Never had a massage before? Read on for what to expect...
Before the massage, the therapist should ask you about any injuries or other conditions that he or she should know about. Things you should tell a therapist include areas of tightness or pain, allergies, and conditions like pregnancy. You can also tell them up front if you have a preference for light or firm pressure. It’s best not to get a massage if you are ill.
After the consultation, the therapist instructs you how to lie on the table — face up or face down, and underneath a towel — and then leaves the room. The therapist will knock and ask if you are ready before entering.
Our therapist uncovers only the part of the body they are working on, a technique called draping. You are required to leave your underpants on. You usually start by laying face down with your head in a u-shaped face cradle so your spine stays neutral. Our therapist generally starts by working on your back, using various massage strokes that include effleurage (gliding), kneading, friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping. When she’s finished with the back, she works the back of each leg. When complete she holds the towel up and looks away while you turn over onto your back; then she quickly covers you again. Our therapist then massages the front of each leg, both arms, and generally finishes with your neck and shoulders. This may change however depending on the type of massage you are having.
Some therapists work in a different order, and all have their own style and techniques. If you are pushed for time then you can also ask them to spend more time on a certain area. If the pressure is too light or too firm, you should speak up and ask the therapist to adjust it. Swedish massage usually includes some deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension, but if you truly want deeper, more intensive work and firmer pressure, book a deep tissue massage.
After the consultation, the therapist instructs you how to lie on the table — face up or face down, and underneath a towel — and then leaves the room. The therapist will knock and ask if you are ready before entering.
Our therapist uncovers only the part of the body they are working on, a technique called draping. You are required to leave your underpants on. You usually start by laying face down with your head in a u-shaped face cradle so your spine stays neutral. Our therapist generally starts by working on your back, using various massage strokes that include effleurage (gliding), kneading, friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping. When she’s finished with the back, she works the back of each leg. When complete she holds the towel up and looks away while you turn over onto your back; then she quickly covers you again. Our therapist then massages the front of each leg, both arms, and generally finishes with your neck and shoulders. This may change however depending on the type of massage you are having.
Some therapists work in a different order, and all have their own style and techniques. If you are pushed for time then you can also ask them to spend more time on a certain area. If the pressure is too light or too firm, you should speak up and ask the therapist to adjust it. Swedish massage usually includes some deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension, but if you truly want deeper, more intensive work and firmer pressure, book a deep tissue massage.
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