8 Easy Steps to Prepare for Your Bodywork Session

When you select the Body Intuitive as your bodyworker, you’ll not only work with a caring, holistic practitioner invested in your long-term well-being. Walk into your next session confident that you're well prepared to simply relax and enjoy!

If you're newer to getting bodywork and massage (or if it's been a while since you had one), you may be a little confused and even slightly anxious about what to do once you arrive to your appointment.

Not to worry - this blog will give you an exact run-down of what to do and expect for your bodywork session at the Body Intuitive.

~

1. SIGN THE LIABILITY WAIVER AND CLIENT AGREEMENT

To maximize the amount of time that you have on the table, and to protect your health and safety, please sign the liability waiver and client agreement. You will save time at your appointment, and Missy will review your form before you arrive. That way you can have a seamless client experience, and relax and enjoy knowing you're in good hands!

2. TAKE A QUICK SHOWER ... OR AT LEAST WASH YOUR FEET

Oil absorbs better on clean skin! For hygienic purposes, TBI recommends showering and washing your feet before coming into a bodywork session.

Missy uses specialized Ayurvedic herbed organic oils during her massage. For the oils to absorb optimally during your session, it's best to ensure your skin is neither sweaty nor dirty before getting on the table.

1. Clear Your Schedule as much as Possible.
   You'll want to give yourself time after the massage to integrate any emotions or sensations which arose during your session. This is NOT the time to do a hard workout, either! So do yourself a favor and clear your schedule as much as possible after the massage to let yourself simply absorb.

3. USE THE RESTROOM

Bodywork and massage often involves laying in a prone (face-down) position for long periods of time. In addition, your massage therapist will use varied amounts of pressure on your muscles to help you release stress and muscular tension. And finally, you will be getting undressed and oil will be applied all over your skin. For all of these reasons, it's best to use the bathroom before your session, so you can avoid needing to get up or off the table in the middle of your bodywork session.

4. DISCUSS INJURIES, PREFERENCES, AND CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH YOUR THERAPIST DURING YOUR INTAKE CONSULT 

The Intake Consultation is critical to effective treatment that honors your unique preferences and boundaries.

A good therapist has decent skill; a great therapist will truly cater the experience to your personal needs. For all new clients, your therapist should sit you down to do a longer consult before the massage.

Before treatment starts (or resumes after a longer break of 3+ months), each student receives a careful review of medical and personal history, medications, injuries, trauma, or other sensitivities.

You will want to discuss your injuries and relevant medical history, past experiences and preferences with massage therapy, and go over any contraindications.

Your therapist might ask you questions about your:

• physical condition
• possibility of pregnancy
• medical and injury history
• relationships
• lifestyle
• emotional state and stress levels
• medications
• allergies or scent-sensitivities
• anything else that they'd need to know before you get on the table (such as your preferences for deep or light pressure, or "off limit" zones)

5. UNDRESS TO YOUR LEVEL OF COMFORT

After your brief intake interview, your therapist will tell you to undress to your level of comfort. They will leave the room for a few moments for you to get undressed in privacy and to get on the table.

This is where a lot of people freak out because sometimes they don't know what's appropriate or not (or what's comfortable for them or not). The good news is that it's completely up to you! If you are comfortable being nude, that is ok.

Rest assured that your therapist will follow proper draping protocols at all times (not doing so is illegal). Only the area of your body that is being worked on will be uncovered, one at a time.

If you want your therapist to work your low back, glutes, and hips, TBI recommends removing your undergarments to facilitate your therapist getting into this area, but it is not necessary.

6. TIE UP LONG HAIR & REMOVE ALL JEWELRY

For those with long hair, please tie it up in a bun or ponytail if possible. Please also remove all jewelry and put it in a safe place; or better yet, don't bring it into your appointment, especially if the jewelry might be adversely affected by getting oil on it. If you prefer to keep jewelry on for religious, cultural, or personal purposes, your therapist will work around it to the best of their ability.

7. GET ON THE TABLE, UNDER THE TOP SHEET

Sometimes people get really confused about how they're supposed to position their bodies on the table.

Should they lay on the top of the sheet? Sideways? Face up or face down? Where does your head go?

Watch the short video below to learn exactly what you're supposed to do and how to get on the massage table:

8. ADJUSTING THE BOLSTER, BLANKETS, AND HEADREST

After you got on the table, you can let the therapist know by shouting "ready!" or waiting for them to knock on the door. They will only re-enter with your permission, and only when you are fully covered on the massage table under the top sheet.

Once they re-enter, your therapist will take a few moments to make any adjustments to ensure your comfort. They will check the bolster under your ankles and the headrest for proper position.

Your therapist will review instructions of how to get on the table. At this time, you can also mention any preferences with respect to heat, temperature, sound, or headrest position.

Now that you've read this article, you'll got some great tips about how to make your bodywork session the most comfortable and enjoyable experience possible.

Don't be shy about speaking up for your comfort and needs! Remember to relax, enjoy, and don't be afraid to ask questions!