First Massage at Balanced By Touch

What to expect if it's your first massage.

How much of the scheduled time will I receive massage?

Included in the scheduled time is a short history for an initial visit, or an updated history for subsequent visits.  If you are receiving manual therapy treatment for an injury,  muscle restriction or imbalance/dysfunction, there is range of motion evaluation prior to the therapy, massage, trigger point therapy, application of hot or cold therapies, as well as stretching and relaxation techniques. Instruction in home care activities including stretches you can do at home.

Where will my massage take place?

Your massage takes place in a private room with only you and your therapist present. There is adequate room to secure your belongings. There is soft lighting, and music, as well as a slight therapeutic aroma. Any of these can be altered to suit your taste. You will lie on a soft, comfortable, (heated in winter) table with sheets and a light blanket.

What will I wear during the massage? What areas are massaged?

Will depend on the type of massage you are receiving and your personal preference. If you are receiving a therapeutic massage, the areas that are being treated will need to be exposed down to the skin for best results. In addition, muscles that surround that area or contribute to the movement of joints in the affected area will need to be exposed. If you are receiving work to your shoulders and neck, you can leave on clothes from the waist down. You are free to choose how much clothing you remove so you are comfortable throughout the massage.

If you are receiving a relaxation massage, you undress to your level of comfort, realizing that any area that is left clothed, will not receive any massage  At no time during your massage will your modesty be compromised and never more than one area exposed at a time. Appropriate draping is always used throughout the massage. Most people undress completely, but the choice is always yours.

You will be asked your preference regarding having your head, feet and abdomen massaged. Remember, your therapist does this everyday and makes no judgement about an individuals choices or the condition of the above mentioned.

What kind of lubrication is used?

I primarily use unscented Jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is not actually and oil, but it functions as one. Jojoba oil is the closest oil in composition to human sebum. It does not get rancid, nor does is stain like a true oil.

What will the massage feel like?

Again, depending on the type of massage being done. Relaxation massage involves, long, sweeping strokes with a slight to moderate amount of pressure, some gentle stretching of the extremities and or joints.

Therapeutic massage involves deeper strokes, trigger point therapy, and a more resistive stretching technique. The pressure will always be within your comfort level. This massage requires active participation from the individual and is not a "zone out" type of massage as is relaxation massage.

Will I be sore after the massage?

You could, depending on many factors.

• The type of massage you received, not as likely with relaxation massage.
• If you have had any type of therapeutic massage previously, you are usually less sore.
• How stubborn your condition is, or how long it's been present. Weeks vs. months/years.
• How well hydrated your muscles are prior to the massage.

Increasing your water intake before and after a massage keeps soreness in check. I always tell my clients, its similar to performing therapeutic massage on a raisin or a grape, which one do you think will feel it more? A well hydrated muscle "bounces back" faster than a raisin muscle. They just kind of feel and stay "smushed'.

If it's been years, or, never, since you had a massage, it's likely your body hasn't experienced this kind of treatment before, its new and unfamiliar so little "aches" may occur.

Soreness is always short term and should resolve within 24-48 hours. It is similar to the feeling you have after a moderate work out at the gym. If soreness occurs, you can always apply ice to the affected area.