Your First Visit 

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage and bodywork inadvisable?

Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that before you begin your session, the therapist ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform the therapist of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. If you have questions about your health issues, please call us.

How should I prepare for my massage?

I recommend that you come dressed comfortably and take no aspirin, pain killers, or alcohol on the day of the appointment. You can undress to your comfort level, however the more clothing you have on, the less soft tissue I will be able to affect. Your modesty will be protected by draping with a sheet and blanket.

I suggest you arrive 20 minutes early for your first appointment to fill out the necessary intake forms, get acquainted with your therapist and discuss your goals and expectations for the session. For your convenience, you can download a copy of the Client Information and Health form and Client Bill of Rights form (required by the State of Minnesota).

What can I expect during my session?

Your massage will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. You will relax to the sounds of soft music and the tranquil babbling of a water fountain.

The therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket. The therapist will knock before entering the room. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

You and the therapist will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) of breasts (female).

A light oil or cream may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used should hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed.

During your session, the therapist’s touch can be as light or as deep as you feel is necessary. During the first session, however, we like to give a firm but gentle touch to allow your body to become accustom to massage. How the bodywork feels will depend on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes which will help to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. If you feel any discomfort, you should immediately let your therapist know so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Make yourself comfortable during your session. The therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the therapist questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.

How will I feel after the session?

You may feel like you’re floating or a little lightheaded. In the world of massage, this is normal and known as "massage head". You may experience possible side-effects such as a little soreness, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, dehydration, bruising or bringing up old pain. However, most people feel relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Give yourself 5 to 15 minutes to recover. Have a seat in the waiting area. You will be given a bottle of water to take with you when you leave.

Client Information and Health &
Client Bill of Rights Forms

At Tranquil Moments Therapeutic Massage, we realize that sometimes filling out forms in the waiting area can be stressful in itself. For your convenience, we have included out intake forms below for you to print and fill out at home or at your office. But please be sure to bring them along and hand them to the therapist before your first session. Otherwise, your will need to arrive 15 minutes early to fill them out in out waiting area.

Client Information and Health Form

Client Bill of Rights Form

If you have any questions, please give us a call. Thank you