Massage Therapist Bend, Oregon

Your massage therapist may require you to fill out a health history form. Afterward the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.

It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.

A treatment session consists of the treatment you chose, time for you to dress and undress in necessary, and time to communicate with the therapist to make the treatment is tailored to your needs. This will happen with every treatment session.

You should undress only to the level of your comfort. The therapist will give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table. You will be properly covered or draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. No areas will be exposed without your consent. The genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) will not be uncovered. If the therapist is going to work on a woman’s abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen. You should always let your therapist know if you are uncomfortable for any reason during your massage session.

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a treatment session, letting the mind float free into a state of bliss; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you, your needs, and enjoying the experience. Whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her/him know immediately. Also, let him/her know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, if you dislike the music, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you – speak up! It’s OK!

It varies from person to person. If you are looking for preventative maintenance or relaxation, about every 4 to 6 weeks is about average for most people. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition (chronic or acute), then it may be recommended to get treated more frequently at first, then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.

Frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment when he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues.

This depends on the type of bodywork treatment and depth of the strokes needed or desired. A light, relaxing massage that doesn’t probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn’t hurt. With that being said, there is a ‘feels good’ hurt and an ‘ouch, stop it’ hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the ‘feels good’ hurt range.

Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body’s natural response, not against.

Most people feel very relaxed and slightly energized and balanced. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days.

If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day – much like a good workout at the gym. After your session you should increase your water intake, this helps keep your body’s tissues hydrated, healthy, and helps to flush toxins out of the body. Some may feel slightly dizzy or light headed and maybe even slightly nauseous. this is a natural response the body can have to moving/releasing stagnation, toxins, or stuck emotions for the body to flush out. Ginger tea or peppermint can help with this.