35 msfocusmagazine.org finding a person who best suits your needs. And when you find one, talk to your new therapist about your concerns. People who are particularly sensitive to touch or have spasticity and muscle tension may wish to start out with only gentle massage techniques and work up to more vigorous approaches. At Your Session Massage therapists are just that: therapists. Take a few minutes before each session to tell the therapist how you are feeling, not just physically, but also emotionally. Because our bodies hold tension, shoulder or neck strain, for example, might not solely be caused by something physical. It does help a therapist to be aware of anything underlying emotionally, as well as anything physical that might be causing soreness. There might be a place on your body that isverysensitive orsore, possiblyafterreceiving an infusion, from exertion, or as a result of an injury. Please letyourtherapist knowbefore you begin your session. Also, while receiving the massage, make sure to communicate with the therapist so they can adjust what they are doing and not cause you any pain or discomfort. If during your session you feel unwell or uncomfortable,alertyourtherapistimmediately. Youwon’t hurt theirfeelings. Good,well-trained therapists are alert and can feel when you tense up. They might ask you questions. It is most important to be honest and make them aware of any sensations you get. You are in a vulnerable space when on a massage table. It requires trust and not just your trust. It also helps when the therapist can trust you are sharing how you are feeling with them. After-effects Massage is like a passive form of exercise for your muscles. Just like working out and exercising, the first time or two might be followed by some slight soreness the next day. After a couple of sessions, our muscles typically become more pliable and adapt to being manipulated. Make note of how you feel after the massage and the following days, and share this with your massage therapist. The goal of massage therapy is to improve your wellness, so help your therapist know what is working and what isn’t by observing any differences you feel.