How will my massage feel?
What will I wear?
I think I would like a massage, but I’ve never had one before.
What is it like?
Will I be comfortable?

How long will it last?
It is important to us that you feel comfortable with the idea of getting a massage even before you visit us, so we thought we would help you out by taking you through what your experience will be like from start to finish.

Pre-massage:
Before your massage, your massage therapist will need you to fill out a health history form. Your therapist will then start by asking you some questions to determine what areas you need to be worked on. Your therapist will need to know if there are any conditions that need to be addressed. Your massage therapist may also perform a series of assessments and testing to determine the best approach to help your condition.

Atmosphere:
Your massage will take place in a private massage room. Once your therapist has gathered all of the pertinent information that she needs from you, she will leave the room, so you can change and lie face down on the massage table between the sheets. When you are ready, your therapist will come back in to the room. Your clinic room will be warm, soothing music will be played in the background (if you like) and you will smell the pleasant aroma of warm massage oil.

What do I wear during the massage?
For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except for the area being worked on. If you come for seated massage, you will stay completely clothed. You may just loosen tight clothing and remove any bulky clothing such as sweaters and sweatshirts.

What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
Just relax and make yourself comfortable. If your therapist needs you to adjust your position, she will either move you slightly or ask you to move so that she can massage the body part that she is working on more effectively. Other than that, just position yourself so that you are comfortable and relaxed. You may close your eyes and just relax during the whole session as your therapist works on you or you may prefer to talk a little bit or talk throughout your whole session. It is completely up to you. Remember this is your hour. You set the atmosphere. Talk, don’t talk, listen to music or not and ask as many questions as you like at any time during the massage.

How will a massage feel?
It usually depends on the techniques used and the purpose of the massage and what you like. Some people like a really aggressive hard massage to get out those muscular knots, while others prefer a massage strictly to relax and ease the stress away. Still others may come in because they have a kink in their neck or they were in a motor vehicle accident and they need a therapeutic massage. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.

Will the massage oils irritate my skin?
Fit ‘N’ Well massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.

Is a massage always appropriate?
No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms and before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform your therapist of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

How long will a massage treatment last?
The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.