Introduction

If you haven't had much experience with massage therapy, you are probably wondering what to expect at your session.  I promise to provide you with a safe, appropriate, professional healing massage.  I am experienced and well-trained.  I support the strong codes of ethics of my profession and I am professionally insured.  I am licensed by the State of Illinois.  Yet, nothing is more important than my ability to communicate effectively with you.

At the same time, massage is both simple and complex.  It is entirely appropriate to allow one's self to fully experience massage without needing to understand precisely what is going on.  However, it is vital that you raise any questions or concerns, and that you advise me if anything feels uncomfortable to you.  You have a right to have a massage session in which you feel safe and comfortable.  You have a right to ask questions and to understand the purpose and nature of any given technique.  Your questions and concerns must be fully addressed in order to maintain the sense of trust that enables us to be partners in the healing process.  Thus, it is always appropriate for you to ask questions and to state your wishes before and during the massage session.

If you have any preliminary questions or concerns, please email me or give me a phone call.  I will be happy to provide whatever information I can.

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Before You Arrive for Your Massage
(This information is tailored to sessions at my home-based massage and bodywork studio in Evanston,
but most will apply to sessions at other locations, also.)

Please be sure that you have the directions to my massage studio, and leave sufficient time to arrive a few minutes before your appointment time.  If you have extra time, this is a pleasant neighborhood to walk or drive around if you arrive early.  If this is your first massage with me, please be assured that it is normal to be a bit anxious before working with a massage therapist for the first time.  If you have questions you'd like to ask, please feel free to call beforehand, or write them down and bring the questions with you so that you don't forget.

If you are ill (e.g., a fever) call to let me know.  You should not receive massage if you have a fever.  If you are feeling well, but find that you are going to be more than 5 minutes late, give me a call if possible.  If I don't hear from you within 15 minutes of our appointment time, I may make other arrangements.  I often leave time between my clients, so do not assume that we won't have time for your session.  Besides, even a 30 minute session can produce significant results.

If you would like to save some time filling out my health questionnaire after you arrive for your appointment, feel free to request that I mail you the forms before our appointment.  That way, you may take your time filling them out and bring them with to your appointment.  I also have another form that can help clarify your objectives for our session and in selecting the specific techniques you might want.  It is okay if you don't know anything about massage.  Just ask me to explain.

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Welcome to the Massage Room

If this is your first time seeing me as your massage therapist, after I welcome you, we will proceed to the massage room.  I will ask you some questions and have you fill out a health form.  You will have ample opportunity to ask questions, also.  The health questions are relevant because some medical conditions, such as advanced diabetes or circulatory disorders, and some medications, could affect an individual's ability to safely receive certain kinds of massage work.  Fever, systemic infections, contagious conditions and any form of intoxication preclude massage work.  If you have a chronic condition, it is a good idea to ask your health care provider whether there is reason for you to avoid massage.

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Planning Your Session

In order for me to develop an understanding of how to best proceed, it will be useful to know about your previous massage experiences, health concerns, your current lifestyle (including occupation and exercise) and stress levels as well as any specific physical issues you would like addressed in your session.  If you are curious about, or seeking, intuitive or energetic healing, you should also feel comfortable expressing those interests.

We will talk about your goals for the session in order to be sure that we have a clear understanding, although you are always free to ask questions and to stop or modify any massage work that is painful or uncomfortable in any way.  This session is yours.  Although I may know more about massage than you, there is only one expert on what is comfortable and helpful for you.

I will ask whether there are any areas of your body (in addition to the genital area, and breast tissue for women) which you do not want massaged.  A typical full body massage can include all other area of the body, including the back, arms and hands, legs and feet, head, face and neck, abdomen and chest (excluding female breast tissue) and buttocks.  While you may always change your mind, it is important to let me know if there are areas I should avoid.  You should also tell me if there are particular areas you would like to focus on, whether because of pain or simply because you benefit from that work.  For example, some people enjoy additional time on their head, face of neck, or on their hands or feet.  If the purpose of your session is to address a specific area of pain, we will talk about whether you might also want five or ten minutes of general relaxation work.

