What To Expect From Your First Massage

So, you are getting your first massage and want to know what to expect! As the time nears you might feel uncertain or have questions about the whole massage procedure. Do I have to undress in front of a stranger? Will it hurt?  This is something you haven't experienced before, so there is that fear of the unknown.  A good massage therapist can help to put you at ease and show you just how beneficial and relaxing your first massage can be. With your massage therapist there is no need to feel self-conscious about perceived body imperfections.  Your therapist is there to help you, not judge you in any way. 

 Things To Expect When You Get Your First Massage (Or your 100th!):

• It's good to arrive about 10-15 minutes before your appointment time to fill out information forms. These forms are often minimal and similar to basic medical history forms, just so the therapist can have an overview of your health and be made aware of any conditions such as allergies to products or any other challenges.  You also don't want to arrive after your appointment time, as you will still have to take the time to fill out the forms, and this can cut into those precious minutes that should be for your massage.  You don't want to short-change yourself by arriving late.
 
• Your therapist will then take you to a treatment room. Here, you'll discuss the issues you noted in your form and let your therapist know if there are any areas that are bothering you where you would like them to focus with the massage. Also, let your therapist know if there are any areas you would like them to avoid.  Ex: If you have extremely ticklish feet just let your therapist know you would like to have your feet omitted.  This information is always valuable to your therapist.  It's better to let them know ahead of time than to "suffer" through having your feet tickled for any length of time.
 
• Now you are ready for your massage to get underway!  Your massage therapist will step out of the room and let you get on the massage table.  Undress to your comfort level and get on the table under the sheet and possibly a blanket also.  It's fine to take everything off, since the only area that will be uncovered is the area being massaged at any specific time.  The rest of your body will be draped and covered for your modesty and warmth.  If you feel more comfortable leaving your underwear on, then feel free to do so.  Your massage therapist will instruct you whether to get on the table face up or face down.  They will give you time to get on the table and relax a moment before they give you a knock on the door to see if you are ready.
   
• During your massage, feel free to let your massage therapist know if anything is ever uncomfortable or hurts in any way.  If the pressure is too much, just ask them to use a little bit less pressure. In the same token, also let them know if you would like more pressure.  Although a lot of conversation is not necessary, make sure you communicate if you would like anything changed.  This is your time to relax and enjoy, and your therapist wants you to get the most out of it. 
   
• You can also respectfully voice your opinion about other factors that might affect your comfort during the massage, such as music volume or the temperature of the room. 
     
• At the end of your massage, your therapist will again leave the room and allow you to get up off the table and get dressed.  You will not want to just jump up in a hurry and rush to get dressed.  Take your time while getting up.  You may even feel a little sleepy or light headed.  This is perfectly normal as your body adjusts to the massage work you have just received. 
 
• Once you are dressed and ready to come back to reality, your massage therapist will most likely bring you some water and show you to a waiting area or the front desk area where you can pay for your massage.  Feel free to include a gratuity to show appreciation to your therapist.  Many people are not sure how much gratuity to give, but 15-20% is a good guideline.  After a massage, you may feel sore or achy from toxins being released.   Make sure you drink plenty of water and relax the rest of the day if you can.  Any soreness you experience should be quite temporary and can be eased by taking a bath with Epsom salts when you get home. Your therapist may offer you strategies to soothe soreness, like using a heating pad. 

**Massage may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant may be advised to adapt their massages or limit them in certain stages of the pregnancy as a precaution. Also,  people with burns, fractures, and other wounds and medical conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis) are also cautioned. You may want to speak to your doctor before scheduling a session.

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I hope that reading this will put all of your fears to rest.  Now that you know what to expect from your first massage, relax and enjoy!