What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Hello!

Congratulations on prioritizing you and starting massage therapy! This section will help explain what you can expect at your first appointment.

At Healthy Spirit Fitness we personalize every treatment to help you achieve your health care goals effectively and safely. We want you to get back to doing the things you love with maximum mobility and without pain and stress.

The first time you come in, you will need to fill out a Health History, Consent to Treatment, and Cancellation Policy forms so it's best to arrive just a few minutes early. This will include information on any accidents, injuries, surgeries in your past as well as any medications you take, other therapies you may be receiving, and what led you to us today.

Massage affects every system of the body so it's important we have a thorough health history to assure we give you a safe and appropriate treatment. The more information we have, the better equipped we are to help you. Even things that occurred in your childhood can 'come back and kick you later' or be clues as to what is going on now. Pain isn't always coming from where you think it's coming from so the information you give in your health history is like puzzle pieces to help your RMT understand and treat not just today's symptoms but the root of the problem. This initial assessment may also include some movements on your part, to help determine the root of any issues. Rest assured that personal health information, in fact ANY information you share, will always be kept completely confidential.

Next, you and your RMT will determine which areas will be treated today and what level of clothing is recommended. Typically, massage therapy is done on the skin with clients leaving only their underpants on, but over the clothing options are also available. While on the massage table, you will remain covered with a flannel sheet (and blanket if you choose). The only part of you that is uncovered (other than head and neck) is the part the therapist is working on at that moment. Once you have agreed upon what you are comfortable with and you've given your consent, your RMT will leave the room allowing you privacy to disrobe and get comfortable on the massage table.

Once the treatment begins, your RMT will check in with you periodically to make sure you are comfortable. If at any point, you are experiencing any pain or discomfort please do let your therapist know. There are many ways we can adjust techniques and positioning to make you more comfortable. Please know that ultimately you are in control of the treatment and can ask for adjustments or stop the treatment at any time.

After the treatment, the RMT will leave the room, allowing you time to get dressed. Then we will discuss how you're feeling. Your RMT will recommend a treatment schedule and any applicable self-care and/or demonstrate any home exercises you can do between treatments.

Before every subsequent treatment, you will sit down with your massage therapist and discuss any concerns, injuries, pains, or issues you may have.

Please note that your initial assessment is part of your first appointment. Sometimes that just takes a few minutes and in other cases much longer. Within your scheduled appointment time you will also be given a few minutes to disrobe and get on the treatment table. The physical treatment will generally end a few minutes before the scheduled time to give you time to get dressed and receive any home care instruction prior to leaving.