What turned into a last minute attempt at finding a spot to get a massage, resulted in a session for me at SunPark Spa & Wellness... maybe I should have waited to find another available appointment?
I arrived at the Sunpark Plaza, located just east of the South Calgary Health Center and Macleod Trail south. I found my way to their 3rd floor location, and after checking in and receiving my paperwork, I was escorted to the client lounge. I was also offered to use the showers and steam room, although I had not been informed on the telephone that this was an option, I declined, and filled out my forms and waited for my therapist to come and bring me in for my session. The lounge was a cute little room, with tea and water available, however, it was also right next to some manicurist tables, and what a chatty bunch those were. There were cell phones going off (on loud volume) and some very boistrous chatter. Not too bothersome when sitting in a waiting room.. so I tried to enjoy the comfy couch, and waited in anticipation for my massage.
My therapist arrived in the lounge, and escorted me to the massage room. Much to my disappointment, it was just on the other end of the manicurist room. I kept hoping that the walls were soundproofed, however, I now know way too much about other people's families, the color of their nails, their schedule for the rest of the day, and when people arrived for or left their appointments. Also, for some reason, I have a great ability to have massages less than 30 feet from the main reception area... And it never seems to be a quiet receptionist or receiving area!
After one of the quickest inital interviews that I have ever been a part of, I was left alone to get onto the table. As an instructor for Massage Therapists, we always have discussions as to the importance of the first meeting with a client, the interview and informed consent. If I had not told the therapist that I was therapist, she may have made more of an effort to give me a run down of the protocol and explanations of the upcoming session. Instead, I was just asked what I wanted to have massaged, and then was left to my own devices. Informed consent is what takes the guess work out of meeting a new therapist. Just because I am an RMT, does not mean that I am aware of all other practitioner's protocols, treatment measures, or room set up. This is when a therapist will explain how they perform their massage, how they drape during the session, what they expect from me (feedback, diaphragmatic breathing ect) and their focus during the massage. Without informed consent, I can only assume the therapist's intent, and feel uneasy with what is about to happen, and at my financial cost. Not a good place to be!
The next note is a strong point of contention for me, and anyone who has ever been a student of mine, or has been a client of mine, knows that I take the art of draping very seriously. Draping is the means in which a therapist will tuck, fold or maneouver the linens to ensure that only the area being worked on is uncovered, and to allow the client to feel secure that they are not being exposed (breasts, gluteal/buttock region, groin ect.) What I experienced at this session was an absolute lack of draping.. period. The draping was so dismal that only the outer/lateral 1/3 of the back of my thigh was addressed due to poor technique, and the lack of draping!! Another huge benefit to effective draping is that is also maintains a bit of body temperature for the client, and can be the difference between a decent temperature and drafty cold. Although this room was not cold, it was cool, and even if the sheets did maintain some of my body temperature, the ineffective draping allowed cool air to chill my body, and when I was turning over from my stomach to my back, the therapist lifted the sheet so high that any built up heat vanished. So disappointing!!
I think that this whole massage experience was only more of a let down since I had been looking forward to a massage for so long, having missed my chance at a session last month, that I was trying to find the good.. any good that would come from this appointment. I am trying hard to remember a good thing.
The technique was overly repetitive, very fast rate, poor draping, noisy environment, cool temperature, annoying music, greasy oil, uncomfortable table... this was not what I was expecting from a spa environment.
Hopefully, and probably, there are those out there who have been to SunPark Spa & Wellness, and have enjoyed their experience. This is what makes massage a personal and unique experience. You get to choose your therapist, the location... and you get what you want...
This is not even close to what I would have liked to have experienced, that is for sure!
