Initial Appointment - what to expect

There is a lot of ground to cover in an initial appointment with any healthcare professional.  Every massage therapist and client/patient has different experiences and expectations they bring to the table.  Here is what to expect during your initial appointment at Massage Pit Stop.

An initial appointment at MPS is typically 90 minutes, broken down like this:

30 mins intake, 45 mins massage, 15 mins for transitions.

30 minutes of detailed intake

We will discuss:

  • Your health history, including injuries and surgeries
  • Your goals and preferences for massage
  • Health concerns or disease history that might require modifications/accommodations or a referral to a specialist
  • Anything else you want me to know about you
  • Informed consent and my policies

45 minutes of personalized massage

45 minutes of hands-on time is considered a "therapeutic hour" and is close to the amount of hands-on work in a 60 minute appointment booked at most spas and some clinics.  

If you want more hands-on time, it will make the appointment longer.  I can accommodate that, as long as you are okay with giving me more of your precious time.

During the massage, depending on your goals and needs:

  • I will ask questions regarding pressure and pain
  • I will make sure you are comfortably positioned and draped
  • I can hand you things like your phone, tissues, cough drops, or water, if needed (it happens sometimes)
  • I may ask if there is anything you want me to go back to, or what area of the body you would like for me to work on during the last few minutes

15 minutes of transition time for disrobing, dressing, a transaction and rescheduling

This is my friendly reminder that you do not have to disrobe for a massage if you don't want to.  If you do, it will take a little time to disrobe before and get dressed after.

I also build that extra time in so we can complete a transaction after the massage and schedule another appointment.