The unknown can keep us from some amazing experiences. I’ve had many clients who received their first professional massage on my table and my first question to them revolves around their concerns regarding massage therapy. The answers vary from being worried about feeling sore afterwards, to a bevy of secondhand accounts of the experiences of others. I stress to each client that they are safe with me. We address any concerns that they may have, and I assure them that they are in the driver’s seat of their own massage experience. I make it a point to stress the importance of communication between us, so they have a pleasant time on my massage table. I’m going to cover the standard of what a client should expect from their first appointment with a Licensed Massage Therapist.
The key to any good massage will always be great communication. You should always feel empowered to tell your massage therapist if any of the positioning, massage application, room temperature isn’t working for you. Each of these can be easily addressed and remedied. R
Upon your arrival, there will likely be an intake form for you to fill out. This form asks for parts of your medical history, allergies, what areas of the body may be in discomfort or pain, and what your goals are for your massage session. After filling out your form, your therapist will review the information you’ve given and, with your help come up with a massage plan.
If the massage session is table massage that requires the removal of any clothing, the therapist will exit the room while you undress to your comfort level. There is no right or wrong level of undress, but it is important to understand that you will be draped with a towel or sheet during the massage. At no time during the massage, will any of your private areas be exposed. The therapist only undrapes the parts of the body that are being massaged. Client safety and comfort is very important.
Your massage therapist will knock before reentering the room, and check to make sure you are ready before crossing the threshold of the door. Once back in the room, they will make sure you are in a comfortable position on the table. Before the massage begins, the therapist will sanitize their hands with sanitizer or wash their hands in the sink if there is one in the room.
When the massage starts you should feel yourself start to relax. Your therapist will start applying massage lotion, cream, or oil, and your body will melt into the table. It is ok if you doze off. It is also okay if you choose to talk to your massage therapist during the session. We are trained to accommodate you and to help you feel better. If at any time during the session you feel pain, or discomfort, please let the massage therapist know what you are feeling. Always feel empowered to guide your practitioner in the right direction.
My hope is that by the time your session has ended, you feel great and that you allowed yourself the opportunity to experience great bodywork.