New to Massage Therapy?
Answers to FAQs from RMT Denver Hiltz
Are you new to Massage Therapy and not sure what to expect from your first treatment? Nervousness is natural and one of the best ways to reduce this feeling is knowledge.
A common misconception is that massage is a one-size-fits-all therapy. Many people don’t understand that it’s supposed to be an extremely customizable and personalized experience, based on individual needs and comfort level.
Denver Hiltz, RMT at Everything’s Connected debunks some common massage myths and explains what to expect during your visit so that you can relax and get the most from your treatment.
Selecting the right Therapist.
There are many misconceptions when it comes to selecting a therapist. One of them is around gender. Some patients believe that male therapists provide deep tissue and female therapists focus mostly on relaxation. “This is far from the truth”, explains Denver. “Massage therapy techniques are not dependent on the strength or size of your therapist. Deep tissue comes from ergonomics. I’ve seen small female massage therapists put more pressure in than large male therapists and some male therapists who focus on relaxation.” He adds: “The most important component is that you, the client, feel comfortable. So, my best advice would be to choose skill over gender. Read the profiles on our website, ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to tell your therapist that it’s your first time.”
Communication is Key!
During your consultation, the therapists at Everything’s Connected will take great care in listening to, understanding your healthcare goals, and addressing any concerns you may have regarding your treatment. “Communication is one of the most essential skills of an RMT,” says Denver. “Following the consultation, I will explain each step of the treatment to help my patients feel more at ease. I also check in throughout the treatment and encourage feedback” he noted. “If at any time something is not comfortable, or the pressure is too light or too deep, I want to know.”
Once the treatment gets started, how much or how little you prefer to talk during your massage is completely up to you. Denver sums it up by stating, “Please don’t ever feel obligated to talk unless I’m asking you a question. I will take my cue from you!” it’s normal to feel a bit awkward communicating with your massage therapist at first. Rest assured that for the therapist, this feedback and information is a normal part of their service, so that may take some of the apprehension out of asking for what you need.
How naked will I have to be?
One of the most common questions a new patient may have is how much to undress for a massage. As with so many other things, the choice is yours. Denver’s goal, shared by all the therapists at Everything’s Connected is for his patients to be as comfortable as can be. “People can be self-conscious for many reasons and some patients are nervous with skin-to-skin touch” he explains. “I advise my patients to dress down to their comfort level and I take my cue from them. if massaging on the skin is not relaxing for them, I can adjust my techniques to be effective over clothing.” Denver also adds that “proper draping and full sheets are used at all times and only the area being worked on is undrapped during treatment.
Do I have to have an injury to get a massage?
A health condition or an injury is not a prerequisite for a massage. Studies show that regular massage therapy can have a positive effect on your overall mental and physical health, creating a balance your body needs. Denver recommends a proactive approach when it comes to massage frequency and duration. “Most of us don’t realize how much tension we carry in our bodies,” he explains, “and regular massages can help us sleep better, reduce stress, and improve our overall health and wellness.” Denver used a mechanics analogy. “We don’t wait for our muffler to fall off or our brakes to fail before taking our car in for service.” He remarks. “And we should treat our bodies the same way. Maintenance is important!”
He also acknowledges that sometimes budgets or time constraints impact the ability to have a regular massage. Noting this, Denver advises the following: “Move your body.” He says. “I’m not talking about going to the gym, joining a sport, or taking up jogging (although these are great activities as well), I am referring to taking the stairs instead of an elevator, walking to the mailbox instead of stopping while driving home, or simply setting an alarm to get up from your desk every hour and walk around your home or your office.”
When it’s time to wrap up.
When your massage is complete, the therapist will leave the room to allow you to get up off the table and get dressed. When you get up, be sure to take your time. Your therapist will encourage you to hydrate and then give you a professional recommendation and an action plan. These suggestions could include stretches, exercises, or additional massage therapy appointments. Denver remarks, “It’s normal to feel a little sore after your first massage, but this will usually disappear within a day or two. If you have any concerns, be sure to contact us and let us know.”
Your first massage therapy appointment can feel intimidating, however, just remember to communicate and ask as many questions as needed. At the end of the day, it is your appointment, and you should be comfortable.
Contact Denver or the team at Everything’s Connected to learn more about massage treatment techniques and the potential rewards for your health and well-being.