What can I expect on my first visit? Massage therapy is an experience in trust. I recognize that my clients are vulnerable and are placing a great deal of blind faith in my hands that I might help what ails them. So, in order to possibly ease those first date jitters, I thought it might be best to give a play by play of what a first appointment might look like: Step 1: Youll visit my bodytherapybymary/appointment-availability page and find a time that works for you, give me a call and well get you booked for your 60 minute ($45) or 90 minute ($70) session. At that time Ill ask you for your email address so I can send you a medical intake form to get some background on your body. I appreciate when these come back to me before your appointment because I have some time to make a plan that will better address your symptoms. Step 2: Youll come to the clinic. It is an extension of my own home and Ive chosen this venue first in order to keep my prices very low and secondly for security. You can choose to use the restroom prior to our appointment and then well take a stroll into the therapy room in the back of the building. Step 3: Once we are in the private therapy room, Ill ask you several questions for clarification on your intake. Ill probably have you do some simple muscular movements to get an idea of your pain and restrictions (and to identify the muscles of concern). Then Ill verbally go through the routine Ive planned for you so you will know what to expect. Ill want to know if there are any areas you do not want touched. Depending on the special modality section you filled out on your intake, I may demonstrate cupping techniques and hot stones that I will use during your massage. After I gather this information, I will leave you to undress to your level of comfort and then climb onto the heated table, beneath the sheets and blankets. If hydrotherapy is part of your plan, Ill have a towel out and Ill give you a tour of the spa. Youll change into your swimwear and relax in the spa for your pretreatment and Ill come get you to return to the therapy room for your massage after your pretreatment. Step 4: Most of the time you can expect to begin face down. I do this because when ending your massage in the face up position, it gives the opportunity for your sinuses to open up at the end of the treatment (i.e. most people will have some nasal congestion occur when in the face cradle). I will begin at your back, work to your toes, create a modesty tent from the sheets in which you can turn over and then I will work from your toes to the crown of your head. Depending on modalities specified at your intake, I will incorporate hot stones, cupping, and warm towels throughout your treatment. I do not charge extra for these additional treatments - I simply work them into your plan. Step 5: A cup of tea or water is always on hand right outside the therapy room at my dining table at the end of your treatment. It is time to relax and reflect and let me know how everything feels post treatment. This is when payment is squared away and your next appointment is arranged. If you are a new client... expect to receive an email or two from me checking up on you the next day or a couple days later. I do this specifically to gage if the treatment was helpful or if we need to modify our approach for better results. I hope this was helpful and brings some comfort to those of you who havent already made the leap to visiting Body Therapy by Mary. May you all have a fabulous weekend!!!
Posted on: Sat, 24 May 2014 14:33:02 +0000