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Preparing for Massage

You may use the bathroom before your session, or at any time you wish.  The massage table will be prepared with a flat sheet (or draping) over a fitted sheet, as well as a face cradle cover.  This allows for very secure draping.  (If you would prefer, you may be covered with a bath towel, instead.)  If you would like to be covered more securely, a blanket is also available.  We will determine whether to begin the session with you laying on the table between the sheets either face-up or face-down.  To prepare for your session, I will leave the massage room, securely close the door, and go wash my hands.

You will then have some time and space to prepare for your massage.  You will undress to your comfort level ** and remove any jewelry that could get in the way or become damaged or lost.  There are clothing hooks behind the door and a tray on which you may place your jewelry and miscellaneous items.  Then, you will pull aside the top sheet, lay down on the table, cover yourself and take some slow, deep, relaxing breaths.  It is normal to feel a bit anxious before a massage, especially in a new setting.  You will be surprised at how relaxed you will soon feel.

You will be covered by a sheet during the massage and only the part of the body being massaged will be uncovered (unless you want a TDP heat lamp treatment on one area while I am working on another), to ensure warmth and respect for your modesty.  If you are face-down, you will rest your face in the face cradle, which is adjustable.  However, if you experience severe nasal congestion due to allergies, you may be more comfortable with your face directly on the table.  I hope that all of my clients understand that their body will be accepted and respected "as is."  As I told a classmate in massage school, "I treat all of my clients as gods and goddesses."

For women who experience tenderness in their breasts, I have a "comfort cushion" that can help to relieve pressure on the breasts when you are face-down on the table.  Please let me know if you'd like to see this cushion.  Another option is to use a rolled-up towel.

I have a selection of background music and sounds for the massage, which most people find relaxing.  The massage table is comfortable and the massage room should be peaceful and warm.  If you prefer the soft lighting of candles, that is available.

I will re-enter the massage room after you indicate that you are ready. If you would like the music changed, or the volume altered, or candles lit, please ask.  The massage session is about you.  As you settle down on the table, we can make adjustments to make sure you are comfortable.  As the massage begins, I will probably remind you to breathe in a deep and relaxed manner.  I will place a bolster under your knees (if you are face-up) or under your ankles (if you are face-down), which should make you more comfortable.

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** Clothing and Your Comfort Level
Your chosen level of undress can affect the techniques that may be used (e.g., massage cream and gliding obviously don't work well on clothing), but there are many techniques available and it is most important that you be comfortable.   Intuitive healing, energywork and a wide variety of massage compressions and movements are easily performed with the client fully clothed.  Even where traditional massage techniques are desired, many people are more comfortable wearing underpants, for example, especially in a new environment.

If you would like to have your massage while fully clothed, it would be helpful if you would wear (or bring with) lightweight, loose fitting clothing or a lightweight sweat suit, preferably cotton.  Please avoid denim, as it is difficult to work through.  You will be treated with respect and kindness, either way.  A fully clothed massage, even a full hour massage, can be very effective for relaxation and other health purposes.

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The Session Begins

During the massage, I may begin working through the top sheet, often with gentle rocking and compression.  I may then work on bare skin without lubrication.  There are some useful techniques that are best performed without lubrication.  If they are uncomfortable, I will apply massage cream.  Unless you specifically want massage oil used, I will use a massage cream which is also a good skin conditioner.  If you have skin allergies, please let me know.

It is most important that you let me know when you are uncomfortable, whether that involves needing to find a better position on the table, or whether something I am doing is painful, or whether you don't understand why I am performing massage in a certain area, or whether anything I am doing seems invasive.  Massage is not a test to see how much you can tolerate without complaining.  It is supposed to be relaxing and healing - not traumatic!  So, if you feel uncomfortable, please let me know.  The same is true if you would like deeper pressure.

