What Happens During A Swedish Massage Treatment?
Client Consultation & Recording Case Histories
Before treatment begins your therapist will want to take your details to be kept on record and will conduct a 'Client Consultation'. This means that they will ask you a few questions about your health and your reasons for wanting treatment. This is to establish whether the treatment is suitable for you and whether a GP referral is required before treatment commences and to establish whether any special care is required or if the treatment may need to be adapted in some way. Keeping full and accurate records on treatments ensures that the therapist is completely aware of what treatment is required the next time they treat you and can provide continuity of care.
What is a GP Referral?
After the client consultation your therapist may decide that a GP referral is required before treatment can commence. This means that they will send a letter to your GP giving details of the proposed treatment and request a response to ensure that massage would not interfere with any treatment you may be receiving from your GP and that it is compatible with any health issues that you may have. The correspondance between your therapist and GP will be conducted in the strictest confidence and is subject to law under the Data Protection Act.
The Treatment
Your therapist will then leave the room to give you privacy while you undress and make yourself comfortable on the massage plinth. Throughout the whole treatment your therapist will respect your privacy and dignity. Your therapist will then begin the Swedish massage treatment which involves manipulating the muscles using various techniques. The manipulation of the muscles increases circulation and encourages the drainage of lymph. It flushes the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. During massage the ligaments and tendons are stretched which helps to keep them supple. It also stimulates and soothes the nervous system and skin. At the end of the treatment you will be encouraged to take your time before getting up from the plinth and dressing. Your therapist will encourage you to drink a glass of water immediately after massage as it helps to eliminate toxins from the body, the movement of which has been stimulated by the treatment. Your therapist will then discuss with you aftercare advice and any home care that may benefit you.