Your first massage may not be your last!

Getting a massage for the first time can be intimidating. However, the therapeutic benefits are numerous that one ought to face their initial worries, and schedule an appointment with well educated and quality massage therapist. Health studies have revealed that a quality massage can help with a array of health issues, ranging from pain related to injuries and repetitive stress, to decreasing symptoms stemming from emotional dis-ease.  People who are pain free will reap benefits too, since getting a massage is a fantastic way to raise alertness, boost immunity and end a stress filled week. Despite all of its benefits, booking your first massage appointment can be quite the daunting task.

What to consider when making your appointment

One of the first things to consider is whether you want a male or female therapist. The gender of the therapist ought not affect the depth or style of massage; what affects the style of massage more than gender, is the therapist’s personal preferences. Many female therapists give quality deep tissue and sports related massage, and many male therapists may prefer to do light work such as Reiki or cranial-sacral therapy.

Secondly, plan to schedule your session allowing for ample time to get to your appointment, and  to not need to rush afterwards. Most likely there will be an initial intake to fill out. This is when you let your therapist know why you are seeking massage, the areas you want to address, and any medical history pertinent to the session.

Third, one may wonder if they have to get completely undressed. This is never the case! The client is always in control of how many clothes to remove, and there are many styles of massage that do not require getting undressed at all. The legal statutes and professional protocols require that a client remains draped at all times. Your therapist should keep you draped with sheets, possibly towels and blankets as well.

Some locations and on-line booking schedulers will require payment when making the appointment, others may require credit card to hold appointment, but do not charge it. Know how you plan to pay for your massage before the appointment. If you have received a gift certificate, have the number or better yet the gift itself.  Call ahead if you are unclear with directions. It is not fun being stressed before a massage because you are lost!

Tipping is the norm, but not required. If you loved your massage then by all means tip. Some times a massage establishment is running discounts, and if that is the case, tipping on the regularly-priced massage is the norm.

Your massage therapist

Won’t that be nice to consider? Having “your massage therapist” is bit better than having “your lawyer”!  So you’ve found your way to the massage business, and you’ve been greeted by your therapist. Having filled out the initial intake (ours is now online)  and enjoyed the ambient atmosphere that massage studios often have, you will have a few minutes to sit and talk with your therapist. Be sure to ask as many questions as you need, and be willing to share what it is that hurts you, and why you are seeking massage. While on the form, it is wise to verbalize your needs too. Your therapist will leave the room to allow you to undress and get on the massage table.

During your Massage

Massage therapists will all have their own manners and ways in which they start a massage. Presumably you’ve have been given the option to start face up or down. Many new clients want to start face down, this way their eyes are closed, and they can begin to relax. When face up, it is best to keep the eyes closed too, to allow for your nervous system to decompress and focus on the actual physical touch. You will want to be able to let your therapist know to increase or decrease pressure, depending on your comfort.  Taking deep breathes, staying aware of “letting go”, and allowing your body to fully “sink” into the table will aid in relaxation.  During your session, your massage therapist will often check in on how the techniques, depth of pressure, and so on are feeling for you.

Don’t be afraid to vocalize your concerns. If the massage is too hard in some places, but too soft in others, let your therapist know, and they will adjust accordingly. Some clients prefer complete silence during their massage, with little to no talking, only what is required to communicate about the massage itself. However, some clients and therapists chat during the session. Again, this is always meant to be the decision of the client.

It is very important to let your therapist know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to ingredients or scents. For example, if you are allergic to nuts, then avoid oils and salves with nut oils in them. Or if you have a sneezing attack to certain scents, let your therapist know in the beginning.

After your session

Once the session is complete, your massage therapist will step outside of the room to allow you to dress. At this point, you should be feeling extremely relaxed. It is possible you feel a little foggy, like after a nap, so move slowly. Avoid getting up quickly, as your blood sugar may be low, and you could feel dizzy.

Booking your first massage session can be a bit intimidating, but as you can see, there’s really nothing to worry about. Make sure to do your research to identify a good massage establishments,  and you’ll have a fantastic and relaxing experience.