What You Can Expect During Your First Massage Therapy Session

Ever since conventional medicine took root in the West, massage therapy was among the ancient treatment practices that came under scrutiny. Thanks to modern science, we can put such issues to rest since we now understand how massage therapy is able to elicit different effects in the body to achieve the desired results.

In a nutshell, it causes physiological changes in your body through two responses:

• Relaxation Responses

This is an involuntary and predictable response of your nervous system when it responds to touch and different massage techniques. Your body’s breathing and heart rate slow down, your production of stress hormones reduces, your blood pressure goes down, and your muscles relax.

At the same time, your body releases serotonin, which is responsible for causing positive emotions and thoughts. This is what reduces the physical effects of stress. Also, the issues that come with stress such as insomnia, hypertension, psychological problems, etc.

• Mechanical Responses

These are physical effects that happen in your body when your soft tissues are subjected to pressure. During the massage, your body will experience an increase in blood and lymph circulation. At the same time, it also aids in the normalization of the soft tissue (connective tissue, muscle, tendons, and ligaments), thus reducing the contractions and spasms that cause pain.

What Happens During Your Session?

Before you come in for a massage, you need to prepare first. If you have skin irritations, fever, or trying to stabilize your medication, you may need to reschedule your appointment. Then, days before your appointment drinks lots of water. However, ensure that you don’t eat just before your massage.

If you have never visited our massage therapy clinic in Calgary, you must be wondering what a typical session looks like. Here’s a sneak peek:

• Interview

During your first visit, our massage therapist in Calgary will review your health history. This will entail looking at your medical conditions, your level of pain, areas of concern, what increases or reduces your pain, and contact information.

Since massage therapy affects your cardiovascular and nervous systems, you need to be more open about your health to avoid any issues that may arise. You will also need to disclose your goals so that a precise treatment plan can be created to meet your needs during the allocated time.

Don’t be shy to ask questions or raise concerns that you may have. Don’t worry; every issue is confidential. If you are afraid of undressing, talk to our massage therapist, who will find a solution that will make you comfortable during the session.

• During the Massage

When you are ready to get the massage, you will lie on the massage table. Make sure that you lie in such a way that you are comfortable. If you are not comfortable, let our therapist know. Professional massage therapists will drape your body and ensure that only the areas of concern are exposed.

Then, music may be played during the session. If you have a particular preference that helps you relax, don’t hesitate to tell our massage therapist. Remember that you are always in charge, so if you need some changes to be made, ask for them.

When you are open during the process, you will have a wonderful experience. Also, try as much as you can to let go of your thoughts and try to relax. Always remember to breathe since this helps you relax. This is because some people hold their breath when the affected area is being worked on. It’s best if you could breathe through the process.

• After the Massage

You may experience a range of feelings from relaxed to reinvigorated. How you feel is highly dependent on the length of the session and the massage technique used.

For you to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy, you should get massages regularly.