You will be required to fill out a consultation, or health history form. Your therapist will ask you several questions in order to establish the treatment plan and the areas to work on.

There will be a discussion about your expectations and desired outcomes from the treatment, or any conditions that need to be addressed. If the massage does not seem appropriate for your needs, we can have a conversation about what may be changed. Your therapist may also conduct certain assessments or testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.

It is very important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. As such, it is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if a different oil or lotion is to be used during the session.

For most massage therapy, you should undress to the level you are comfortable with.

For a full body massage, you are required to leave your boxers/pants on, or change into a disposable underwear. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as he/she can. Certain massage may require you to be completely undressed. Your therapist will give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table.

Do note that certain massage therapy requires you to stay fully clothed, such as Thai Yoga Massage.

This is called draping and most therapists will insist on draping. In most cases, as a professional manner, you are required to stay on the massage table under the drape. The therapist will only uncover the areas being work on.

The genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) will not be uncovered. If the therapist is going to work on a woman's abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts, so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen.

The average full-body massage treatment usually lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour or 45 minutes appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60 to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation.

Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

Healing crises are symptoms that can occur during or after the massage treatment. You should not be alarmed, as the symptoms will subside in no time.

These may include: emotional outburst, itching, erythema, aching/tenderness, bruising, headaches, dizziness, nausea, flu-like symptoms, thirst or sudden urge for toilet.

If you have any concerns, or should the symptoms last longer than 48 hours, please reach out to your therapist.

This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that doesn't probe very deep into the muscles shouldn't hurt.

With that being said, there is a 'feels good' hurt and an 'ouch, stop it' hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the 'feels good' hurt range.

Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it.

This depends on how your body react to the treatment. Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days. Other possible effects may be sleepiness or disorientation.

If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day - much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower, or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness.

After your session you should increase your water intake. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy

"Some is better than none." It varies from person to person. If it's for some occasional relaxation, one session every 3-6 weeks may be suitable for you.

However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, it is recommended to have a treatment more frequently at first and then gradually space it out to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute to 1 hour sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.

Discuss with your therapist after your treatment about the frequency of your treatment as he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues

Sure, if you'd like to talk you can. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many therapists discourage talking in hopes that you will relax.

In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation.

The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. If your therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her/him know immediately. Also, let him/her know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you - speak up! It's OK!

No. You don't have to if you don't want to!

While many therapists play slower, quieter, 'new age' type music, you can choose to have different music or no music at all. Studies have shown that music at under 60 beats-per-minute has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and therefore can enhance your experience.

However, while this may be true, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be listened to while you get a massage. If it relaxes you and you enjoy it at home, why wouldn't it do the same during your treatment? Ask your therapist what music he/she has to offer or if it is ok to bring your own from home.

This varies and depends on the circumstances.

Every person is unique and every condition is unique to each person. It may take one session or it may take several. You and your therapist will be able to talk more specifically about this after your first session and he/she has had a chance to evaluate your body's tissues.

Contra-indications are conditions which would prevent you from having a treatment. These include fever, cold/flu, or severe contagious skin diseases, acute inflammation, sickness and diarrhoea, or intoxication. Please consult your therapist if you have any concerns. Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs. There are several other conditions that may require your therapist to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is advisable to get approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get massage, but it is better to be safe.

Sometimes it happens. Yet, most men avoid massage for fear this will happen to them. Or, they get a massage but are unable to relax because of this fear. But there is no reason to be embarrassed. Sometimes men get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic, full body massage. Touch administered to any part of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can result in a partial or complete erection. An educated, professional massage therapist understands this and it will not be an issue for him/her. If you are still concerned, I recommend wearing more fitted underwear (briefs or boxer briefs) which provide more support than traditional boxers. Note: If the therapist feels that the session has turned sexual for the client, male or female, he/she may stop the session to clarify the client's intent, and may decide to end the session immediately.

Make yourself comfortable!

If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.

Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

'NO' is the answer. It is a myth that male therapists give deeper massages than female therapists. While some men may give a deeper massage, there are men that prefer to not work so deep. The same holds true for women.

This depends on the style, training, and therapist preference. Some therapists prefer not to give really deep sessions while others specialize in this area. If you want a deep massage, it is best to ask the therapist to increase the pressure or if she/he does this type of work. During your session you can give the therapist feedback if you would like a lighter/deeper pressure. It's your treatment! And remember, massage does not have to hurt to be effective.