A stiff neck and shoulders or the strain caused by a hectic schedule may have sent you to see a Massage Therapist in the first instance. Chances are your repeated sessions will be as a result of the overall sense of well-being you experience from this healing bodywork. Although the results can be quite dramatic, clients often fall back into their old habits so the stiffness returns. It took a long time to create the problems and the condition won't be permanently reversed in an hour. However, you'll soon discover that the quality and scope of relief you receive during a treatment is very much in your own hands. Your influence and contribution can boost the benefit of each and every treatment. Here are some tips to receiving maximum benefit from this renewing, relaxing and reviving form of therapy:-

If you arrive early, use the time to unwind. Close your eyes and picture a relaxing scene - be it the beach or a clearing in a forest - and breathe slowly. Relax your shoulders and focus on this calm space. Breathe deeply from your stomach and let these few minutes become a mini sanctuary.

On your first visit be sure to tell me about any chronic conditions, injuries past and present or serious ailments you may carry. Your individual history helps me to create a treatment tailored to your needs. For example, specific neck stretches will help migraine sufferers while Thai stretches will relieve lower back pain. I can ease many conditions, but only if I know of your particular concern.

Tell me what you want to gain from the treatment. This is vital information and means I'll be able to fine tune the treatment to suit your precise needs. Whether you want to reduce anxiety, gain relief from injury, release suppressed emotions or just step off the roundabout for a while; I can target trouble zones and generate solutions. Take the opportunity at the beginning of each session to create your perfect treatment.

At the start of each repeat visit, update me on any new developments - any change in circumstance - which might have an effect on your treatment and your overall well-being. Be clear about whether you'd like some focused attention on tender areas or if you'd like me to avoid sensitive areas completely. If you do request some focus - on a sore shoulder, for example - expect some discomfort as your muscles release. But always let me know if the treatment becomes too uncomfortable.

Your comfort is important throughout the treatment and your body temperature can fluctuate during a massage, so don't hesitate to say something if you are too hot or too cold. Tell me if the room needs to be cooler or if you are easily chilled.

Some clients have difficulty enjoying their massage because they feel self-conscious undressed. Therapists are trained clinicians and, as such, we share the ethics of medical professionals. We are trained to care for each and every body and we are only concerned with your well-being. Please let me know if you are unable to relax and enjoy a massage which requires you to undress. There are many techniques that can be used and adjusted to work through clothing. Discovering what your options are is all part of the massage tailoring process.

Other than occasional dialogue, your massage experience might be a wordless one. Unlike many salons, where continuous chatter seems to be the norm, my massage room is a quiet place. I will be happy to take your lead, but do not feel obliged to make conversation. Enjoy the peace.

Use every session to build your knowledge of massage, to learn what feels good to you and to notice which procedures improve your state of mind. Giving me some feedback at the end of each treatment will help me to build a personal massage profile for you. Also bear in mind that some techniques may suit you at one session and then you'll prefer others at the next.

Bodywork can produce some interesting bodily noises. It's possible with the release of so much tension that your body lets go of trapped wind. Please don't worry if this happens. It's a healthy side effect of massage and nothing to be embarrassed about.

Massage can often have an emotional impact. Some clients find themselves crying during or after a massage. If this happens to you, think of this reaction as a positive one. If you hold a lot of emotion inside, it may be worth combining your massage treatments with keeping a journal to help you understand what is going on for you and what is being released.

Many massages end with the client asleep on the table. So, when your time is up - and that moment always comes far too soon - I will assist you to sit up and gradually bring yourself round. Allow time for a gentle re-entry into real time after the massage and remember to drink plenty of water. Massage will help move toxins from your muscles and you'll want to flush your system of the freed contaminants.

The massage may be over but you will carry the positive effects with you through the next couple of days. Make massage part of your regular routine, and you will get used to feeling good. Over time, holistic massage will play a major part in undoing the damage caused by years of stress, living with pent up emotions and problems created by bad habits of posture.

Make the most of every treatment. You owe it to yourself.