What to Expect for Your First Massage

A massage is generally intended to be a calm and relaxing experience. However, if it’s your first massage, you may feel a little apprehensive. 
Let me help with that uncertainty by sharing some information about what to expect. You’ll be able to walk into your first massage feeling confident!

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Expect Communication
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When you book your appointment, you’ll fill out an intake form including information about yourself, your health history, and what your body may experience on a daily basis. Your clear and honest answers will help me perform the best massage possible for you. 

Expect several questions at your first massage appointment. I may need to know a little bit more about your health history.
 
We’ll also talk about why you’re coming in for a massage and what your goals are for the session. Are you having pain? Do you need to 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, or on your side) 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. 
 
I’ll leave the room so you can undress, get on the massage table (it’s super cozy), and get comfortable under the sheet & blanket.
 
Movies and TV shows often show massage clients naked on a table with just a tiny towel for draping, and that is rarely 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 by adjusting or adding pillows or bolsters. I will ask about the temperature of the table and ask if you’d like the warmer turned up or down. Don’t be afraid to adjust and fidget as needed during the massage to stay comfy. 
 
It’s awesome if you can let your body relax and sink into the table. If I need to move your arms or legs, etc, I prefer to do the work! This takes practice, and you’ll probably try to help me. And I’ll try to remind you. ;)
 
It’s really important for you to tell me if any massage techniques I use cause pain. Pain is not okay.
There is likely to be a certain level of discomfort and ‘hurts-so-good’ sensation if we’re working on a problem area. And 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 get too warm or too cold, if the face cradle needs adjusting, if you are not comfortable on the table, if you need another pillow, or if you just hate the music! (I do take music requests)
 
I’ll let you know when the massage is over and then leave the room so you can slowly get up and dressed.

 
Expect Some Final Instructions
 
Depending of the kind of work we did, you should generally expect to feel mellow and relaxed after your massage. You may also feel like you can move a little easier. 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. If you’d like, 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 decrease in pain, or it might take a day or two before you feel that relief. 
 

You’ve already made the first step in making the most of your first massage by learning what to expect. Next, when you come in, you can ask all the questions you like! That way we can make sure you feel comfortable before, during, and after the session.

See you at your first massage! :)