We understand that making the decision to try massage therapy can be a scary decision for some people. It is understandable to be nervous since it is not often that we allow a stranger into our personal space. At Refresh, we want to make every appointment as comfortable for our clients as possible and one way that we can help achieve that comfort is to take some of the guess work out of what you can expect at your first treatment. We hope that this knowledge helps you to overcome the barriers that have been holding you back from making that first appointment and taking a step toward feeling your best, so you can be your best!
Booking your appointment
We offer a few different ways that you can book your massage therapy appointment at Refresh. Our online booking system is a convienent way to find an appointment time that works with your schedule. Links can be found to our booking system on our Facebook page or website. If you prefer to talk to our receptionist and have them assist you with finding an appointment time, you can call us at (506)642-9001. We can help answer any other questions that may not be addressed here. You are also welcome to send us a message through our contact page on our website, social media pages, or on Google. We can assist you with finding a time or answer any questions.
Prior to your appointment
We will reach out to you to have you complete a client intake form prior to the time of your appointment. We typically send this by text message but if you aren’t tech savy, we will give you a paper copy to fill out at the time of your appointment. The client intake form is a comprehensive health questionairre that we ask you to fill out completely and honestly. You may think that the information we are asking for does not pertain to massage but you’d be surprised to know how important it is for your own safety and effectiveness of the treatment that we have an accurate account of your health information.
Before your appointment date, we suggest that you look into your health insurance to see if Registered Massage Therapy is covered by your health plan. You should inquire whether or not you have coverage, how much your coverage allows per appointment and per year. You should also look into whether or not your plan requires a physician’s referral for massage therapy. If your plan allows direct billing, we are able to bill for most major insurance companies. This means that we will bill your insurance for you. The payment will often come directly to us and all you would be responsible for paying out of pocket is your co-payment if your plan requires it. Looking into this prior to your appointment can make your massage even more relaxed and comfortable.
At your appointment
Your massage therapist will greet you in the reception area and bring you to a treatment room. Our treatment rooms are decorated in a way that encourages comfort and relaxation. You and your registered massage therapist (RMT) will go over your client intake form and discuss your goals for the treatment.
Often an assessment is required to help your massage therapist understand the condition that you are seeking treatment for. The assessment consists of having you demonstrate certain movements in order to gain an understanding of any limitations in movement. Your RMT may have you move through a few special tests to further assess your condition. This is all explained in depth prior to the assessment to ensure you understand and consent to the assessment.
Your RMT will use the information gathered from your client intake form and the assessment to present you with a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific condition, goals for the treatment and your comfort level. The treatment plan will be described in depth and you will be able to ask any questions that you may have. Only once you feel comfortable, the RMT will ask if you consent to the treatment plan.
Treatments most often are done directly on the skin using a lotion or oil to assist the RMT with gliding through the area being worked. You are always covered with the sheet/blanket other than the area being worked. If you are not comfortable removing your clothing to have the massage done directly on the skin, your RMT can adapt the treatment plan to your comfort level. If you are comfortable, your massage therapist will leave the room in order for you to undress and get onto the table. You will be instructed to cover yourself with the sheet/blanket prior to the RMT re-entering the treatment room. Your RMT will knock prior to entering to ensure that you are ready and the treatment will commence.
During the treatment, your massage therapist will check in with you to make sure that the treatment and pressure being used is comfortable for you. Communication is important during the treatment. Please tell your RMT if there is anything that you aren’t comfortable with. You own the treatment and are in control at all times. If for any reason you don’t feel comfortable, you can stop the treatment or request modifications.
Following the treatment
After the treatment is over, the RMT will explain that they will leave the room for you to get up and get dressed. It is recommended that you take your time getting up off the table since it is common for clients to feel dizzy if they get up too quickly. If homecare exercises or recommendations are indicated, the RMT will instruct you to open the door once you are dressed and they will come back in to demonstrate and have you try any exercises that could assist with your condition.
It is common for you to experience tenderness in the areas that were treated for approximately 24-48 hours post treatment. Massage therapy is like a workout for your muscles and the tenderness you experience after a massage can feel similar to what you would feel after a workout or you may feel tender to touch in areas. Your RMT will recommend homecare regiments to help you manage this mild discomfort.
Follow up treatments
The RMT may make recommendations as to when you should come back for treatment in order to continue the healing process.
Once you have come once, it’s rare that you don’t look forward to coming back!
Fear of the unknown is a barrier that holds us back from experiencing many positive experiences. Our hope is that this post helps remove that barrier so that you can receive the healing benefit of Registered Massage Therapy. We encourage you to reach out with any other questions that you may have.
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