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What To Tell Your Massage Therapist

Self-massage

Each of our therapists at Massage Therapy Center Palo Alto wants to support your quest for healing and wellness, and to give you a session that leaves you feeling well taken care of. Before you book your session, check over our therapeutic modalities to see which best suits your needs. Are you seeking deep release in painful muscles, or gentler touch to relax body and mind? Are you wanting to support healing an injury, or ease stiffened joints?

By sharing certain information at the start of your session, your therapist will be better able to meet your needs so that you can receive the maximum benefit from your session. Here are some helpful tips on what to let your therapist know before and during your session.

  • Let your therapist know if you’ve had a recent injury, when it occurred, and what caused it. Or if you’ve had any past injuries and still have nagging pain. With this information, your therapist can adjust the techniques and pressure used in the injured area.
  • Tell your therapist if you’d like them to pay special attention to a problem area in your body such as tense shoulders, neck, or jaw.
  • It is good to tell your therapist what kind of pressure you prefer before the session starts. Then during the session, let your therapist know if they can adjust the pressure in any way. Don’t be shy about saying this as often as is needed. If the pressure is too painful, it can make you tense up rather than relax.
  • Please let your therapist know if the room temperature is too cool or too warm. We want you to be comfortable and relaxed.
  • If the music volume isn’t right for you, ask your therapist to adjust it. Blissful silence is always an option.
  • Don’t be afraid to tell your therapist that you don’t want to talk during your session. You’ll get more benefit from your bodywork if you settle into mindfulness of your breath and body sensations, and get out of your thinking mind.

The more information you share, the better your therapist can meet your needs and support your intelligent body’s innate ability to heal. It is your session and we want it to be as satisfying and beneficial as possible for you!