What to expect in a massage

Redlands Daily Facts Health Section
Staff Writer

Q: I want to go to a Spa for a massage. But I am concerned. Do I take off all my clothes? What should I expect?

Mimi: You may feel a bit apprehensive on your first massage. However, soon you will relax and enjoy the soothing sensation of stress leaving your body. Your first job is to find the right location. Talk to your friends about where they have their massages. If you look in the yellow pages, be very careful. Look for a name that sounds legit. If it is too sensuous, that isn't for you. See what part of town the spa is in. If it is in an unincorporated part of the city, it will not be licensed by the city. Call several places. The prices for a massage should be within a similar range. If one place is much higher than the others, ask yourself why. If the location is exceptionally elegant and grand, that would account for an increase in price. A legitimate massage establishment will have you fill out a guest profile and take a brief medical history. The place should be clean and with peaceful music and a pleasant fragrance. If the receptionist is behind a wall where you talk through a glass window, like at some doctor's offices, I would be a bit leery especially if the door to the hallway where the rooms are is closed. "Funny Massage Parlors" do that to keep the inspectors at bay. You can call the Better Business Bureau to ask if complaints have been filed against the place you plan to go.

Back to the first recommendation - Ask your friends. You want a Spa with a good reputation.

Your First Massage Therapy Session

Everyone should be able to take advantage of the wonderful therapeutic and stress relieving benefits of massage therapy. People at your Spa will be committed to ensuring that every time you visit you enjoy a caring and healing experience provided by a professional Massage Therapist.
Greetings

Arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Receptionists will welcome you and request that you complete a Guest Profile where you record any medical history, past/present injuries and other physical conditions that the Massage Therapist should be made aware of. You will be offered something to drink. You may use the Steam Room or relax with an Aromatherapy Foot Bath if your spa is thus equipped.

The Treatment Room

You will be taken to a peaceful, treatment room where a comfortable massage table covered with crisp clean sheets awaits. Your Massage Therapist will leave the room to wash her hands while you disrobe to your level of comfort. Some guests prefer to completely disrobe, while some remain partially clothed. Once disrobed, you will lie on the massage table, under the top sheet. Your massage therapist will give you a few minutes for this process and will knock on the door to ask if you are ready before entering your room.

You will always be draped with the top sheet during your massage session and an additional blanket will be available at your request. Your Massage Therapist will uncover only the part of the body to be worked on, ensuring that your modesty is respected at all times.

You can expect a tranquil and comfortable environment during your massage. The massage table is padded and a heating blanket is placed beneath the sheet, which you can have adjusted to your preference. There will be relaxing music playing, unless you request otherwise.
Assessment

Before beginning the session, your therapist will ask you to alert her if, at any time during the session, a technique or stroke she is using is uncomfortable.

Treatment

Depending on your specific needs or requests, your Massage Therapist will either perform a customized full-body massage (for general relaxation and stress reduction) or focus on the specific parts of your body that you have requested. Specialty massages include Pregnancy, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, or Sports. You will be offered various unscented and scented massage oils or lotions. They will be the highest quality hypoallergenic massage creams and lotions.

Total Relaxation

Once your massage is completed, your Therapist will leave the room so you may re-dress. You can shower before or after your massage, if you wish. Your therapist will wait outside the room for you, and then take you to a Quiet Room for relaxation and reflection or to the check out desk.

Mimi Barre is the owner of International Day Spa, 325 Cajon St., Redlands. Send your skin care questions to her at MimiB@INTLdayspa.com. She and her estheticians are available for personal consultations, (909) 793-9080.