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There
are a lot of people, sadly, who have never experienced a massage
from a licensed massage therapist. Many times family or friends
will buy someone a gift certificate for massage, only to have
it sit in a drawer until it turns to dust! Why? Usually it's
because the recipient has never had massage and doesn't know
quite what to expect. O.K. with space restrictions for this
article, here's the condensed scoop!
For Swedish Massage (the classic style seen in spa commercials):
1.
You'll be taken to the treatment room where the massage will
be given.
2. You'll be instructed as to where to hang your cloths, to
remove your jewelry, which end of the massage table your head
should be at, if you should lie face up or face down, and
if there is a bolster or pillow that it will go under your
knees to support your lower back.
3. The towel or blanket on the table is for you to cover yourself
with. This respects your modesty and the therapists as well,
and keeps you warm. We don't want to work out kinks only to
have muscles get a chill and tighten up again! The sheet draped
over the table (that you are lying on) will likely be draped
up over you as well. Be assured that you will always remain
covered except for the area that is being worked on.
4. Here's everybody's big concern…..should underwear
be taken off or left on? Answer…. Whatever you are comfortable
with! When doing Swedish Massage, we need skin to work on,
and with few exceptions, we have no problem working around
underwear. Remember, you will always be covered. Some back
and hip work is better done without underwear, but can be
done either way. Loose running shorts is an excellent choice.
5. The Therapist will leave the room giving you time to change,
get on the table and under your coverings.
6. Therapist returns, massage begins, massage ends, therapist
may simply leave the room quietly so as not to disturb your
relaxed state, or you'll be told that the session is over
and then the therapist will leave. You'll get dressed and
return to the world outside. You should have a drink of water
or tea after your session before you leave.
Please note that there are other types of massage, such as
Thai Massage or Shiatsu, where clothing must be worn! So you
see there are many ways to experience massage and body work.
Deirdre
O'Malley, L.M.T.
Essential Therapies
631-589-6680
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