Getting a massage for the first time can make some clients feel nervous, but there’s no reason to be. If you book a massage appointment with a licensed massage therapist (LMT), you’re in good hands. Here are the answers to the most common questions massage therapists get from first-time massage clients.
How should I prepare for my first massage?
The best thing you can do to prepare for your first massage is to show up roughly ten to fifteen minutes before your appointment begins. This will give you plenty of time to fill out any intake paperwork.
While most massage therapists would prefer if you didn’t come straight from the gym (though sports massage therapists are used to a little more sweat), you don’t need to shower right before your session. Clients sometimes ask if they need to shave their legs before their appointment and the answer is a resounding “No!” If we were uncomfortable with body hair, we’d be in the wrong profession.
What should I tell my massage therapist?
If you have any underlying medical conditions, take certain medications, or have an acute injury, these are good things to include on your intake form. This will allow your LMT to make any necessary modifications to keep you safe. Your massage therapist might also ask you about any areas you’re experiencing pain or tension. What kind of exercise you do or what your job entails can give your massage therapist a better idea of what movements could be causing chronic tension. LMTs are bound by HIPAA so anything you tell your massage therapist will remain private.
Do I need to be completely undressed?
Nope! The number one priority in sessions is your comfort so you can undress to your comfort level or not at all. Your massage therapist will leave the room while you undress and get on the massage table.
Massage therapists are trained to modestly drape clients so only the area being worked on is uncovered. If you need work on your glutes (think: sciatic pain or delayed onset muscle soreness), you may want to undress completely, but your therapist can also use compression techniques over the sheet.
If you’re uncomfortable with undressing during massage, there are several modalities that are highly effective while fully clothed. Thai massage, shiatsu, and chair massage can all be performed with a client wearing loose, comfortable clothing.
What does a massage feel like?
There are as many styles of massage as there are massage therapists, but in general you can expect a massage to include gliding strokes, kneading, and sustained pressure on trigger points or knots. In general, a massage should leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. A session to treat chronic pain might occasionally feel uncomfortable, but you should never want to jump off the table.
Massage therapists usually ask about pressure during the session but we also love when you speak up. You should never worry about asking for more or less pressure, or asking for more time on a certain area.
What should I do after the massage?
After your appointment, your massage therapist will leave the room and give you time to get dressed. Your massage therapist might provide you with home care instructions depending on what you addressed in your session. You’ll be encouraged to drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent muscle soreness. A hot shower or bath can also prolong the benefits of your massage.
If you can, give yourself a little time to wake up from “massage brain” before returning to work or other daily activities. You might be so relaxed that a post-massage nap is in order.
