Your First Massage
Here is a quick overview of what to expect before,
during, and after your first massage appointment.
Before Your Massage Appointment
You should receive an email from us immediately after successfully booking an appointment. If you are a new client, you will also receive a second email that contains a link to the online health history questionnaire. This must be fully completed before your appointment. Please, thoroughly complete the your health history form. This information is very important for us to develop an effective treatment plan and to ensure that we do not use any techniques that are contraindicated or may put you at risk. We keep all of your information secure and confidential. You may need to look in your promotions and/or spam folder if you cannot find the email in your inbox.
While you are on our website:
- Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions about massage therapy.
- Find out When Is It Not Okay to Get a Massage?
- Read Tips for Making the Most of Your Massage.
- Make sure you know How To Find Us.
Feel free to browse our site and read our blog for more information about massage therapy and the services we offer. If you have any questions, send us a message or give us a call.
When You Arrive
Please arrive a few minutes early to your appointment so you can feel relaxed and not in a rush. We recommend arriving 10 minutes early for your first massage appointment. If the treatment room door is still closed, please have a seat on the sofa and we will be with you shortly. If you have any coupons or special offers, please let us know when you arrive.
While your massage therapist is reviewing your forms, it is a good idea to use the restroom before your massage appointment begins. The restroom code will be provided to you by your massage therapist.
Meeting with Your Massage Therapist
Once everyone is ready, your massage therapist will come out to greet you and take you back to the treatment room.
In the privacy of the treatment room, you and your massage therapist will go over your forms and reasons for seeking massage therapy. Your massage therapist will ask you questions to customize your session to meet your specific needs and preferences. You will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns or to ask any questions you may have about massage therapy. Your massage therapist will then briefly go over a plan for your massage therapy session. If you have any questions, feel free to speak up.
When you are ready, your massage therapist will exit the room to allow you privacy to undress or change and get comfortable on the massage table. You may prefer to completely disrobe or remain partially clothed. Get comfortable on the massage table underneath the top sheet and blanket. If any adjustments need to be made to the bolsters or face cradle, your massage therapist can help you when they come back in the room.
During Your Massage
After about 3-4 minutes, your massage therapist will knock on the door and ask permission to enter.
Every massage therapist has a unique style and approach to giving a massage. Most massage therapists begin with some postural analysis and perhaps some gentle rocking and compressions through the sheets to help you settle in and relax. Relaxing massage techniques may be used at first, and as you become more relaxed more specific areas of tension may be worked with deeper pressure. Your therapist will periodically ask for feedback on pressure or techniques, and may gently move your limbs or make requests through out the session.
You should expect to be comfortable and relaxed during your massage. If you experience any pain or discomfort at any time, let your massage therapist know right away. Speak up if the pressure needs adjusting, if you need an extra blanket, or if there is anything your massage therapist can do to help you relax.
Communicate with Your Massage Therapist
Good communication is key to achieving the best results during your massage appointment. This is your massage. Be sure to give feedback to help your therapist meet your specific needs. The more relaxed you are, the easier it is for us to do our job! If there is anything your massage therapist can do to make you more comfortable, let them know.
Definitely communicate with your therapist if you feel any pain or discomfort, or if you have any concerns during your massage. Some types of massage that work on deep layers of muscle and tissue, such as deep tissue or sports massage, will require more feedback to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.
Talking During Your Massage
You will experience the greatest benefits from your session if you just allow yourself to become quiet and relaxed… which also helps your massage therapist focus on providing a great massage!
Concluding the Massage
When your massage is complete, your therapist will exit the treatment room. Slowly and carefully get off the massage table when you are ready.
When you are dressed, open the door so it is slightly ajar to let your massage therapist know you are ready for them to come back in.
Following Up with Your Massage Therapist
Once your massage therapist sees your door open, they will step back in for a quick follow up with you in the privacy of the massage room.
You and your massage therapist will discuss how your session went, answer any questions you may have about your massage, and make any other notes for your next massage. Everybody is different, so feel free to give your massage therapist honest feedback about what you like and what you don’t like about your massage. Massage therapists are capable of some pretty amazing things, but we can’t read minds!
Checking Out
Once you are finished giving your massage therapist feedback, they will check out.
If you would like to leave a tip, simply add the gratuity at checkout. Tipping is neither required nor expected, but of course we appreciate the gesture! However, the best appreciation you can show is by referring your friends and family to us and writing a review to let everyone know about your great massage!
Now is also a good time to schedule your next massage appointment.
After Your Massage
Most people feel relaxed after a massage.
How you feel will vary depending upon your personal condition, the types of massage therapy you received, the length of your session, and how often you receive massage. You will generally feel better the more massage therapy sessions you receive as the benefits add up over time.
If possible, it’s a good idea to have a little quiet time after your massage. This will help prolong the positive effects of the massage and make the most of the time you have invested taking care of yourself.
Still Have Questions About Getting Massage?
For more answers to commonly asked questions about massage, visit our Frequently Asked Questions about massage therapy.