preparing for your
SM (structural medicine) session
dress code
SM is performed on a massage table, with a fitted sheet and no top sheet. There is no draping done in a SM session. Clients should wear full coverage underwear or athletic shorts and a sports bra (when applicable) that they are comfortable moving in. You will be on and off the table during testing and treatment and positioned in supine, prone, side lying, hook lying and other various positions during the session.
awareness
SM is an opportunity for nuromuscular reeducation. During treatment, you will often be prompted to move the body slowly and with intention, the purpose of which is to help functional movement education return to the tissue. As we have learned, tissue also stores emotion and releasing areas can sometimes lead to important dialogue and discoveries. Please limit distractions during your appointment when possible.
hydration
in order to gain as much benefit from your session as possible, it is important that you are hydrated. Properly hydrated tissue moves and molds better! Not to mention it helps deep tissue tolerance and improves recovery time. Please make sure you are properly hydrated DAYS before (and after) your session to optimize your experience. And bring a water bottle to your appointment!
Click here for hydration considerations from Harvard Medical School
breaks
I encourage body autonomy!
Please speak up for your needs. Are you comfortable in the position you're in? Skip this song? Too hot or cold? Need a restroom break? Need a moment hands off?
Please, never hesitate to ask for
what you need :)
nourishment
similar to hydration, your body and brain needs fuel to repair tissue and integrate change. This being said, a large meal is ill advised prior to any bodywork session. Big meals direct blood from your musculoskeletal system to your organs to aid digestion. Therefore a decent nutrient dense meal 1-2 hours before your session is best.
On the go? A nutrition bar is a
fine option in a pinch.
after your session
SM can be profound. Hydration, nourishment, and possibly a day off from training is bio-individual (different for everybody).
Continue your awareness after your session and be honest with yourself about what your body needs.
From personal experience, moderate to intense exercising too soon after a particularly intense session is not great. I recommend a 5-10 minute "body awareness walk" after a session to integrate and "check in" with how you're feeling.