When booking appointments clients often ask, “why is it important to arrive early to my massage session?” Some clients are used to being rushed through medical appointments and do not see the need to arrive 15 minutes early. The truth is, arriving early is for your benefit.
Massage is Medicine, Not a Chore
I believe Massage Therapy is medicinal, therapeutic, and rejuvenating- not exactly words I’d use to describe an oil change. Yet many people treat the session as a chore: running in at the last moment, rushing to get on the table, mind running wild with all the other things they could be doing. For some, it takes the first 30 minutes of the massage before they can begin to relax. Then, the session ends and they are thrown back into the Go-Go-Go of the day. And we wonder why we’re stressed out all the time! Arriving early allows you time to transition from the stress of the outside world and begin to focus on the therapy you are about to begin.
Take Advantage of Free Wellness Information
Part of the therapeutic nature of Studio Q 360 is the time I allow before and after the massage. You are not charged to discuss your needs before the massage, or the time to discuss stretches or self care techniques after the massage. Recently I started receiving massage every two weeks. I take advantage of the intake procedure by asking questions about improving my health, often asking for suggestions to change my body mechanics while performing massage to prevent injury and overuse symptoms.
Every session ends with a discussion of self-care techniques based on my findings during the massage. I walk clients through specific muscle stretches that can help extend the life of your massage, correct posture, and ease pain between sessions. Clients with the highest success rates perform self-care techniques and state the stretches make a world of difference.
Another reason to arrive early is to show respect to the schedule and fellow clients. I am cautious to book appointments with enough time to allow each client the time they need to discuss their concerns. At the same time, there is a change over period needed between clients. I complete paperwork from the previous session, redress the table with clean linens, review client charts, and perform my own self-care techniques to prepare for the next client. If clients run late, this balance can be disrupted, creating a charged atmosphere unbecoming of a massage therapy clinic.
Relaxation Requires Paperwork, too!
Yes, every session starts with a bit of paperwork. This is both for your benefit and mine. Taking the time to consciously fill out medical paperwork in a quiet environment is one of the initial steps towards relaxation. It helps focus your mind on your body by answering simple questions. Your answers help me ask additional questions so that I may tailor the massage to your unique needs- I do not perform a cookie-cutter routine on every body.
Whether you have specific muscles that need attention, or your goal is simple relaxation, arriving early is essential. Mental stress manifests throughout the body in various ways that can be addressed with massage therapy. Identifying personal stress triggers is as important as addressing specific muscle pains.
Below is a handy reference to help clients manage their time when booking a Studio Q 360 massage.
First Time Clients
First time clients have either never visited Studio Q 360 before, or their last appointment was more than 3 months ago. Arrive 30 Minutes prior to your appointment for an Initial Consultation. This includes detailed paperwork outlining your medical history, current medications, current state of being, postural analysis, and time to settle on the table. Plan to spend 15 minutes after the massage discussing self care techniques.
Returning Clients
Returning clients have visited Studio Q 360 in the last 3 months. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. This includes simple paperwork outlining any changes since your last appointment, a brief discussion of your current state, and time to settle on the table. Plan to spend 10 minutes after the massage discussing self care techniques.
Regular Clients
Regulars are defined as weekly/monthly clients. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. This includes simple paperwork outlining any changes since your last appointment, a brief discussion of your current state, and time to settle on the table. Plan to spend 10 minutes after the massage discussing self care techniques.