Welcome!
Massage therapy can be a novel experience. This is a social experience unlike most in our society, and in our healthcare system. It can be helpful to know what to expect before you arrive to an appointment.
Pre-appointment phone consults are an option. please text me to arrange this.
Setting up Your Appointment
Scheduling: You can schedule online or via phone. I will reply to text messages within 24 hours.
Intake Forms: We do our best to know how best to help you. Please fill out the intake form that includes health history, reasons for coming in and contact information.
Make sure to read and sign our office policies. You can do this online when you schedule.
Arriving
Please come 10 minutes before your appointment time to ensure you have time to find the office and for us to have a brief intake conversation.
My office is in the Orthopedic and TMJ Physical Therapy Center clinic. If it is a Saturday, please text when you park, and I’ll meet you at the front door, which is locked on the weekend. If it’s a weekday, come on in and take a seat in the lobby. I will meet you there.The massage treatment rooms are downstairs. If you require ADA accessibility please make me aware of this prior to your appointment so I can arrange an alternative treatment room upstairs. We do not have a lift in the building but alternative rooms with hydraulic tables are an option with one week notice.
There is a restroom for clients downstairs. Consider using it prior to your appointment.
Getting Started
Before your massage, I’ll look over your intake form.
Communication is important. I view this as your time, but it’s also my first time working with you. What that means is, you might not know what “deep” or “medium” pressure feels like for you, so I’ll check in with you during the massage until we find what works for you. You can always ask for more, or for different things, or say that something doesn’t feel good. That way, we can find what is best for you. You won’t hurt my feelings. I’m intuitive, but not a mind reader.
What to wear? This largely depends on why you’re coming in. I’m trained in multiple styles of bodywork where clothing is required, and there are other types of treatment that are more effective working on the skin. Your comfort is paramount, so, there’s a spectrum of “robed/disrobed” and you can make that call for yourself. This is a judgment free zone, and I will honor your boundaries.
Draping -a sheet and blanket to covering during treatment. Areas being treated are undraped.I’ll let you know that I’m going to leave the room, and then you can disrobe/undress to your comfort level depending on the type of massage you’re receiving. You’ll be covered in between the sheets, and I will knock on the door before re-entering.
During Your MassageCommunication:
Verbal
From me: I’ll check in on pressure, temperature, etc.
I may invite you to adjust your breathing, to notice your breath in different parts of your abdomen, ribs and chest.
Please inform me if anything is uncomfortable.
Non-verbal - you can raise your hand to let me know if something is uncomfortable & I will check in and adjust.
I pay attention to this, as well as other signs of change, both that you are relaxing or tensing up/sweating which may signal discomfort.
Talking during massage:
I won’t shush you, but I might encourage you to notice more of what’s happening in your body. Talking can keep us in our heads, and out of a deeper state of relaxed awareness, but if you find that it helps you relax and feel safe, you’re welcome to.
If you have questions regarding the massage, ask them!
Wrapping Up
After Your Massage: You will be feeling great! I’m always open to productive feedback so please feel free to share about your experience. If you want, we can discuss some self-care practices or stretches that may be appropriate for you to do at home.
If you have any other questions please email me at meverittlmt@gmail.com
