Nervous about your first massage session?
Massage therapy is intended to be a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience, however, it is not uncommon for some people feel nervous before having a massage for the first time (or having a massage with a new therapist). 

In the event that you might feel nervous or unsure about what to expect during your first appointment with us, we’ve taken a few steps to make sure that you always feel comfortable and relaxed. 

As an added measure, to ensure your best care, our highly trained staff will sit down with you before your first session.  In this private consultation we'll take you through the whole process  step-by-step.

What to expect during your first massage session:
Each session starts off with a private consultation to establish your goals for the session.  We’ll find out about your unique needs and preferences and make specific recommendations so that you receive a massage that's just perfect for you.  At that time, your therapist will leave the room to give you time to get on the table.  Upon his/her return, your session will proceed according to the goals you and your therapist established at the start. 

In order for you to receive the best care, it is important that you are able to trust and feel comfortable with your Massage Therapist.  As licensed professionals, our Massage Therapists are required to go through extensive professional ethics training and so must adhere to a strict code of ethics and conduct throughout each session. 

At Harmony Therapeutic Bodywork, you can be certain that your therapist will consistently meet your particular needs while emanating a calm, respectful demeanor. 

Some Frequently Asked Questions:
If you still have questions, please feel free to leave comments on our contact page, or, if your questions are more personal in nature, please call 503-453-9924 and ask to speak with one of our licensed massage therapists.

Do I have to disrobe?
Many first time clients worry about having to get undressed. Not a problem, you only take off as much clothing as you feel comfortable removing.  You are always securely covered throughout your massage treatment.  During the session, only the part of your body being worked on will be uncovered, always with respect to your modesty.  If the idea of disrobing is uncomfortable to you, a fully clothed Massage Therapy session is still possible! 

What about the gender issue?
Here at Harmony Therapeutic Bodywork we have both male and female therapists to make your visit as comfortable and rewarding as possible.  As all therapists are Licensed Massage Therapists and trained professionals, the gender of your therapist should have NO effect on your experience.

How Can It Help?
Patterns, based on posture, movement and dysfunction can get locked into the soft tissues of the body.  Through working with specific muscles, tendons, joint capsules and neuro-receptors, a skilled Massage Therapist can unwind those patterns and help instill renewed functional body awareness in their place.  Bear in mind that this takes time.  Every case is different and your therapist can discus your options with you after the first session to establish the best possible plan. 

To read more about the benefits of Massage Therapy, click here. To learn more about the different kinds of massage that we offer, as well as their specific benefits, click here.  Or click on any of the following: Shiatsu, Swedish Massage, Rehabilitative Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Sports Massage.

Will it hurt?
The overall goal of your Massage Therapy session is to relieve your pain.  The techniques depth of the pressure we use are entirely up to you.  Your therapist will discuss pain scales and differentiation to expedite your healing within your comfort level.

What to expect during your session:

• We ask that you arrive 5-10 min early to fill out some paperwork
• Session will begin by your therapist asking some simple questions to customize your session
• Massage techniques can vary from extremely soothing to moderately painful depending on the nature of the problem.  However, your therapist is trained to work within your comfort level and will check in with you throughout the massage to make sure that the depth and flow of the treatment is within your comfort zone.
• If you do choose the deeper bodywork, you will feel a sense of release and diminishing pain as the work progresses.
• Whatever your goals for receiving a massage, you can rest assured that we tailor each session to your individual needs by integrating varied techniques and styles into each session to provide the best possible results!

After the Massage
It is essential to drink some water after your session.  This helps flush out the toxins that have been released from your musculature as well as rehydrate and nourish those muscles. 

It is not uncommon to feel some soreness between 1-48 hours after your session, after which time you should notice considerable relief from your problem.  How long that relief lasts will depend on a number of case specific details, which your therapist can discuss with you. 

Because Massage Therapy has a cumulative effect, you should experience relief for a longer time after each session until the pain or restriction no longer exists. 

Your therapist may give you some stretching or an exercise routine to carry out between treatments.  Doing these consistently will keep your muscles loose and will help to speed your recovery time.

What can Remedial Massage Therapy relieve? 

• Stress- Stress has been linked to a number of debilitating conditions like cancer, heart disease and MS.  Massage Therapy is the best way to manage stress and tension inherent to daily living.
• Painful and tight muscles – massage acts directly on your tight muscles and their nerve receptors, stimulating the nervous system to eliminate residual tension and flush the muscles of built up waste products and toxins.
• Chronic pain – Over time pain can form a self feeding loop which persists long after the original cause is resolved.  Massage Therapy can break this cycle and instill a new feedback loop of healthy and efficient movement patterns.
• Injuries – Massage Therapy can treat injuries by reducing inflammation, increasing circulation and restoring flexibility.  Regular Massage Therapy can promote faster recovery time and reduce scar tissue. 
• Joint Restriction – Massage therapy can work directly on the soft tissues of your joints to remove any capsular adhesions, stimulate the production of natural lubrication, and relieve pain.

For a more comprehensive list of the many benefits of Massage Therapy, visit our Benefits page.