Common Experiences
Massage sessions can take place in many settings. The more common include hospitals, private offices, nursing homes, hospice, sports and fitness facilities, spas, and in clients' homes. A session may have a primary focus of relaxation or of treating a particular problem (usually referred to as therapeutic massage).
A typical session involves a brief medical history with a chief complaint, past medical and surgical history. The therapist may then do a brief examination to assess basic body structure, posture, range of motion, gait, and breathing patterns.
During the treatment, the patient is either loosely clothed or draped to expose only the area being massaged. Massage oil or lotion is frequently used. Most therapists try to create a calming environment.
