Hands
The most important piece of equipment is the massage therapist's hands. They must be clean, nails trimmed, and ready for action. These sensitive tools will read your muscles and tell the massage therapist where tight muscles and trigger points lay. Also, they can detect any abnormalities that may present during the massage. The hands plus communication between client and therapist are crucial in any type of massage. The therapist may also use elbows, wrists and forearms as well.
Also, in addition to the hands and upon request, you can have the therapist use plastic gloves for what ever reason you may have. Often gloves are used as a barrier in case there is lost of skin intergrity of either client or therapist such as cuts or open areas. Gloves can also be used for people who need work or are squemish about skin-to-skin contact from others. Types of pressure used: light, medium and heavy (or deep)

Communication
Talking during the massage is optional and depends on the desires of the client. Silence or conversation are both perfectly fine. Just note that, during a relaxation massage, you may find that general chatter may detract from the experiance. The client should absolutly give feedback to the therapist in reguard to their comfort level and needs.

Table
The therapist's table is specially made, is comfortable and has an adjustable headrest. Help the therapist by telling her if you feel comfortable with the head rest. You may opt out for using it and a pillow or other support can be used for your neck.

Chair
Like the table, the chair is specially made, is very comfortable and is adjustable over all. The chair is generally strattled with feet held off the floor and the head in a head rest just like the table. The back is exposed and, usually, massage is given to head, neck, shoulders, arms and back.

Draping
Sheets, towels and blankets are used to secure privacy, keep in warmth and to create a boundary between you and your therapist to help you feel safe. You can opt to keep some of your clothing on, (usually underwear) just keep in mind that cloth impedes many of the swedish techniques and will be replaced by compression techniques. Also, be aware that some lotions may stain cloths you keep on if they come in contact.
Types of drapes: full (for the shy) and side drape (entire left or right side of body exposed)

Massage Lotions, Oils, Creams
Scented and unscented, (depending on what the therapist has availabe at the time) these creams, oils and lotions take away any friction between the contact of hands and skin. Some are even medicated and used for sore muscles or to distract the mind during deeper work.

Massage Tools
Used in conjunction with the hands, the tools relieve the hands of the therapist while also giving the ability to delve deep into soft tissue and relaxed muscles. This also includes hot and cold therapy use such as hot stone and warm bamboo.

Music
It soothes the mind and blocks out any of the unwanted outside noises that may other wise distract you from your relaxation. You are welcome to bring in any soothing music that you want or music can be provided for you.

Bolsters
Bolsters are pillows, ready-made bolsters or rolled cloth that is use to support your limbs and body as you relax. They give comfort and give access to certain areas of the body to the therapist as they work.

Books
The therapist has plenty of books at her disposable and in the cases of trigger point therapy may use them to better plan her approach to your problem muscles.