Leslie Crawford-Frank, MT 1250 Ridgewood Drive, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402 419.352.5034      lesliefrankmt@verizon.net Home    About Leslie    Services    Benefits of Massage    What to Expect    Location    Links    Tid-Bits

What to expect from your massage session.

A current medical history will be taken prior to your session. Please update me on any changes in your health history since your last session.

You will be asked to remove your clothing. You should only take off as much as you feel comfortable with. A sheet will be provided for you to cover up with. I will only uncover the part of the body being massaged, insuring that modesty is respected at all times. You should also remove any jewelry that could interfere with the massage.

Next you will lie on a massage table, I will instruct you on whether to lie on your stomach or back.

Prior to your massage session please advise me of any sensitive areas that I may want to be aware of or avoid all together.

I will use oil or lotion during the massage to reduce drag on the skin while performing massage strokes. If you are allergic to some lotions or oils please let me know prior to starting.

Many times massage sessions are used to focus on one or more problem areas, other times massage is preformed on the entire body (full body massage).

After your massage is finished please rise slowly from the table. If you rise to quickly you could become dizzy or light headed. Be careful while dressing remember you just had a massage!

Drink plenty of water after your massage session.

Allow some time after your massage to unwind.

How to get the most from your massage sessions.

Be as receptive and open to the process as possible

Do not eat just before your massage session

Arrive 5 minutes early to your massage session. If you arrive frazzled or rushed it will take longer to get you to a relaxed state.

Accurate health information is extremely important, please updated me on any conditions that might have changed since your last session.

Feel free to communicate on any discomforts ie: amount of pressure, lighting, music, room temperature. Report any discomforts you may be experiencing. Don't be afraid to discuss any concerns or apprehensions.

Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. If I encourage you to talk or not talk, it is usually based on whether or not it seems to help let go of tension. Sometimes talking can be a way of distracting you while I work with a specific area. It can also be a great stress reducer.

Breath Breath Breath

Please let me know if you are unable to relax certain muscles. Contracting or tightening up during a massage session is counterproductive. I may need to adjust my pressure in those areas.

Please do not get up off the table after your session to quickly, you may get light headed.

Drink extra water after your session. This helps flush the toxins from your system.

The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage the better.

Tips

Is the massage therapist licensed to practice massage therapy?

Are they a member of the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association)?

The AMTA has strict requirements on continuing education to retain membership.

Clinical research has shown massage therapy can:

Promote relaxation and alleviate the perception of pain and anxiety in cancer patients.

Lessen pain and muscle spasms in patients.

Stimulate the brain to produce endorphins.

Improves confidence by encouraging patients to effectively cope with their pain.

Can effectively relieve pain associated with arthritis, muscle strains, tendonitis and other injuries.

Talk to your doctor about adding massage therapy by a qualified massage therapist to your pain management program.

Swedish massage: The most common type of massage. It will relax and energize you.

Deep Tissue massage: For muscle damage from an injury, such as back sprains and strains.

Sports Massage: To help prevent athletic injuries. Keeps the body flexible and heal should an injury occur.

Chair massage: While fully clothed and seated in a specail portable chaire the upper and lowere back are massaged.