What to expect at your first session:

First, the massage therapist will greet you warmly and make you as comfortable as possible. They will ask you to fill out an intake form, which is simply a brief medical history.

After answering any questions you may have, the therapist will then leave the room so that you can get onto the table with privacy. Sheets and blankets cover the table so that only the part of the body that the therapist is working on will be exposed. Still, you should undress only to your level of comfort.

When the massage begins, your therapist should ask for feedback about the pressure of the massage strokes. If at any point in the massage you feel discomfort because the therapist is using too much pressure, say something! A good massage therapist will be more embarrassed if you leave their office unhappy than if you ask them to increase or decrease pressure during the massage!

At the end of the session, the therapist will again leave the room to give you privacy as you dress. You should take your time getting your body moving and off the table.

This is another good website to go to for answers to questions:

http://www.amtamassage.org/consumers.html