Your First Massage

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Many people want to get a massage - but they’re not quiet sure what to expect. This guide will walk you through a basic swedish massage session and hopefully answer most of your questions so you can attend your first massage with confidence and less apprehension. After all - receiving massage is all about relaxing and centering your mind and body!

Receiving a massage can make many people nervous. Part of this is because of the intimacy of a massage session. Even though the intent is completely healing, most people are wary about letting another person (especially a stranger) touch their body. Being on a massage table can leave you feeling very vulnerable. This is completely normal, which is why its a good idea to choose a massage therapist you feel comfortable with. Ask your friends, or others who have said they received a good massage, who their therapist is. The best advertisement for a therapist is a happy client! Now give your intended therapist a call and ask them any questions you have about their technique or the session. If you get a strange or weird vibe from a therapist, don’t schedule a massage with them.

Once you have found a therapist who you’re comfortable with, schedule a massage. Your therapist will likely have a few different types of massages to choose from - but pretty much every therapist will know how to give a basic, 60 minute Swedish massage. This is the technique that most people are familiar with when they think about massage therapy. It involves long, soothing strokes with oil or lotion. A Swedish massage is very relaxing and helps with circulation and overall stress management. If you’re new to massage, this is a good place to start.

So now its the day of your appointment. Most therapists will appreciate if you show up 10 - 15 minutes early. This is so they can talk to you a little bit about your history, likes and dislikes, and describe in more detail your session. You’ll also be asked to fill out a short health history and questionnaire. You’ll only be asked to do this the first time, and its for the therapists files. Don’t worry, HIPPA protects your rights to privacy.

After you’ve filled everything out, your therapist will leave so you can undress and get on the table. Most massages are done with you completely disrobed, however you can undress to your comfort level. Its not uncommon for clients to leave some underwear or shorts on. Don’t worry though, you’ll be draped (covered) the entire time by a sheet. Most therapists practice (and many states require) Safe and Functional draping. This basically means that only the area being worked will be undraped. Your genital area, chest, and inner gluteal region will never be exposed.

Now its time to get on the table. Most massage tables are just that ... a table with an attachment on one side for you to place your head. There will be sheets on the table and all you have to do is clime on under. The standard massage will most likely have you starting face down, so go ahead and lay down with your face in the little hole of the face attachment. Make sure you are fully covered by the sheet and you are ready to go. Your therapist will give a knock and make sure that you are ready before entering the room.

Now comes the easy part. You just get to lay there and relax! Every therapist’s routine varies some, but most follow the same basic pattern. The therapists will massage your back and shoulders, then move and do the backs of your legs and feet. Your therapist should check in with you occasionally to make sure the pressure is correct and that you’re comfortable. If for ANY reason you are not comfortable at any time, let the therapist know! Its the only way they can compensate and correct the problem. You don’t have to sit through an entire massage that is painful because of too much pressure or irritated because there’s not enough. Let the therapist know what feels best. You’ll also be prompted to breath deep. This will help your body relax and improves the overall effects of the massage.

After your back and legs are complete JELLO, the therapist will lift up the top sheet a little to allow you to roll over. Don’t worry, you’ll still be completely covered. Just roll over and scoot down the table a little so that your head is completely off the head attachment and on the table. If your therapist uses a bolster (support under your legs) they’ll adjust that once you are on your back.

Now your therapist will massage the front of your legs, arms, neck, and head, spending a few minutes at each location. Your job again is to just breath deep and relax. Let everything empty out of your mind.

Once your massage is over, your therapist will inform you (and make sure you’re awake) and then leave so you may get dressed. Once they’re gone, take your time getting up. If you’ve received a good massage, you might feel a little light-headed or “woozy”. This is completely normal. When you get a massage your body releases a lot of toxins that have been trapped inside of your tight muscles. So don’t be afraid to move slowly. There’s no rush to get you up and out the door.

After you’re all dressed, your therapist will either give a knock or you can open the door for them. They’ll instruct you on the typical “after massage” care (drink lots of water to help flush out those released toxins) and go over your session letting you know of anything they found and possibly recommending a more suitable modality you should try. If you liked your massage, now would be a good time to reschedule! Massage is most beneficial when done on a regular basis (once a month at least) - so feel free to treat yourself a little. Not only will regular massage improve your relaxation and stress, it can help you in many facets of your life. (Check out our Benefits Of Massage page for more).

When it comes to paying your therapist, its customary to include a tip (although there are some therapists that don’t like to accept tips - its better to tip your first time just to be sure). Once you’re all paid and rescheduled, congratulations! You’re done! Head on home and enjoy the lasting effects of your massage.

If you didn’t like your massage ... don’t give up! Finding a massage therapist is a delicate search. You have to find someone that not only delivers a relaxing massage, but who is also compatible with your energy and listens to your needs. Every massage therapist has different strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. Just search until you find one that fits you perfectly. Now that you’ve had a massage and you know a little bit about what you like / dislike (pressure, technique, ect.) you can ask future therapists questions to help you weed out the ones you won’t like. Eventually you’ll land that perfect therapist and you’ll never leave them.

I hope this guide helped answer some of the questions you have about your first massage experience. Every therapist is a little different in their setup and routine, so you’re massage most likely won’t be exactly as described here, but it should be pretty close.

Congratulations on choosing to make massage therapy a part of you life. You wont regret the decision!

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