The anticipation of receiving a massage can feel a lot like the build up to going on a great vacation.
But instead of a long weekend at the cabin in the mountains, you’re in for an afternoon of relaxation at Tranquil Moments of the Poconos with significant health benefits, ranging from decreased back and muscle pain to improvement in mental health like depression and anxiety which is just as important. It’s that break from the world we all need sometimes. But it does require the all-important first step: booking the appointment. As obvious as the benefits are, both physically and mentally, booking your first appointment can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know what to expect. A common misconception is that massage is a one-size-fits-all therapy. Many people don’t understand that it’s supposed to be an extremely customizable and personalized experience, based on individual needs and comfort level. This is why we take so much pride in getting to know your wants and needs before your session so we give you a custom created massage experience just for you. So, what should you expect at Tranquil Moments of the Poconos—and how can you make sure the experience is as enjoyable as possible?
Communicate Before, During & After the Session
Before your appointment begins, our massage therapist will take a few minutes to get to know your health history, determine how your body is feeling to you, and discuss what you’d like to get out of the session. During this discussion, it’s your opportunity to communicate your needs, concerns, and any areas you prefer to have specifically worked with and conversely, the areas you would like our therapist to avoid. You can feel free to ask any questions you have during this time as well. If you’ve never had a massage before, you may discover you like, dislike or need to adjust something during your session. Don’t hesitate to speak up and let us know what you need. Whether it’s more pressure, less music or additional draping, we always want there to be an open line of communication between us to make you as comfortable as possible, at all times.
Getting Started
To get started you will be asked to remove your clothing or leave them on depending on the treatment. The therapist will either leave the room to provide privacy while you undress. You should take off only as much as you are comfortable removing. A newly laundered sheet is provided for draping during the massage. Only the part of the body being massaged will be uncovered at a time, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. The draping also keeps you warm, cozy and relaxed. Cleanliness is extremely important to us. Our therapists wash their hands thoroughly before and after each session as well as maintain a clean and professional appearance.
Know What you Like
There are several different approaches to massage. Swedish massage, sometimes also referred to as Relaxation/Lymphatic massage, tends to be more of a gliding massage that uses oil-based lubricants, so the therapist is actually gliding and kneading the tissue. Other types of massage, such as deep tissue is designed to remove severe tension. Then you have various forms add ons like Aromatherapy or Topical CBD lotions that can be used at your request. There are many approaches and modalities of our massages. So, it depends on you and what type of touch you personally find meaningful and helpful as well as gives you the results you are seeking.
Face Up or Face Down?
Whether you are face up or down, you can expect to always be as comfortable as possible. There are many ways that we can adjust, using pillows or bolsters, to make you more comfortable, depending on your body size and range of motion in your neck and shoulders. When you’re face up, it’s the facial and head massage, and kneading of the arms, feet and legs. When you’re face down, it’s more of a full-back experience. If you’re uncomfortable, just communicate with us and we will make adjustments right away that better suits you. More often than not, we will notice you moving around before you even realize you’re uncomfortable and can adjust your position.
What to Do After the Massage
After the massage is completed, the massage therapist will exit the room for you to have privacy while you transition off of the massage table and get dressed back into your clothing. Once you’re done getting dressed, you will be greeted with some water to help you hydrate. We will then recap with you on how you’re feeling and give you our professional recommendation at the conclusion. These recommendations could include how often you should get a massage, benefits of regular massage as well as a piece of self-care you can take away from the session to increase the cumulative effects of your massage. Examples of this might include to drink plenty of water that day, rolling a golf ball under your foot, a particular stretch for a muscle group or paying attention to how you are sitting at your computer during the day. Massage usually isn’t a one-and-done therapy, and it’s important to know what you should do between sessions to enhance the positive effects. Overall, while we are the experts on massage, you’re in control of what happens during the session. We want the experience you have with us to be one that you will want to repeat over and over again.
