First Time Massage – What To Expect During Your First Massage Appointment
If you never had a massage before and you’re thinking about getting a massage this article will help you know what to expect when booking your first time massage – from start to finish.
Before The Massage
First step is to figure out what type of massage you’re looking for as some massage therapists, clinics and spas offer different treatments. I do both relaxing and therapeutic treatments. Services include: Swedish (Relaxation), Deep Tissue, Cupping, Trigger Point Therapy, K-Taping and IASTM.
Once you decide on where or what registered massage therapist you want to book your appointment with, then it’s time to book your appointment. Some places required different contact methods (phone, message, online). You can book a massage online with me 7 days a week (including most holidays). Also available by email, and Facebook.
After booking your appointment with me, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to fill out an “Intake Form” (this is your health history and reason for visit). Most places will have you fill out this paper work when arriving for your visit. If this is the case, make sure to arrival a few minutes early so it doesn’t cut into your treatment time.
Depending on when you booked your appointment for, you may be required to fill out a Covid-19 screening questionnaire (usually within 24 hours of treatment) or be asked these questions upon arrival. On arrival, you may also be required to wear a face mask or put hand sanitizer on.
We will then head to the clinic room, where the RMT will go over the information from your intake form, do any assessment testing, explain the treatment plan and answer any questions before the massage starts.
The therapist will explain what position to get on the table, what areas will be worked on, suggest what clothing to take off (whatever you’re comfort with) then leave the room to go wash up while you have privacy to undress and get on the table. Prior to leaving or on return the therapist may add some pillows or bolsters to make your massage as comfortable as possible.
During Your First Time Massage
At all times during the massage, you will be covered with the sheets, only areas that will be uncovered will be the areas that are being worked on.
Important to note – at any point during the massage if the pressure is too much or anything is uncomfortable, please tell you therapist so they can modify it, allowing you to get the best treatment possible. Pressure should never be over a 7-8 on a pain scale of 1-10, it’s a common misconception that more pressure the better but if the body is sending pain signals (the brain signalling something is wrong), eventually your body will go into defense mode and tighten up making it extremely difficult to get to the deeper tissues or possible cause of injury.
This is your time to relax, if you want to talk that’s up to you, some people don’t talk and some people fall asleep (shows they are very relaxed). Also remember to breathe normally, if you hold your breath it makes it harder for the muscles to release. If you find a more tender spot, tell your therapist and then take a nice deep breath allowing lots of oxygen into the muscles.
After the Massage
The RMT will again leave the room to wash up, giving you the privacy to get dressed again. Take your time getting up after the treatment, getting up too quickly can cause lightheadedness and dizziness. When I return, I will have some water for you. And I will check to see how you’re feeling, redo any tests that were done at beginning of treatment to check for improvement. Then we will go over some self care tips to help you get better long term.
Many people have no idea what to expect during their first time massage, if you have any additional questions, you can contact me or visit my FAQs page for more frequently asked questions about massage therapy.
https://mikegillisrmt.com/massage-faqs/