Massage techniques include the following (feel free to request demonstrations):

smooth gliding strokes;

various compressions;

lifting and kneading;

frictioning (transverse, longitudinal and circular);

myofascial gliding, twists and skin rolling;

rocking and shaking;

deep muscle stripping;

pulling, stretching and tractioning;

percussion, from feathering to pounding;

trigger point (ischemic compression); and

variations and combinations of the above.

"Energy" techniques like Reiki sometimes do not involve actual touch and it may at first seem like nothing is happening.  However, most people experience subtle sensations and changes in perception.  The nervous system is a complex network of interacting systems.  I believe that relaxation helps us recalibrate our connections with the world around us.  Breath work is a key element of energy techniques.  Slow, deep breathing that begins in the abdomen and expands the entire rib cage has been shown to greatly assist in the relaxation of tense muscles and to enhance your sense of well-being.

For additional explanation of available services, including hot stone massage, Tui-Na, aromatherapy or the TDP warming lamp, please go to the page on "Fees and Services" by clicking the link on the navigation bar located at the top and the bottom of each page.

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Draping During the Session

As stated above, you will be appropriately draped during the entire session.  Only areas of the body being worked on will be undraped, unless you have requested a TDP heat lamp treatment on one area while another area of the body is being massaged.  A blanket is available for additional warmth.  During the massage, you will generally turn over once, which is accomplished while you are fully draped and secure.  For abdominal massage on female clients, draping is accomplished using a pillow case or towel to securely cover the chest while the sheet is drawn down to allow for work on the abdomen and lower rib cage.  Briefer abdominal work (without lubricant) can be performed through the draping.

Occasionally, there may be an indication for massage work in a side lying position, such as specific work on the outside shoulder or chest, if time permits.  If you are comfortable with this work, I will explain the secure draping procedure before asking you to move into this position.

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The Session Ends

After the massage is completed, I will make sure that you are awake and comfortable.  I will then remove the bolster from under your legs and leave the room so that you may slowly regain full alertness.  After I leave the room, you will slowly get off of the table and get dressed.  Please take your time and get up slowly.  There is a stool next to the table, for your safety.

When you are dressed, you will open the door.  There will be time for you to ask any questions you may have - and to be sure that you are sufficiently awake and alert to leave safely.  I will offer you a cup of water after the session and suggest that you drink extra water over the next few days - to facilitate a cleansing of your system from the tissue substances moved around by the massage.  We will discuss how you received the massage, and what future massage work might benefit you.  If you wish, you may schedule your next session before you leave.

Payment is expected at the time of your session.  I accept cash and checks, as well as Visa and Mastercard.  Please check my "fees and services" page for information about massage packages and gift certificates.

Some people will experience some minor soreness after receiving a massage, but it generally resolves quickly and is usually not unpleasant, similar to what is experienced after a workout.  In unusual cases, though, there may be some discomfort for a day or two, as the healing process moves forward.  Virtually all clients report increased relaxation, diminished pain, and improved functioning, as well as improved sleep and mood.  If you experience any difficulties after your massage work, or if you have any questions, please give me a call.

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For my article "Communicating About Massage," which presents information in a "question and answer" format, please click here.

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If you have any questions regarding massage, in general, or my work, in particular, please phone or email me.  I have a new booklet, "Communicating About Massage" that I'd be happy to mail if you provide your address.  I am also available to speak and provide a massage demonstration at local charitable and business organizations.

For more information, or to schedule your appointment,
Email me at:  massage@earondavis.com
or, call or write to me at:

Earon S. Davis, MPH, LCMT
Healing Massage and Bodywork
Wellness Fusion Massage
2312 Central Street, #3-S
Evanston, IL  60201
(847) 864-3424

Updated 1/18/08