The Massage Session

This page describes a massage session based on how I work. Every therapist works a little differently and the therapy sessions that they perform will likely differ in at least a small manner from what is described here. -- Nathaniel Rogers

Before the session the therapist will discuss with you what you are wanting out of the session. The most common request is for relaxation as well as some deeper work in a few specific areas where that client feels tension. For clients wanting Medical Massage the work is usually entirely focused on their main issues. It is very important for the client to clearly discuss any specific needs for the session before it begins. This allows the therapist to make the best use of time in meeting your needs. This is also the time to share any pertinent health information, mention any body areas that need to be avoided (example: skip my feet because they are extremely ticklish), and ask any questions that you may have. After the pre-session discussion has been completed the therapist will leave the room allowing you to disrobe and get settled on the massage table, most often starting face down on the table.

For most common massage modalities the client is mostly naked under a sheet and blanket during the entire session. Bras are generally taken off as the straps hinder working on the shoulders and back, but if you are very uncomfortable with taking your bra off it can be temporarily unhooked during back work. Underwear is optional and can be taken off or left on at the comfort of the client. For a Medical Massage session it is often best for clients to wear short athletic shorts and for women to also wear a sports bra. This allows stretches and reassessment during the session to be done more easily. Take off any loose jewelry and especially necklaces; bracelets and watches are usually not a problem to leave on.

During the session you will be covered by a sheet the entire time. The body area being worked is undraped and then recovered upon completion. As a general rule: if it is covered at the beach, it will stay covered during the session. At no time will your groin be uncovered during the session. Some therapists will partially uncover the buttocks when working on them. However, the therapist should ask you if you are comfortable having your hips/gluteal area/buttocks worked on before doing so. I almost always work the hips through the sheet as this allows most clients to feel more covered and it does not get in the way of my working this area. The breasts are usually completely covered during the session. The upper chest might be worked if the pectoral muscles are tight, but the breast should not be exposed more than the client is comfortable with. Note: the ethics of the profession do allow for the breasts to be exposed if the client gives permission. However, this is only to allow work of muscle attachments around the breasts. Work on actual breast tissue is disallowed (with the exception of breast lymphatic massage which requires special certification).

A 'full body massage' is a term meaning that the client wants all of the major areas of the body worked on. This usually includes the lower/mid/upper back, shoulders, legs, feet, arms, neck, and head. Depending on the therapist and the comfort of the client it might also include work on the hips/gluteal area, the abdomen, and the upper chest.

A massage session can vary between covering all of the major body areas to being focused on only one area. The number of areas worked depends on the needs of the client, the length of the session, and the amount of work that each area needs.

Upon ending the session the therapist will leave the room allowing you to get up and get dressed. At this time talk with your therapist about how you feel the session affected you; did it correctly address your needs? The therapist might give you some tips on decreasing and managing your tension.