Your First Massage - What to Expect

To this day, massage therapy is a worldwide sought-after service, for various reasons. Whether for pure enjoyment or for therapeutic benefits or a bit of both, massage therapy assists people and sometimes animals in feeling amazing.
While every massage modality is a little different, and every therapist may have slight variations - here is a general overview of what should happen.

Before your appointment
First, google massage places in the area. Look at reviews. See what services the therapist offers. Every therapist is different. Some excel at a Swedish relaxing massage, others deep tissue, and still others deep pressure. (Soon I’ll have a post up about the difference between Deep Pressure versus Deep Tissue) Some therapists are specialized in various modalities such as Pre/Postnatal, Geriatric, Myofascial Release, Heated Bamboo, and many others.

After you find the therapist that fits your needs, make your appointment - whether it be through an online scheduling system, over the phone, or through text/email. Most therapists book out a week or two out, they might have a cancellation list for an appointment sooner, but just be aware of this.

Walking into your appointment

It’s now the day of your massage! Be prepared to arrive at your appointment 10-15 minutes early. After the first visit, 5- 10 minutes is fine. This is standard anytime you change to a new place. This is to fill out client intake forms. Some forms are simple - 1 page, some might be a few pages. This is dependent on what sort of Massage Therapist you are seeing. All therapists need basic information:

Full name
Phone number
Email address
Health history
Medications
The goal of your session
Pressure preference (Light, Medium, Firm, or Combo)
Areas to focus on

The health history and medications are important for your appointment. Some medications have interactions, or affect you, so we need to be aware to keep you safe. Health history is important because some conditions are contraindicated for massage, either localized or all around. This is for your protection, as therapists we want you to be safe, and if that means that you can’t have your massage until a later date, this is important. Noting surgeries might help because it might mean there are restrictions in the muscles or tendons and we might approach an area differently if we have that information.

Some therapists have a more detailed intake form, these therapists are usually more experienced in specific treatments or they need a better understanding of your health history. Please do not skimp on this information.

Heading into the room
The therapist, after looking over your paperwork, will introduce themselves, ask if you need to use the restroom or get some water, and then escort you to the room. They should go over important pieces of your intake, clarify or get more information. This is where the therapist should ask, or you should indicate vocally where you would like them to focus. Typically, 1 or 2 areas of focus at max should be mentioned. In a session, we only have so much time to work, and as much as we know you would love detailed work everywhere on the body, this is usually not possible in one session. You may select a longer appointment, if the therapist offers it on their services or if they have time. The therapist should manage expectations and be clear on the game plan of the massage. What I usually do is ask if they would like me to do a balanced massage even timing for the whole body, to take time away from the less concerning areas and just fluff over them while spending most of the time on the crucial areas, or lastly, just do compressions on the less concerning areas and spend all of the time on crucial areas. I allow the client to choose what they are needing for that session. I want us to both be on the same page regarding their massage.

Another thing they should direct you about is how much to undress. It should always be to your comfort level. Most people dress down to their underwear, but if you would like to bring shorts in that can be moved up to get to your thighs that’s okay as well as leaving your bra or a tank. Just be aware that the more you leave on, the less work the therapist can do. If you leave most of your clothes on, usually just compressions and some petrissage(kneading) work can be done. No one should ever force you to dress down completely if you are uncomfortable. I have worked with a client who left his entire clothes on and I had to accommodate him, because of his comfort. This is your massage, you need to trust and be comfortable with it.

Now, it’s time to get on the table, the therapist to let you know where to lay and whether you should be face up or face down. The face cradle is an indicator. If it is UP that you should be laying on your stomach, if the face cradle is DOWN you should be laying on your back. Please wait for the therapist to leave the room before disrobing, as well as don’t take your time. The longer you take to get on the table, the less time the therapist has to work on you. Please silence your phone, so it doesn’t distract you or the therapist, as well as others that may be receiving services nearby. You should be UNDER both the sheet and blanket. (Linens are legally required to be new for each client, although blankets are usually per day/week - since no direct contact with the client is made)

The Massage
Before the Therapist comes into the room, they should knock on the door and announce their arrival. Usually, they will do a check-in to see if you are comfortable - temperature, the height of the face cradle, bolster under your ankle or knees, etc. During the session, relax. However, if you need any adjustments, don’t hesitate in letting them know. If you need them to lighten up or go deeper, let them know. Sometimes, there are reasons why they are doing something, and most times they will communicate this to you. REMEMBER - No pain no gain IS NOT best. You should be able to breathe freely, and not tense up or hold your breath. If you are, ask them to lighten up. If you would like them to go deeper - definitely address this. If your first massage is overwhelming, let them know. They can give you water or just a quick break.

Something that is asked a lot is, should I talk? This is entirely up to you. If you relax by chit-chatting - by all means go for it. If the therapist is talking, but you would like to relax, it is okay to let them know that you are going to be quiet now and enjoy the massage. The therapist should respect this. I typically follow the client’s lead - if they talk, I talk; if they are silent, I am silent. This does not include questions about scars, bruises, scratches, or things relating to adjusting my technique for the client. Sometimes I see something I need to address with the client.

Additionally, if you don’t vibe well with your therapist, it’s okay to try others. Not every therapist is for every client. Personality, style, pressure, and many little things just might not be for you. There is a therapist out there FOR YOU. It just might take a little searching. Massage is intimate. (NO, not in a sexualized way) You are undressed and they are massaging you, it’s okay to be a little picky. Trust is so important in finding your perfect Massage Therapist. You HAVE to trust them and know that they have the best intentions for you, not just getting a paycheck.

After the massage
So, the massage is done - What Now? Take a moment to take a few deep breaths and slowly sit up. Get dressed, and exit the room. The therapist should direct you to where you should go. I usually meet them in the lobby of the spa I work with water. Usually, about 5 minutes is allotted to allow you to get up and dress, please don’t dally in the room, as the therapist needs to turn over the room. You may sit and rest in the lobby if you need more time. Go to the front desk to pay. Tipping is not required but is GREATLY appreciated. Most therapists are not paid the cost of the massage and rely on tips to make up for any taxes/expenses that are taken from their cut. It’s usually a 20-40% ratio OR a leveling of $10-30 depending on how well you enjoyed the therapist/massage. If you have any feedback, let them know - either in person or by a review.

Now go find that therapist and book a massage - I’m sure you are in need of one!!