go away hurting from too deep of work; nor, have the sensation that someone just applied lotion/oil to your skin (light touch).
There are modalities of massage which can result in either firm or light touch: Rolfing is a realigning of tendons, ligaments, and muscles that can be sensed as painful at the time of application and for some time after (as can bruise sometimes). Lymph massage, is very light as moving of lymph is encouraged close to skin's surface and moving along the lymph channels. Very light touch is needed, for that to occur. The massage I try to give, is one I'd like to receive and each technician will have their areas of expertise and levels in applying pressure. Our hands are our tools, so massage is as variable as our physical selves and our ability to understand and associate with the client's needs.
We apply our hands, knowledge, and learned skills given each and every client we have the opportunity to work with (each unique). Even when I am working on a client I've seen previously, each session is unique.
Once the massage is complete, the therapist leaves the room and you can slowly move to dress and emerge into the world. It is suggested you consume plenty of water following a massage to help with movement of toxins out of the body. Massage encourages healing and elimination of bodily toxins.
Should you have concerns or want more information relative to the process, please call me.
Massage, really does do a body good.
Linda