Communication

At Leaning Tree Therapeutics, LLC satisfaction is guaranteed; communicating your needs will help us reach this standard.

If you want anything changed, pressure, areas worked, position, music, if you are too hot or too cold, need a tissue or to use the restroom...let your therapist know!

You will not hurt the therapist’s feelings by asking for something that will make you more comfortable. Your therapist wants this to be the best experience possible!

Also, what you requested in one session may be different in another. If you had a full body massage last time, but this time you want only your back/neck/shoulders worked, it’s perfectly fine, and appreciated, to clarify this.

You will enjoy your session so much more if you speak up!

Session Time

A session consists of time with your therapist to communicate the goals of the session to make it truly customized, the massage/NRT/QAT/Hypnotheray, and time for you to dress and undress. Arriving 10 - 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to discuss session goals will ensure that you receive more hands on time!

First Visit

Your massage therapist may require you to have an initial phone call to set up your session and go over policies and procedures with you as well as inform you of arrival time, paperwork you may need to fill out, and get a credit card to put on file to reserve your appointment. Upon arrival, your therapist will begin the appointment by asking you general questions to establish your goals for the session; including the areas, you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and/or tests to help assess and evaluate if you have any presenting complaints.

It is important to list ALL health concerns, current and previous surgeries or falls, and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware, as they may need to use a different oil or lotion during the session.

Session Clothing

You should undress to the level you are comfortable with; this is different for each individual and session treatment. For some, it may mean undressing completely and for others it means leaving undergarments on, shorts, socks, etc. If you will be more comfortable during the session leaving all your clothes on, that’s fine; the therapist will work around any clothing you have left on as best as they can. Remember, your level of comfort is most important because if you are too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress and get comfortable underneath the top covers/sheets on the table. They will knock, or ask, before entering to make sure you are ready.

If you prefer to stay fully clothed, then it is recommended to explore other types of bodywork that are performed clothed. At Leaning Tree Therapeutics, LLC, Neural Reset Therapy (NRT), Quantum Alignment Technique (QAT), and Hypnotherapy are great options for most individuals as it is performed fully clothed and lying face up for the majority of the treatments. All options outside of traditional massage offers the same, and, in some cases, even more benefits as.

Draping

This is known as draping and typically depends on the therapist and in some cases, the law. The vast majority of therapists will insist on draping and at Leaning Tree Therapeutics, LLC draping is required. Once you are undressed to your comfort level and on the table under the drape (top sheet/blanket), the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.

Chest and genitals (women and men) will not be uncovered. In the event the therapist is going to do abdominal work, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the chest so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen.

No Judgement

Please don't let being self-conscious keep you from seeking health care; whether it’s visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist. A professional massage therapist will be non-judgemental and focused on your muscles, aches, pains, and the goals you are seeking from the session.

Some common concerns clients have may include, but are not limited to: back acne, believing they are overweight, thinking they have ugly feet, being self-conscious about scars, hair, and many more insecurities.

You can request that the massage therapist avoid certain areas. Or, you can look for a licensed massage therapist who uses a style of massage and bodywork that can be done through clothing; no massage oil or lotion is used, so you remain fully clothed during the session. If you don’t shave or didn’t have time to shave, don’t worry! Whether or not there is hair is no concern to your massage therapist.

Sleeping, Snoring, Drooling

Falling asleep during a massage is common. People often go into a massage stressed and sleep-deprived and feel so relaxed that they fall asleep on the massage table. Your therapist won’t judge you if you fall asleep or snore during the massage.

If you wake up to find drool on your face or the massage table, don’t hesitate to ask for a tissue if you need one.

Massage Duration

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 schedule 75 minute to 2 hour sessions for optimal results. No matter the session time, therapeutic and relaxation results can be had. It is a good idea to allow relaxation time prior to and after the session but is not required. If there are tasks to be completed post session, it is recommended to do them at a slower speed than usual.

Massage and Pain

This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that doesn’t go deep into the muscle, shouldn’t hurt. With that being said, there is a “feels good” hurt and an “ouch, stop it” hurt. A good massage, even really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the “feels good” hurt range. Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up, resulting in muscle guarding, and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. A deep tissue massage should work with your body’s natural response, not against it.

During the Session

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, they will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.

Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session and others prefer to talk; it’s up to you! It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

Talking

Sure, if you’d like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Don’t feel like you have to make conversation. Many therapists discourage talking in hopes that you will relax, let your mind float free, and enter a state of massage bliss. In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation.

The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let them know immediately. Also, let them know if you get too warm, too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you-speak up! Not only is it OK, but it is also encouraged!

Music 

No! (Not that there is anything wrong with that.)

While many therapists play slower, quieter, music, you can choose to have different music or no music at all. Studies have shown that the slower, less than 60 beats-per-minute, has a calming effect on the body; which can enhance your experience.

While this may be true, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be listened to during the session. If it relaxes you and you enjoy it at home, why wouldn’t it do the same during your treatment? Ask your therapist what music they have to offer or if it is ok to bring your own from home.

Don't Get a Massage 

In my opinion, there are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage or bodywork. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, contagious skin infections, or are under the influence of drugs and or alcohol.

There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt their techniques (ie. arthritis, osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. burns, cuts, bruises). With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician before you receive a massage (ie. cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn’t mean you can’t get a massage, it is just always better to err on the side of caution and have everyone on your healthcare team working together. Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs.

After the Session

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness, and increased productivity which can last for days.

If you received therapeutic work or a deep tissue massage, you may be slightly sore and achy the next day, lasting up to 72 hours post massage-much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower, or a soak in the tub can ease the soreness.

After your session, you should increase your water intake. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body’s tissues hydrated and healthy.

Care Plan

It is hard to say. Every person is unique and every condition is unique to each person. It may take one session or it may take several. You and your therapist will be able to talk more specifically about this after your first session once they have had a chance to evaluate your body’s tissues. Where there is a lot of pain, it may be recommended for a more "aggressive" approach; meaning more frequent sessions initially and then moving to less frequent sessions.

Frequency of Massage

Getting a massage, even if it is infrequently, is better than no massage at all. The frequency of massage varies from person to person. If you are looking for occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.

The frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment when they have a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues and goals.

Tipping

Although a tip is never required/expected, and in some instances not accepted, it is customary to tip 10-20% if you were pleased with the service. If you were given a gift certificate or purchased a deal through a discount site, a tip based on the original price is customary; however, some therapists would prefer a review over a tip. If you are unsure, ask the receptionist or massage therapist. If you don’t want to ask in person, call ahead to ask. Again, please remember, tipping is up to you!

Deep Tissue

The answer is NO. There is a perception that men give deeper massages than women; this is a myth. While some men do give a deeper massage, there are men who prefer to not work so deep. The same holds true for women. In general, gender and size can be misleading.

It is a matter of style, training, and therapist preference. Some therapists prefer not to give really deep sessions while others specialize in this area. If you are looking for a deep massage, it is best to simply ask the therapist if they do this type of work. Of course, during the session, it is perfectly ok to give the therapist feedback if you would like a lighter/deeper pressure. It’s your session!

Massage DOES NOT have to hurt to be effective.

Therapeutic Benefit

No, you do not have to have a deep tissue massage to receive therapeutic benefit. In some cases, the body and nervous system are on hyper alert and it may be more beneficial to have a relaxation session; allowing for the body and nervous system to "take a breath". With modalities such as Neural Reset Therapy (NRT) and Quantum Alignment Technique (QAT), muscles can be accessed deeper and more effective than traditional deep tissue massage. It is effective for overused and underused muscles; as well as muscles needing "reconnected".