Q&A – What to Expect from Your First Massage Therapy Session

If you’re thinking about massage therapy as a treatment, find out what to expect from your first session!

Massage therapy has many health benefits

While massage therapy can be great for melting away the troubles of everyday life, there’s more to it than mere relaxation. It can also be an essential part of maintaining overall wellness. Often, it plays a significant role in stress relief and pain management for a variety of conditions. Although, if you’ve never had a clinical massage before, you might not know what to expect. It’s possible you even have several questions.

That’s perfectly natural!

To satisfy your curiosity, Algonquin Chiropractic’s very own Dr. Galante answers some of the questions you might be asking yourself.

 

1. Is there anything I should do before my first massage?

Doctor Galante: There isn’t much you have to do to physically prepare. Although, I suggest you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are easy to stretch in. But that’s pretty much it!

2. What information should I come prepared with?

Doctor Galante: The best thing you can do is have fresh in your mind what your current problem is along with your medical history. Be prepared to tell the massage therapist about treatments you’ve tried in the past, including what has or hasn’t worked.

3. Do I have the option of being fully clothed?

Doctor Galante: Yes, you can remain fully clothed if you feel more comfortable that way. It’s always whatever the level of comfort the patient has.

4. What kind of atmosphere can I expect at your office?

Doctor Galante: Keeping in mind that Algonquin Chiropractic Center is a doctor’s office, we strive for an inviting atmosphere to put our patients at ease. Unlike a spa, our approach to massage therapy is clinical as opposed to pure relaxation. In our office, we work on certain muscles to bring about specific effects.

5. How can patients get the most out of their first massage?

Doctor Galante: Again, have your medical history ready. Openly communicate with your massage therapist during the session about what’s working and not working. But most importantly, you should go in with an open mind and enjoy!

6. What’s the biggest piece of advice you have for patients considering massage therapy?

Doctor Galante: Don’t underestimate the importance of massage in maintaining your overall health. Massage is a great part of a drug-free, non-invasive approach to care for a variety of conditions by increasing blood flow, relieving muscle tension and spasms. Of course, it’s great for mediating stress as well. Massage will be helpful in all those types of situations.

7. How does massage therapy work in conjunction with chiropractic care?

Doctor Galante: In general, chiropractors work on the skeletal system and joints to help relax the soft tissue. Likewise, massage therapists then work on those soft tissues to lengthen and relax the muscle. Ultimately, massage and chiropractic care complement each other nicely. They really go hand-in-hand.

8. What are the main ailments use massage therapy to treat

Doctor Galante: Nearly any skeletal or muscle condition we treat here at Algonquin Chiropractic Center can benefit from massage therapy. Some of the common ailments we treat with massage include stenosis, sciatica, migraines, tension headaches, and of course neck and back pain.

Is massage therapy for you?

Hopefully, you now have a little more insight into what you can expect from your first massage therapy session. If you still have any lingering questions, contact Algonquin Chiropractic Center in Algonquin, Illinois today to set up a consultation.