Getting the most out your appointment - 10 tips.

Here's some helpful tips on how to maximise what you get out of your appointments at Equilibrium Pain Management Coaching & Massage Therapy.

1. Before your first appointment, consider what your needs are to help you decide whether my approach suits you. Is it massage therapy or pain management coaching you are after? Therapists vary in style and experience, so research how I work—check my website, ask about my specialties, and feel free to ask questions. This helps ensure we're a good fit.

   
   

2. Choose the ideal session and duration, to ensure your treatment fits your needs. Refer to the appointment descriptions for guidance if needed.

   
   

3. Make sure you schedule your appointment in your calendar with reminders, to avoid conflicts or forgetting—this time is you have set aside for your own wellbeing. Reminders to yourself help you prioritise that time.

   
   

4. Decide what you'd like us to focus on. This is your appointment, so tell me about your needs for the most effective treatment. Take a moment before or on your way to your appointment to consider what your body requires—we’ll get better results.

   
   

5. Arrive promptly at your scheduled appointment time. This ensures you get the full duration. Sessions cannot be extended beyond the booked time.

   
   

6. Turn your mobile phone to silent before we begin. This ensures there are no unnecessary distractions for you during the session, allowing you to tune into your body and the treatment.

   
   

7. Please note that your session is personalised for you. I do not use a uniform approach for all clients. Previous experiences with massage therapy may have involved commencing treatment without an initial consultation, resulting in identical therapies regardless of individual need. My practice differs in that I dedicate time at the beginning of each session to discuss how you are currently feeling, and since your last visit, as well as any recent changes or concerns that are important to share. Communicating updates, including new injuries, exacerbations, medications, or diagnoses, is crucial; this information assists me in delivering safe and tailored treatment to best meet your needs.

   
   

8. Communicate with me throughout the session to ensure your needs are met. While I am attentive and strive to observe carefully during treatment, I cannot discern your preferences without your input. I will ask relevant questions during our time together; however, it is equally important that you share information as well. Kindly let me know if the technique or pressure does not suit you at any point, if you feel too warm or cool, or if there are specific areas you would like me to focus on or avoid during the session.

   
   

9. Use the self-management strategies provided as part of your treatment—these are included in your session fee. My support continues beyond the massage table, and these tools help you manage pain, recovery, and wellbeing between sessions. Your actions outside our 60-90 minutes together can play a crucial role in your pain management, injury rehabilitation and mental wellbeing.

   
   

10. Provide me with feedback on the previous session. If there were aspects you found especially helpful—such as self-management strategies—or if certain elements did not meet your needs, please let me know. Your input will help me assess what is effective and identify areas for modification, enabling me to better tailor treatment to your individual requirements.