In this article I will explain what you can expect in most cases during a massage session. The following will help you know what to look for and what to ask in advance so that you will able to relax and enjoy your treatment to its fullest.

*A well trained massage therapist will take notes each session to document where you have discomfort and pain, make note of any medications you may be taking and anything else that is necessary for your therapist to know before proceeding. This will help you to know that she/he is listening to you, that your needs can be addressed correctly and so that you can both keep track of your progress.

*Most likely you will enter into a therapy room that has soft lighting and relaxing music playing in the background. The room should be pleasing to the eye, but at times may have a more sterile appearance depending on the type of therapist you are visiting.

*Another aspect of massage is draping. This is a really important part of the massage. In most cases, you will not be wearing any clothing so you need to be covered well. This is typical and better for you and the therapist to address the whole back. You can keep your underwear on if you feel more comfortable. Draping is important for your sense of privacy and comfort, also the room may tend to be a bit cool since the therapist working with you will get warm fast; your body temperature will naturally decrease with relaxation and the therapist's will go up as they work. It is important for you to question about proper draping before your session to make sure that it is a priority so that you can relax fully and enjoy your session. If you are naturally warm and prefer less draping, that can accomplished with less material and the therapist can still achieve complete privacy for you. As a teacher of massage therapy, I feel proper draping is a priority to the ethics of massage in an office or salon. The therapist should tell you exactly how to prepare for your massage and then should leave the room to give you privacy when undressing and getting onto the table. There is no reason for the therapist to be in the room at that time unless you need assistance. In that case, it would be best to bring someone with you that you are comfortable with to help you on and off the table.

*Your therapist will use oil or cream to help with the flowing strokes that promote good circulation and help to relax the body. If you go to a neuromuscular therapist or other specialist for chronic pain and muscular imbalances, they may use little or no oil and you may not even be able to relax too easily during the session, but the results will be long lasting in the right hands and worth the therapy. They will most likely warn you of this fact in advance. For daily stress, discomfort and maintenance, massage is highly recommended in all forms. If you have any aversions or allergies to fragrances, please inform your therapist before your session.

*Another large part of your massage session is the amount of pressure that will be used. During the massage on a scale of 1-10 (10 being extreme pressure that would be intolerable), the pressure should range from between 5 to 7 unless you are receiving more focused work and then you will need to understand how the scale works for that particular therapy. The therapist will help you with that. Even with deeper therapies, it shouldn't go above an 8 or 9 or last too long in one area. Keep in mind that the scale is measured by your tolerance only and not by the therapist's suggestions.

*After information is shared in the beginning of the session, the rest of the appointment should be quiet if you are receiving a relaxing massage. The room will be filled with soft music and you can drift off to la la land. There may be times that the therapist may need some feedback during the session, but otherwise a session should remain quiet for optimum results. If you feel the need to talk, that is o.k. as long as the conversation remains focused on you and not the therapist's personal opinions or needs. A good therapist can listen to you and perform their work at the same time. We're used to it. During certain more specific therapies, you may need to give feedback throughout your session.

*With any massage therapist, you should never feel exposed or uncomfortable in any way. This is your time for yourself and it should be a good experience.

The more massages you get, the more in touch with your body you will become and the more easily you can relax between treatments. Remembering back to your massage experience can help you to relax just about anywhere.