So, you've decided to get your first-ever massage! As the date on the calendar approaches, you might feel apprehensive or uncertain. That's natural. Disrobing and being touched by a stranger? That's not so natural. The first thing you should know is that a good massage session can work wonders. A registered massage therapist can help you to untangle knotted, tight muscles and reinvigorate your sluggish, stalled energy.
The second thing you should know: Massage therapists have seen it all. There is no need to feel self-conscious about perceived body imperfections - body hair, lumpiness or cellulite, passing gas, body and foot odour, you name it, they've probably seen it a thousand times or more. Your massage therapist is there to help you, not to judge you.
That said, here's a quick rundown of what you can anticipate during your first rub-down:
- You'll arrive and be asked to fill out information forms. These forms are often minimal and similar to basic medical exam paperwork, just a general medical history so the therapist can have an overview of your health and what issues may have brought you to massage therapy.
- Your therapist will show you to a treatment room. Once there, you'll discuss the issues you noted in your paperwork and inquire about pains or trouble spots you'd especially like to work on through massage.
- Before your session, you may be asked to undress depending on the type of massage you are receiving. It’s important to keep in mind that the amount of clothing you remove is up to you and your comfort level. In most cases, your therapist will be able to treat you fully clothed if that is how you feel most comfortable.
- Your therapist will leave the room so you can undress or get under the blanket in privacy. Most massages begin with you face down on your belly, but your therapist will give you specific instructions before leaving the room. Like at the doctor's office, your therapist will wait about 5 minutes before knocking on the door to see if you're ready.
- Once the massage has begun, your job is to let the therapist do his or her job! Simply relax and enjoy the process. Most therapists apply lotion or massage oils to the skin to reduce friction and allow their hands to glide effortlessly. If you are allergic to anything, be sure to let the therapist know ahead of time.
- If you feel uncomfortable with the level of pressure your therapist applies to your muscles, speak up. They can modulate their approach to your needs and comfort level. Some massage treatments can be quite vigorous, agitating to the terribly ticklish, and potentially painful. Don't be afraid to let your therapist know if they've gone beyond your tolerance level.
- You can also respectfully voice your opinion about other factors that might affect your comfort during the session, like music volume or the temperature of the room.
- When it's time to turn over for the second half of the session, your massage therapist will either leave the room while you flip over or hold the sheet or towel up as a curtain to shield you while you switch to your back.
- As the massage winds down, your therapist will leave you alone to let the effects settle into your body. Don't be in a rush to hop up off of the table. When you feel ready, you can get up and get dressed.
- Head out to the front desk to pay your fee. Be mindful of tipping standards in your area. A solid 15% to 20% gratuity is a safe bet.
- Post-massage, you may feel sore and achy because of all of the pressure and manipulation. Your therapist may offer you strategies to soothe soreness, like bathing in Epsom salt or using a heating pad. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get a good night's sleep.
Massage is not right for everyone. Women who are pregnant may be advised against it at certain stages of pregnancy, and people with burns, fractures, and other wounds and medical conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis) are also cautioned. Speak to your doctor before scheduling a session.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/What-to-expect-from-your-first-massage
