1. No fragrance zone. Please be mindful of scent and lotion sensitivities that may linger after you are gone. I try to “air out” the room as much as possible, for my own fresh air preference, but other clients have serious allergies to fragrance and are highly sensitive. I strive to have an environment that is conducive to everyone’s relaxation and recovery.
  2. Hygiene matters.  With any health care treatment, especially involving skin to skin contact, hygiene is important – to both of us. You don’t have to shower right before your session, I know you’re busy! I also don’t want you to be self-conscious, so please just use your best judgment.
  3. Be considerate (and professional!) if you can’t make your appointment. Please, please, please don’t “no call, no show.” I am very understanding and I know things come up. Please call me no matter what – even if it’s after the fact. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your professionalism on this matter.
  4. Don’t eat 60 minutes before your appointment. (or eat light) Massage encourages blood flow throughout the body, and potentially away from your core, which is where it likes to go after a meal (it goes to our small intestines to grab nutrients). Massage can disrupt this process, so plan ahead so you can avoid a regular meal before your appointment.
  5. Show up 5-10 minutes early. I try to allow for as much time as possible in between appointments so that I am always ready for you when you arrive. That means I want to hear about how you are doing! I want to have some time to talk and check in to see how I can best support your needs for our upcoming session. I don’t want to rush this important part.
  6. Communicate. I want (and need) to know what’s going on with you each time I see you. Please be sure to communicate any changes in your health as well as anything you think is important (which is just about anything you think of, when it comes to how you feel). Keep communicating with me during your session, too.
  7. Don’t come if you’re sick. This should go without saying, but you might be tempted just to get some relaxation and recovery time on my table. I understand. However, massage could make you worse. Not to mention, you could be contagious and affect not only me, but other clients!
  8. Unplug, if you can. Renewal happens from unplugging during the massage and after.  For your benefit, try to avoid the following: workout, stressful meeting, a tight agenda, hectic travel/driving/etc. We both want you to embrace your treatment and the time you offered yourself to heal.
  9. Be comfortable. You should dress (or undress) only to your comfort level, always. I want you to be as relaxed and comfortable as you can get. That makes my job easier and helps focus your session on your healing and/or recovery.
  10. Hydrate! I can’t stress this one enough! Drink plenty of fluids – especially water, and avoid caffeine and drinks high in sugar.
This is definitely not an exhaustive list, but probably the most common and frequent questions and topics I get asked about as a sports massage therapist. These apply here in Indianapolis as well as all over the country. If you have a question, please feel free to contact me. If you’ve got a recommendation for the list, we are always open to suggestions! Thanks for checking out this post. Feel free to share!-RuppMassage