What to Expect At Your First Massage

A massage is intended to be a calm and relaxing experience. But if it’s your first massage, you may feel a little trepidation. Don’t let that hold you back. With a little information about what to expect, you’ll walk into your first massage feeling like a confident pro!

Expect Communication

Expect a lot of questions at your first massage appointment. I’ll need to know a little bit about your health history and what your goals are for that session. You will fill out a short intake form the day of your session, and that will givve me much of what I need. But feel free to check in while I'm working if something pops into your head. If you're not sure about something, we can talk through it. I've been doing this for a long time, we'll figure it out. Your clear and honest answers will help create the best massage possible for you. 

We’ll talk about why you’re coming in for a massage and what your goals are for the session. Are you having pain? Do you just need to unplug and relax?

I’ll show you the massage room and walk you through the process. We’ll decide what to prioritize and how you should lay on the table (face up or face down) before the massage.  

Expect to Dress or Undress to Your Level of Comfort

What does that mean exactly? Many people worry about having to be undressed for their massage. 

Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, what you wear is entirely up to you. Simply put: you can leave your underwear on or take them off. If you prefer to be fully clothed, that's okay too, I jsut ask that you wear loose fitting comfortable clothings like yoga pants or sweats and a cotton shirt. I have been trained in many different sytles of massage and I will be sure to use the right combination for your particular needs. 

I’ll leave the room so you may undress, get on the massage table (it’s super-cozy), and get comfortable under the draping sheet & blanket.

Movies and TV shows always show massage clients naked on a table with just a tiny towel for draping. That’s not what real massage draping looks like! I use sheets that cover your whole body. You’ll stay covered throughout the massage, I’ll only undrape the part of your body that I am massaging right then. 

Expect More Communication

When I come back into the room, I’ll help you get comfortable with pillows or bolsters. Don’t be afraid to adjust and fidget as needed during the massage to stay cozy. 

It’s great if you can let your body relax and sink into the table. If I need to move your arms or legs, etc, I’ll do the work! This takes practice, you’ll probably try to help me. I’ll remind you if need be. Your job is to just let go and act like a lazy floppy cat. 

It’s really important for you to tell me if any massage techniques I use cause pain. Pain is not okay. There may be a certain level of discomfort and ‘good ache’ if we’re working on a problem area. It’s important that you tell me about that, too, so we can tailor the massage to be most effective without causing injury. 

I’ll check in with you as we go, but please speak up if you become too warm or too cool, if you are not comfortable on the table, or need another pillow, or if you just hate the music!

I’ll tell you when the massage is over and leave the room so you can slowly get up and dressed. 

Expect Some Final Instructions

You should expect to feel mellow and relaxed after your massage. [OR WHATEVER IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR WORK] We’ll talk about how you feel and I may show you some self care stretches or share some tips to keep you feeling great between appointments. We can also talk about how frequently you may want to get massage to keep on feeling great.

If we addressed pain issues, you may immediately feel a reduction in pain, or it may take a day or two before you feel that relief. 

You can make the most of your first massage by knowing what to expect and asking all the questions you like so you can feel cozy before, during and after the massage. I am available via text, email, or a phone call before and after your appointment. I'm happy to help answer any questions you have. 

See you at your first massage!