If you are going to head in to see a registered massage therapist for the first time, you should go into the appointment prepared. You cannot assume that the therapist will know what your exact needs are and you also need to understand what you are getting from the appointment. Here are the 10 of the most important questions you should ask your RMT.
What type of massage do you prefer to do?
Some massage therapists have a specialty, including sports massage or deep tissue massage. You can just ask them up front what they like to do to help you better understand how your massage will go.
Are you certified in any other modalities?
Beyond massage therapy, many therapists will have other certifications like reflexology, aromatherapy, and Thai massage.
How long have you been practicing?
Not that having a therapist right out of school is a bad thing, but master massage therapists are going to have a few years under their belts, which can only be beneficial for you.
How do I communicate when something doesn’t feel right?
Knowing how to communicate with your therapist during an appointment is important. Your therapist should be able to adjust pressure as you need it adjusted.
Should I stay dressed during a massage?
While usually this is up to the comfort level of the person receiving the massage, some types do not require you to undress, while others, such as a sports massage, will allow for more range if you are totally undressed.
How should I feel after the massage?
Your therapist should be able to give you a heads up if you may find yourself sore in some areas or if you run the risk of getting a headache after. If they bruised you, you should also be informed before you leave your RMT.
Could my medical conditions affect my massage?
Always let a therapist know if you have any underlying medical conditions. Things like arthritis, injury, and elevated blood pressure could affect how your therapist performs a treatment.
How often should I get a massage?
Ask your therapist how often he or she thinks that you should get a massage to receive the most benefits. Depending on your line of work or your activities, you may need a massage fairly often.
How long will my appointment last?
Different treatments will take different amount of times. Know ahead of time how much time you should set aside for the appointment.
When should I not get a massage?
Make sure you know when or why your massage therapist may turn you away from a massage. No therapist is going to want to give a massage if you are ill, but you should be aware if the therapist is not comfortable with a massage for any reason.
Just be sure to get all of your questions out before the appointment starts. That way, you and your RMT will have the same expectations of the appointment and you can truly relax and enjoy the treatment.