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What to Expect Before Your First Massage

Massage is great for relieving stress and tension, while also working “trouble” areas to give relief to the client. Massage gives the client a better sense of wellbeing, and a greater level of health, all within the same safe four walls. It is imperative that the client feels comfortable before, during, and after their massage session. It is necessary to feel informed before taking part in a therapeutic massage session when it comes to both the massage and the therapist performing the treatment.

Before your massage, the massage therapist will consult with you to determine your level of health, and the wellness goals that you are hoping to accomplish by taking part in the massage session. Considering all of the information given to them, they will come up with the best treatment plan to suit your needs. It is important to offer information about your lifestyle, stress levels, physical ailments, medical history, pain, and any medications used for the massage therapist to come up with the best course of action. The treatment plan offered by the massage therapist will create a structure to help you achieve the goals that you are trying to meet, or exceed!

Your First Massage: What to Know

Before your first massage, you will be asked to remove your clothing. This is completely based on your comfort level, and you should only remove what feels right to you, keeping in mind the areas that are being worked on. The massage therapist will never stay in the room while you are removing your clothing. After removal, you are asked to lie on the massage table and cover yourself with a towel that is provided by the establishment. The massage therapist will make sure that the towel stays covering you, aside from the areas being worked on. 

There are different variations of a typical massage session, based on the location of your choice. In most establishments, light relaxing music is played in the background to help you relax. Of course, if you find the music to be a distraction, you can ask your massage therapist to turn it off. This works the same for conversation. The massage therapist will talk you through the session, or be silent based on your desires.

The massage therapist will ask about your comfort level multiple times during your session to ensure that the pressure applied is tolerable and that you are comfortable. Most massage tables offer to pad and face cradles to allow for maximum comfort during the session. Typically, oil or lotion is used on the area being massaged. Inform our massage therapist if you have any allergies before your session. 

Your massage therapist will massage your full body (aside from private areas), or a specific area based on the reason for your appointment.  While your tight muscles are being massaged, breathing normally and getting up slowly after the session is important. Massage sessions typically last between 30 and 90 minutes, and the massage therapist will leave upon completion to allow you time to get dressed.

The benefits of massage increase over time. Upon completion of your session, it is in your best interest to book your next one according to your treatment plan. There will be mutual respect and professionalism between yourself and our massage therapist at all times.