Your first remedial massage appointment: what to wear, bring and ask

For your first remedial massage appointment, wear comfortable clothing and ask whether the therapist will need access to the area troubling you. Have your health history and medicine details ready. Ask about the proposed approach, privacy, covering and pressure. You can change your mind about treatment or ask to stop. Healthdirect explains informed consent.

Before you book

Tell the clinic it is your first visit and why you are considering massage. Ask which appointment is suitable, how long to allow and the fee. Mention any access or communication needs.

If you are trying massage for symptoms of a health condition, speak to your doctor first. Pregnancy, recent surgery and other medical circumstances can affect suitability. Healthdirect's massage guide explains why checking first matters.

See remedial massage at our Prestons clinic and our fees page. Confirm current appointment details with the clinic. If you hope to claim a rebate, check eligibility for your appointment and therapist with the clinic and your health fund.

What information should you bring?

A note on your phone can help you remember:

• Where you feel symptoms, when they began and anything that seems to change them.
• Relevant health conditions, injuries, operations or other recent procedures.
• Medicines you take, and any advice or restrictions from a health professional already caring for you.
• What you want to discuss, including any areas you do not want touched.

Healthdirect advises that the discussion before massage should cover health history, medicines, current problems and consent. Read its appointment guidance.

Ask whether to bring any existing reports or instructions from another practitioner, and how the clinic would like to receive them.

What should you wear, and will you need to undress?

Wear clothes you can move in and, if you agree, show the affected area without changing your whole outfit.

Ask: “Can treatment be done with my clothes on?” Before agreeing to move or remove clothing, ask what access is needed, why, and what alternatives there are.

Privacy questions are reasonable, too:

• How would the rest of my body be covered while an area is treated?
• What are the arrangements if I need to change clothes?
• Can I have a support person present, and how would that work?

NSW practitioner standards include protecting privacy and respecting informed choices. NSW Health Care Complaints Commission: Code of Conduct.

If you prefer a female practitioner, you can read about Linda Toutai and call to confirm her current availability and whether the appointment suits your needs.

Consent and pressure: say what works for you

You can agree to treatment in one area while declining it in another. Tell the therapist about any boundaries before starting, and speak up if they change. You can ask for a pause or withdraw consent during the session. Healthdirect: informed consent.

For pressure preferences, plain words work: “Please start gently,” or “That feels too strong.” Ask how to signal discomfort and adjust pressure. You do not need to endure something uncomfortable because you booked a massage.

What should be discussed before treatment?

Ask which areas the therapist proposes to treat, why, and about possible risks and alternatives. Practitioners should work within their training and experience and have a clinical basis for treatment. NSW Health Care Complaints Commission: practitioner standards.

For background on the service, see our remedial massage guide. At the appointment, keep the discussion specific to you:

• Is massage suitable given my health history and current symptoms?
• Is there anything you need me to check with my doctor first?
• What should make us pause or change the approach?
• What should I look out for afterwards, and who should I contact if I am concerned?

If further appointments are suggested, ask why, how progress would be assessed and when the plan would be reviewed.

When to seek medical advice instead

Massage does not replace medical care. If you suspect a fracture, or have a rash, wound or skin infection in the area you want treated, seek medical advice before going ahead. Better Health Channel: massage safety considerations.

Some symptoms need urgent help. If back pain comes with loss of feeling or movement in your limbs, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowel, call 000 for an ambulance. Healthdirect: back pain.

If you are unsure what care you need, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for nurse advice. Healthdirect's support service.

Ask about your first appointment

Call Prestons Injury Therapy on (02) 8119 7163 or contact the clinic. Confirm any particular privacy arrangements or practitioner preferences before booking.

The clinic is at Unit 4/135 Kurrajong Road, Prestons, with entry via Lyn Parade.