10 May What to Expect for Your First Massage
A massage is intended to be a calm and relaxing experience. But, if it’s your first massage you may feel a little trepidation. Don’t let that hold you back. With a little information about what to expect you’ll walk into your first massage feeling like a confident pro!
You can expect to answer some questions at your first massage appointment. I’ll need to know about your health history and what your goals are for that session. Before your massage we need to complete two forms. The first is your contact information and a standard massage therapy consent form. The second form is a health history form. Typically, I like to have a conversation and make notes while we chat. Your clear and honest answers will help me provide the best massage possible for you. These forms and my session notes are handwritten on a re-useable form that I store digitally. My uploads are over a secure server to HIPAA-compliant cloud storage. Since I work alone, no other massage therapist or practitioner has access to your records.
We’ll talk about why you’re coming in for a massage and what your goals are for the session. Are you having pain? Do you need to relax?
I’ll show you the massage room and describe the process. We’ll decide what to prioritize and how you should lay on the table (face up or face down, or on your side) before the massage.
All of this preparation takes 15 minutes on average. I allow for up to 30 minutes for this process with new clients. For example, if you are a new client with a 10:00 a.m. appointment, my calendar shows me as booked from 10:00-11:30 a.m. for a 60 Minute Massage. This way we have time for all 60 minutes of hands-on work on the massage table.
Expect to Dress or Undress to Your Level of Comfort
Many people worry about having to be undressed for their massage. What you wear is entirely up to you.
You can leave on your underwear or take them off. I prefer not to wear gloves but I have them in the room if we need them. It is a little easier for me if you remove your shirt and pants. But, if that idea makes you uncomfortable, you will probably hold your breath while I am working and my job is much more difficult. So, if you need to leave your t-shirt and jeans on to breathe normally that is what we will do.
I’ll leave the room while you undress, lay on the massage table, and make yourself comfortable under the draping sheet & blanket.
Movies and TV shows usually get this part wrong. I use sheets that cover your whole body. You’ll stay covered throughout the massage; I’ll only undrape the part of your body that I am massaging.
When I come back into the room, I’ll offer you pillows or bolsters to make yourself comfortable. Don’t be afraid to adjust during the massage to stay cozy.
Let your body relax and sink into the table. If I need to move your arms or legs then I’ll do the work! You might try to help me, but some Manual Therapy techniques require me to providea passive stretch for you. You don’t need to do anything! Some techniques might require your help. Whenever that is the case,we will discuss exactly what we are doing and why I think it will help you.
There may be a certain level of minor discomfort and ‘good ache’ if we’re working on a problem area. However, if you experience pain then please tell me immediately. A common misconception is that massage should cause pain and that is wrong.
I’ll check in with you, but please tell me if you become too warm or too cool, or if you are not comfortable on the table, need another pillow, or you dislike the background noise!
I’ll tell you when the massage is over and then I will leave the room so you can get dressed.
Expect Some Final Instructions
You should feel mellow and relaxed after your massage. We’ll talk about how you feel and I may show you some stretches or share tips to keep you feeling great between appointments. We can also discuss how frequently you want to receive massage to keep feeling great.
If we addressed pain issues you may immediately feel a reduction in pain, or it may take a day or two before you feel that relief.
See you at your first massage!
Peace,
Margaret Hansen, MMT
MI State Licensed Massage Therapist
Quest Fitness
4316 Division Ave S.
Kentwood, MI 49548
(616) 263-6090
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