What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

If you aren’t able to fill out a health history form ahead of time, please arrive ten minutes early for your first appointment to fill one out.  Afterward I will  familiarize myself with your health history and begin by asking you some general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions that need to be addressed, and to get an idea of what therapies would best achieve the results you want. You and I will talk about goals for the session. I may ask to perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your muscles and joints, especially if you’re coming in with an injury! Please let me know if you have any problems historically lying on your stomach, back, or side.  I have many tools and techniques to work on your muscles without putting you in an uncomfortable position!

It is important to list all health concerns and medications so I can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to let me know about any allergies you have so that we can make sure to use the right oil or lotion for you. 

Depending on the primary massage technique used, you may or may not need to fully undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. Most importantly, you must feel safe and comfortable, so undress to your personal comfort level. We’ll talk about whether to start the massage lying on your stomach, on your back, or on your side. If you’re to start on your stomach, there will be a cushioned doughnut-shaped device at one end of the table. This is a face rest, and you can put your face in there. This allows you to be face down, and keep your shoulder and neck muscles relaxed.

I’ll leave you in privacy to undress if necessary (for some types of bodywork, such as craniosacral, you’ll remain clothed) and settle yourself on the padded massage table underneath the sheet and blanket. There is a heated table pad under the sheets.  If you are chilly, feel free to ask me to turn it on or up or for an additional blanket. I’ll knock to ensure you are ready, and then return to the room. I may position cushions under your knees, ankles, or neck to place you in a more neutral position. If you are uncomfortable or feel a strain on your low back, upper back or neck, please let me know.  I can use bolsters and cushions to position your body more comfortably!  

During the massage, you will be covered with a clean sheet and blanket. Only the area being worked on (ie. back, one leg) will be exposed at any time, and your genitals will never be exposed. I will apply a lubricant (cream or oil), which is good for your skin and allows my hands to glide well on your body and not cause uncomfortable friction. For certain types of bodywork, no lubricant is used.  Many lubricants are unscented, but some have a light scent. If you are sensitive to scents, please check with your therapist to ensure an appropriate product is used.

A massage or bodywork session usually begins with relatively gentle pressure to calm your nervous system, begin relaxing superficial tension, and evaluate which areas need to be worked first. Gradually, the we’ll work more deeply to address specific areas of tension. During the massage I may move your arm or leg to facilitate the massage. You should try to relax, let go, and allow me to do all the work. Only the body part that is being worked on is uncovered, and your modesty is always maintained. Always let your me know if anything is uncomfortable or irritating or if you something just feels wrong.  Consent is extremely important, and your body is first and foremost YOUR body.  

When the massage is over, I will leave the room so you can get dressed. When you’re dressed, I’ll come back into the room to check how you’re feeling and we’ll check out/complete monetary transactions. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *