| Whether or not you are a newbie to the | | | | 5. Empty your bladder before your treatment |
| massage therapy world, or a veteran, learning | | | | time. Think of it this way - have you ever tried |
| how to get the most from your massage | | | | to sit through a long movie when you really have |
| therapy treatments is sometimes a bit of a | | | | to go? Exactly, except it feels 10x worse when |
| mystery. As a massage therapist at a busy | | | | you're laying on a full bladder. (trust me!) |
| sports & physiotherapy clinic, and a massage | | | | 6. Communicate with your therapist. If you are |
| therapy patient myself, here are my tips for | | | | nervous or want to ask a question, it's your right |
| getting the most out of your treatment. | | | | to express how you're feeling. The same goes |
| 1. Depending on the reasons you are going for | | | | for your comfort level during the treatment. |
| treatment, be discerning in your choice of facility. | | | | Personally, I want to know if there might be |
| If you are going for a relaxation treatment it is | | | | potential issues so I can preempt any confusion |
| going to be a bit easier to find a suitable therapist | | | | and establish a therapeutic relationship of trust |
| and facility than if you are going for an injury | | | | and respect. |
| related treatment. Word of mouth is a great way | | | | 7. Let your therapist know if you want to talk or |
| to get started in your search. | | | | not. I generally take a client's lead - if he or she |
| 2. When you've made your appointment, be sure | | | | speaks to me, then I respond; if not, then I keep |
| to arrive early, especially if you have to fill out a | | | | quiet except for asking about comfort levels. If |
| health history form. This ensures that you are | | | | you find that your therapist is chatty, but you |
| relaxed, and that you are ready at your | | | | want to "zone out", tell them so. |
| appointment time. (this also demonstrates respect | | | | 8. Understand that if you are being treated for a |
| for your therapists time, something that we | | | | specific condition, compliance is important with |
| appreciate.) | | | | treatment plans, home care and remedial |
| 3. Fill out your health history accurately. Whether | | | | exercise. Since massage therapy is a passive |
| or not you think something is relevant, your | | | | therapy, it is only about 20% of the recovery |
| therapist needs to know in order to provide a | | | | process from injury or conditions. Follow |
| safe and effective treatment. This includes past | | | | therapeutic recommendations and you will prolong |
| surgeries and accidents, and past or present | | | | the positive effects of treatment and improve |
| diagnosis. He or she can't ensure your safety if | | | | much more quickly. |
| the information you've provided is inaccurate, | | | | If for any reason you are not happy with |
| incomplete or misrepresented. And, on a legal | | | | treatment, or don't feel you have a good |
| note, he or she can't be held liable if you've | | | | relationship with your therapist, it's OK to find |
| withheld or misrepresented your health | | | | someone else. Not everyone is a perfect fit for |
| information. | | | | every massage therapist, and vice versa. You are |
| 4. Don't eat a large meal within 1-2 hours before | | | | investing your time and money to achieve a |
| getting a treatment - your body is busy digesting, | | | | result, so it's your right to find someone who can |
| and honestly, it's just plain uncomfortable to lie on | | | | help you achieve the desired results. |
| a full stomach. | | | | |