Your First Massage

What to Expect at Your First Massage

Relax and Enjoy

If you’ve never had a massage before, you want to be able to relax and enjoy it. Here are some tips on what to expect.

Massage therapy helps hundreds of thousands of people, just like you, to manage pain, anxiety and many other health concerns. While massage should never be used to replace a visit to your doctor, allowing your massage therapist to work in cooperation with the rest of your health care team can play a major role in overall wellness.

For those who have never experienced the amazing feeling of a professional massage , sometimes the thought can be intimidating. Will my privacy be protected? Do I have to take off all of my clothes? What if I don’t want to be touched in certain areas? These are all common questions and concerns, and are understandable. When you arrive for a treatment by a professional for the first time, these are some common guidelines that you should expect. Please note that laws and regulations vary from state to state, so to be exact you may want to check with the appropriate licensure board or other authorities for your geographical area.

When you arrive for your massage treatment, your therapist will typically greet you and introduce themselves. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, it is a good idea express your concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you reside in a state where a license is required for massage therapy, your professional should not have any problem providing you with proof of their license. They should also be just fine with telling you where they received their training.

Next, they will likely ask you to fill out in intake form. The form will typically ask for demographic information and some basic health information. This information is kept confidential and will help your therapist to provide you with a better and safer treatment. It is very important to disclose health problems, old or new injuries and any other important information regarding your health. Some health conditions can prevent massage in certain areas or may change your treatment. This is called a contraindication. Once you fill out your form your therapist may ask for more details about certain details that you have disclosed. This is normal and will be kept confidential. This intake interview is a perfect time to ask any questions that you may have and allow yourself to become comfortable. Trusting your therapist is an important factor in relation to getting the most from your massage.

Upon completion of your interview, your therapist will leave the treatment room and allow you to dress down to your comfort level. Less clothing is better during a massage because it will allow you to enjoy the long, full strokes of the bodywork. However, this should only be the case if you are completely comfortable. If you do not wish to undress, your therapist should understand this and work through your clothing when needed. Once you are undressed to your comfort level, it is time to lie down on the massage table and cover yourself with the sheet. Sometimes there is both a sheet and blanket. The sheet will be used for draping to protect your privacy during your session. The therapist will only uncover the area of your body where they are working.

You are ready for your first massage! Your therapist should knock quietly before entering the treatment room, just to make sure you are ready and covered appropriately. Always be sure to communicate with your therapist if anything feels uncomfortable or painful during your session. Once your treatment is finished, the therapist will once again leave the room and allow you to slowly get off the table and get dressed. After your treatment, they will go over the session with you and most likely ask for feedback. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or for recommendations on self care between sessions. By working with your therapist, you will be on your way to a healthier and less stressful lifestyle.

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