Whether this is your very first massage or just your first time visiting our clinic, we want to ensure that you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare for your massage therapy appointment at Active Back Care.

It’s a good idea to plan to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before your massage is scheduled. This allows room for unexpected traffic delays and means you’re more likely to start your massage in a relaxed frame of mind, as opposed to arriving frazzled and stressed at the last minute. You’ll be asked to fill out a personal history form before your first visit, so allowing a few extra moments means you won’t lose any time from the massage itself. We recommend that you wear loose-fitting clothes that will be comfortable to wear home and won’t be damaged by massage oils. Although we use the highest quality water based products in our clinic, some of the oils may remain on the surface of your skin for several hours after your treatment.

Once you meet your massage therapist, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the specifics of your treatment, including your goals for the massage and any specific preferences, including areas that you may wish us to avoid.

Your therapist will leave the room to allow you time to undress and get comfortable on the massage table before he or she returns, notifying you with a friendly knock before entering the room.

You can expect your massage therapist to begin gently and gradually increase the intensity of the massage, using a variety of techniques that may include stretching, kneading, gliding, friction, percussion, and myofascial release.

Throughout the process, your massage therapist will welcome your feedback. If at any time you feel discomfort or pain, he or she can adjust the techniques to suit your comfort level. If you feel chilled or too warm during your massage, your therapist can supply additional blankets and towels, or remove them as needed.

Although most clients report feelings of wellness and relief from pain, you may also experience some discomfort or an adjustment period after a massage. Remember to be gentle with yourself for the next day or two, and drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and stimulate the release of tension from your body.

Details of your medical history can be very helpful in allowing your therapist to customize the massage to your unique needs. If you have any aches, pains, strains, or injuries, discuss them with your therapist. The same goes for allergies or sensitivities to massage oils.

Certain prescriptions and injuries are contraindicated with massage. We also need to know if you are or might be pregnant or if you’ve had any recent accidents or surgeries. We’ll cover these questions and others on our intake form, which your massage therapist will carefully review before beginning your session. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please make sure to raise them when you meet your therapist.

For most types of massage, you shouldn’t feel any soreness after your session. However, you may feel a certain awareness of your body. Areas that were especially tense or strained may feel sensitive, but pain is not the norm after a massage. We recommend drinking plenty of water and taking it easy for the first two or three days after your session.

We recommend that you undress to your underpants, but you can remove or wear whatever clothes make you comfortable during your session. While your therapist is in the room, you will be draped with sheets and/or towels to maintain your privacy and comfort.

Only the area being massaged will be uncovered, and private areas remain draped at all times. We recommend that any clothing you plan to leave on during your massage is comfortable and unrestrictive. Jewelry should be removed at the start of your session.

You make the choice of whether to talk with your therapist or just relax in silence during your session. Some clients prefer total quiet, while others like to maintain a dialogue with the massage therapist about their pain tolerance and sensations during the treatment. Your therapist will usually not initiate conversation, but feel free to ask any questions during the session or request a change in pressure, room temperature, or ambient music. If you are coming to see us for sports massage or remedial massage, dialogue is helpful in adjusting our treatment to suit your comfort level and pain threshold.

It’s usually a good idea to eat lightly before a massage, but there’s no need for you to fast or eat differently than normal on the day of your appointment. You’re likely to feel hungry after a massage, though, so it’s a good idea to plan to eat a ubstantial meal shortly after your session.

It’s important to honor your body’s needs, but we generally require at least 24 hours notice to reschedule an appointment without charging for a missed session. Please contact us immediately if you feel you may need to cancel or change your appointment time. We recommend that you reschedule if you are experiencing nausea, dizziness, fever, chest pains, or if you suspect you may be contagious.

Each of our massage therapists joins our team with existing skills and certifications in one or more massage techniques. In addition, we offer continuing education and reviews to ensure that our therapists maintain and expand their skills to serve you better.

Yes, we have both male and female massage therapists, though not necessarily in every type of massage. Please inform us of your preference (if you have one) while booking your session. We will always do our best to accommodate you, based on the availability of our therapists and the type of massage you select.