Massage helps in so many ways including stress reduction, relief of sore muscles and cramps, increase blood & lymph circulation, improve overall health and revitalize you, improve immune function, increase mobility, relax tight muscles, speed recovery from sports activities, increase range of motion of joints, and relief from conditions common to older adults such as sleeplessness, constipation and arthritis.

The medical survey is necessary for the therapist to carefully adapt his work to your specific needs. Knowledge of medical conditions such as arthritis, a sprain or fibromyalgia will influence the amount of pressure used. Also, a list of medications is highly desired as these prescriptions can affect your muscles in many ways.

The patient should let the Therapist know immediately if they experience discomfort at any time.

If you are late, the length of your session is reduced to stay on schedule for the next patient.

The patient will need to show up 15 minutes before a massage to complete the medical assessment form, change and be ready. Patients are expected to be clean. If you do not want certain areas worked on, inform your therapist at the start. Also please follow draping procedures for warmth and modesty.

Whether you feel pain or relaxation depends on many factors including your muscle soreness, the pressure used and your pain tolerance. Give feed back during the session often. Tense muscles are often sore and may hurt to massage.

Best Coast Massage wants you to feel completely comfortable at all times so your experience can have as much benefit as possible for you. One common concern is modesty. You will be draped in a sheet and covered at all times. You may choose to be fully or partially clothed under the sheet. Oil is used on your skin to increase the ease with which the therapist can slide over your skin with out chaffing or irritation. Inform the therapist of any allergies you have to ingredients of oils or lotions. Very often a massage will significantly disturb your hair-do and make-up. This is to be expected. If this is not desired at a particular session, tell the therapist to skip your face and head that day.

Massage both before and after an event is very beneficial. A short 15 minute massage before an event helps to warm up muscles. After an event if someone who competes frequently is not allowed to recover fully, they can suffer from Overtraining Syndrome. This is characterized by frequent injuries, altered appetite, increased resting heart rate, apathy and irritability. Massage facilitates recovery though general relaxation and other physiological effects.

The most common type of massage is western massage or Swedish. There is also deep tissue, Reflexology, trigger point massage, sports massage, and acupressure. Speak with your therapist about your goals, be it relaxation, addressing sore muscles, trigger points or other concerns. They will help you select the best type of massage.

Talking is optional, unless you are experiencing pain in which case you should interact with the therapist to meet your needs. Many people prefer a relaxing silence. Others enjoy chatting and social interaction.

The patient will need to show up 15 minutes before a massage to complete the medical assessment form, change and be ready. Patients are expected to be clean. If you do not want certain areas worked on, inform your therapist at the start. Also please follow draping procedures for warmth and modesty.