As a board-certified massage therapist in Huntington Beach, my top priority is ensuring your session is safe, effective, and tailored specifically to your needs. To do this, I rely on you – the client – to provide a complete and accurate health history. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a vital part of planning your treatment. The more I know about you, the better I can make your massage experience.
1. Current and Past Health Conditions
Sharing your full health picture is crucial for your safety and to determine the appropriate techniques. Certain conditions require modifications or contraindications (reasons to avoid) for specific massage work.
- Chronic Pain and Musculoskeletal Issues: Mention conditions like fibromyalgia, sciatica, joint replacements, or recent injuries. This guides me to the areas that need focused attention and helps me select techniques – whether that’s deep tissue for muscle tension or myofascial release for connective tissue.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: If you are managing conditions like high or low blood pressure, heart disease, or have a history of blood clots (DVT), this is essential. Certain techniques, pressure, or positions can affect circulation and blood pressure.
- Contagious Illnesses: For the safety of the therapist and other clients, if you have a fever, cold, flu, or any contagious skin condition, you must inform us. We will almost certainly need to reschedule your appointment.
2. Current Medications
Please provide a complete list of prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements on your health history questionnaire. Medications can significantly impact how your body responds to massage.
- Blood Thinners/Anticoagulants: Medications like these require a therapist to use very light pressure, as deep work could cause bruising or tissue damage.
- Pain Relievers and Muscle Relaxers: These can temporarily alter your perception of pain. If you take them right before a massage, you might not notice excessive pressure until after the session, which can lead to soreness the next day.
- Blood Pressure Medication: Massage is inherently relaxing and can lower blood pressure. Knowing you are on medication allows me to monitor you more closely, especially when changing positions (e.g., sitting up after the session).
3. Allergies and Sensitivities
We use various products that might contain allergens. To prevent skin reactions or respiratory issues:
- Product Ingredients: Tell your therapist about any known allergies to nuts (e.g., almond oil), seeds, essential oils, or synthetic fragrances. We can then use an hypoallergenic alternative, such as fractionated coconut oil or unscented lotion.
- Latex or Environmental Allergies: Knowing about severe environmental allergies helps us ensure the linens and the room environment are comfortable for you.
4. Your Pain Tolerance and Pressure Preference
The most common mistake clients make is enduring painful pressure without speaking up. Communication is key to getting the results you want.
- Be Specific About Pressure: Tell me if you prefer light, medium, or deep pressure. What feels “deep” to one person might feel “light” to another.
- The Difference Between “Good Pain” and “Bad Pain”: While working out knots can sometimes be intense (often called ‘therapeutic discomfort’ or ‘good pain’), it should never feel sharp, stabbing, or cause you to hold your breath. If you feel this kind of “bad pain,” you must speak up immediately so I can adjust.
- If You Like Intense Work: Conversely, if you tolerate and desire intense, deep-tissue work, let me know! I will match the pressure to your request, while always remaining within a safe and therapeutic range.
5. Your Massage Goals and History
Tell me why you booked your appointment and what your history is with massage.
- Your Primary Goal: Are you seeking stress reduction, relief from a specific headache, or recovery from a recent athletic event? Your goals dictate the focus, style (e.g., Swedish, sports, or relaxation), and duration of the treatment.
- Your Experience Level: While it’s true that a client who has had many massages might tolerate more intense work, your experience level simply helps me gauge how much explanation and introductory work (like Swedish techniques) you might need during your first session at IRIE Massage Therapy & Bodywork.
🌟 Conclusion: Your Health is Our Partnership
Your massage session is a partnership. By providing a comprehensive and honest health history, you are giving me all the “tools” I need to customize a safe, effective, and deeply relaxing experience.
Don’t hold back information out of shyness or a desire to “be polite.” Your well-being is the only thing that matters. Let’s work together to make your next massage the best one yet!
Ready for a Customized & Safe Massage Experience?
Book your therapeutic session with IRIE Massage Therapy & Bodywork today!
Click here to view our services and schedule your appointment online: https://www.massagebook.com/therapists/irie
If you have specific health questions before booking or are unsure of what health history needs to be shared, please don’t hesitate to call us at 949-287-8874. We look forward to working with you! We are conveniently located in Huntington Beach at 16168 Beach Blvd #111 in the Huntington Executive Park near Bella Terra and the 405.