What happens in a therapy session?  

Healing Hands Therapy requires an appointment. Once the appointment is made, the client arrives 10-15 minutes prior to fill in the intake forms. From there, we discuss the client’s issues and goals for the session. 

We enter the treatment room with shoes off and assess posture, holding patterns, pelvis, and other professional observations. After the assessment, I leave the room. The client removes their clothing and gets under the sheet and blanket (face up or down will be decided beforehand). I begin with the head and neck, then massage the arms/hands, the legs, and I would then roll them over and work the posterior chain (calves, hamstrings, glutes, and back). I dialogue with my clients to keep them present and it helps with their comfort level. Once the session is over I let the client know that we are finished and leave the room.

 

How should I prepare for my first session?

What I say to new clients/or new massage clients is the same, it depends on the service (ie a Swedish massage client will not get the same assessment as a Myofascial Release client would). Just relax, and let me know if the work becomes too intense so that I can lighten up as needed (you will not achieve a good result if the client tenses during the work). Again, I stay with them. For new people, I also add that if they feel uncomfortable in any way we can change or stop the session if they want to. I like to let them know that not only do they have a voice but I will honor that as well.  Too many times have I heard people say they didn't like the work of a previous practitioner and were afraid to say anything. This is all about creating an atmosphere where they are completely comfortable. 

 

What is included in the session time? 

Unlike most chain massage clinics I offer the full time. I will use the BEMER on certain clients and the Dolphin NeuroStim on others. This can be an upcharge but typically the BEMER is used for the first time before or after the session. I will add notes during the session and I make sure to address the issues as to why you came to see me. Have you ever had a massage where you went in with a specific issue and it was either hardly worked or not at all? I have. My clinic does not do that. EVER!

 

How early should I arrive for my massage? 

10-5 minutes before for new people to file intake paperwork. 5 minutes before for repeat clients.

 

Which massage is right for me?  

Depends on a few things. First of all, I never do deep tissue work on someone if they haven’t had a massage before. But, depending on what's going on with your body the average client receives a mix of 2 -3 modalities during a session. Also, if very intense work is done in the first session I tend to not do that 2 sessions back to back, especially if they come twice a week.  Did you know that it is recommended to wait for a minimum of 48 hours between deep tissue sessions? The body needs that time to heal. My protocol is that the client comes to see me 3 times in a two-week period. I assess before each session and based on feedback and postural assessment I can tell if the approach that I am doing is working or not. After 3 sessions most clients are over the worst of their issue and we then discuss maintenance. Did I mention that I love my job?

 

Do I have to be completely undressed? 

No, you don’t. If you are uncomfortable removing clothing for a session I would recommend Reflexology as you only need to remove your shoes and socks. You will get relaxation from your session, experience my touch, and perhaps your comfort level will increase and we can then get you on the table for more direct work. Like I said above I tell my clients that they can leave their underwear on, but if not that’s ok. With draping, you will never be exposed.  

 

How long will the treatment last? 

The treatment can last as short as 30 minutes to 90 minutes in length.

 

How often should I get a massage? How many sessions will I need?  

Depends on your needs. If you come into the office just to relax without any issues then I would recommend the monthly approach  If you are fairly active this works well for people in general  If you have specific needs then we would start with the 3 sessions within 2 weeks, move to weekly (typically 4 sessions - these can be shorter), then bi-weekly (usually 2-3 sessions), then I recommend the monthly membership at that point.