I understand that it can be a little intimidating booking and attending an appointment with a therapist you have never met before.  Some people may be seeking massage therapy for the very first time and have no idea what a treatment will be like.  Here is a description of what to expect during your first appointment with me:

Before Your Visit

Please make sure you have completely filled out and electronically signed your online intake form through the Jane booking site prior to arriving to my office for your appointment.

I ask that you do arrive about 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so that we can gather any last minute information we may need, or to allow yourself time to use the restroom before your treatment.

At Your Appointment Time

I will take you to my treatment room where I will review your intake form with you, and have a consultation where I ask specific questions about your health history and presenting condition/concern(s) and make clinical chart notes.  It is also at this time that I will perform any assessments (eg., range of motion, strength/muscle testing, or orthopedic tests).  You will have an opportunity to ask me any questions you may have about your condition or treatment.

We will create a treatment plan together, and I will outline the areas of your body that I recommend working on and explain the techniques I intend to use.  I will check in about your comfort level with the treatment plan and with removing clothing for treatment.  You have complete control over your treatment, and if you feel uncomfortable at all, you are encouraged to let me know so that we can find a way to work within your comfort zone.

I will then leave the treatment room and give you privacy to get undressed and situated on the treatment table.  After 3-5 minutes, I will return and knock on the door and wait for permission to re-enter the treatment room.

During Your Treatment

I begin all treatments by grounding myself and the patient through firm compressions over the back, legs and arms through the blanket and sheet paired with some deep breathing.   I then proceed with massaging the areas we have talked about during intake.

I will only un-drape the specific area that I am about to work on, and will re-cover that area with the sheet and blanket before moving on to the next area.  I will check in with you several times about the pressure depth and your comfort level, but you are also encouraged to ask questions or to let me know if, at any time, you feel uncomfortable or feel pain.

After Your Treatment

When the hands-on therapy portion of your appointment is done, I will leave the room to wash my hands and give you privacy to re-dress.  After 3-5 minutes, I will return and knock on the door and wait for permission to re-enter the treatment room.  I will then review and demonstrate the home care exercises that I would like you to do after leaving the office to further your healing process.  Home care activities may include: icing, heating, stretching, strengthening, self-massage or breath work.  During this time, you are also encouraged to ask any questions you  may have about your home care, your treatment plan, or follow-up care.

We then take care of payment for the appointment, and if desired, re-book you for a follow-up visit before sending you on to enjoy the rest of your day!