What to Expect in Your First Massage?
First time getting a professional massage? If so, you're not alone. Massage is a popular way to relax, relieve stress and pain, and improve mood. But before you book your appointment, let’s see what else you can expect from this therapy session.
A massage therapist will ask you how you’re feeling.
When you first meet your massage therapist, they’ll want to know how you are feeling. They may ask if there is any specific area of pain or discomfort that they can address during the session. The therapist will also want to know if anything else can be done to make you more comfortable during the massage.
The massage therapist might ask you where it hurts.
The massage therapist will ask you to point out specific areas of discomfort, and whether there is any other area that is painful. They will also ask if you have any other injuries or health problems, as well as how long you have been experiencing these symptoms.
The therapist will leave the room while you get undressed to your comfort level, under a sheet on the massage table.
You’ll be asked to undress to your comfort level, under a sheet on the massage table. The therapist will leave you alone during this time and return only when you are ready for them to start with your massage. Some people prefer to keep their underwear on, while others are more comfortable without it. This is up to you!
You'll lie on a padded table, usually face down.
You'll lie on a padded table, usually face down. The therapist will usually begin with your back, by massaging the muscles of your back with strong but gentle strokes, starting from top to bottom and then side to side. If you'd like more pressure at any point in the process, just let them know!
The therapist will start by massaging your back, neck, and shoulders, before working your legs.
When you're lying on the table, your massage therapist will start by massaging your back, neck, and shoulders.
This is the part of the massage that most people enjoy. The therapist will then work their way down to your legs with a combination of strokes that include long, gliding strokes as well as circular motions around your muscles.
You can ask them to focus on specific areas or use more pressure or less pressure if you feel like it.
Your treatment plan will depend on what kind of massage you need and what pain areas you have.
Your massage will depend on what kind of therapy you need and what pain areas you have. There are many types of massage therapy for specific injuries and conditions, so be sure to let your therapist know if there is a specific area that is bothering you. Your therapist will focus on the areas where there is tension or adhesions and will use techniques that relieve these issues.
You'll be asked about your comfort levels. Let the therapist know if there's any change in pressure throughout the session.
The therapist will ask you about your comfort levels with the pressure and technique, so let them know if there's any change in pressure throughout the session. If you feel pain or discomfort, tell them immediately.
A massage can improve your mood, decrease anxiety, and help relieve pain.
Massage therapy is a great way to relax and relieve stress. It can help you sleep better, heal faster from injuries, recover from surgery, and even manage chronic pain. In fact, massage therapy has been shown to improve moods by increasing the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. Massage also stimulates blood flow to the brain which improves concentration and memory recall. Even better? Research shows that massages activate parts of your brain responsible for happiness (the ventral striatum) as well as reduce activity in areas related to anxiety (the amygdala).
Conclusion
If you're curious about the benefits of massage, it's never too soon to try one out. If you're still on the fence, consider this: Most people feel relaxed afterward, and many also report that their pain is reduced after a session. If you're ready to schedule, contact us at www.pressmodernmassage.com
Key Takeaways:
Massage therapists will ask you about your health and comfort levels before the session starts.
You can expect to lie on a padded table, usually face down, while the therapist massages your back, neck, and shoulders.
Massage therapy can improve your mood, decrease anxiety, and help relieve pain.
FAQs
How do I prepare for my first massage?
So you’re getting your first massage, how exciting! Let’s discuss how to prepare. Choosing a reputable spa or massage therapist with good reviews who is licensed or certified is essential. Secondly, you need to choose the type of massage you want and dress comfortably in loose clothing.
Drink enough water before the massage and avoid heavy meals. During the massage, communicate with the therapist about any health conditions or concerns you may have, and remember to breathe deeply and relax. After the massage, drink plenty of water to help stay hydrated
How will I feel after my first massage?
After your first massage, you may feel a range of different sensations, including deep relaxation, a small amount of soreness, increased energy, improved range of motion, and relief. These sensations can depend on the type of massage you received, your personal preferences, and your body's reaction to the massage.
It is important to listen to your body and give yourself time to adjust after a massage. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest can also help you feel more comfortable and relaxed after a massage.
Do massages hurt the first time?
No, massages should not hurt, but there may be some discomfort during the massage, especially if it's your first time. If you're receiving a deep-tissue massage, you may experience some discomfort as the therapist works to release tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue. This discomfort should be manageable and not severe.
If you feel pain during the massage, it's important to communicate with the therapist immediately. A skilled and experienced massage therapist will adjust the pressure and technique to ensure that the massage is enjoyable and beneficial for you. A massage should always feel like “delicious pain, not scary pain”
How long should my massage be?
Most full-body massages last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. However, in some cases, it may be shorter or longer. The length of your massage depends on several factors, including the type of massage you're receiving, your personal preferences, and your budget.
A 30-minute massage is good for targeting specific areas of tension, while a 60-minute massage is the most common and allows for a thorough full-body massage. A 90-minute massage is best for specific issues or a more indulgent experience, while a 120-minute massage may be recommended to someone with chronic pain or sports injury.
It's important to communicate with your massage therapist about your goals for the massage so that they can tailor the massage length and technique to your needs and liking.
What should you avoid before a massage?
Before a massage, it's best to avoid heavy meals, alcohol, caffeine, strenuous exercise, smoking, and sunburn. These things can cause discomfort during the massage or interfere with its effectiveness.
It's also important to arrive early for your massage session and try not to have strenuous or stressful activities scheduled after your massage session. Communicate with your massage therapist about any concerns or medical conditions you may have before the massage.
Do you take your bra off when getting a massage?
Whether or not to remove your bra during a massage is a personal choice and depends on your comfort level. Most massage therapists are trained to work around clothing and will ensure that you are covered and comfortable at all times during the massage. However, if you want to receive a massage that focuses on the back, shoulders, or chest areas, removing your bra may allow the massage therapist to better access these areas and provide a more effective massage.
In this case, you will be appropriately draped with a sheet or towel to maintain your privacy and comfort. It's essential to communicate with your massage therapist about your comfort level and any concerns you may have, as they can provide guidance and accommodate your preferences.
What do you wear during a massage?
During a massage, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move easily. Some massage techniques may require direct skin contact, so you may be asked to undress to your comfort level.
Most massage therapists provide a private area to undress and ensure that you are properly covered with a sheet or towel to maintain your privacy and comfort.
Should I shower before a massage?
Showering before a massage is optional, but it can help if you shower as you will feel clean and free of any sweat or odors that could make the massage uncomfortable. Showering before a massage can also help you relax and feel more comfortable during the massage.
However, if you don't have time to shower before your massage, don't worry, your massage therapist will ensure you are comfortable throughout the massage.
Should I shave before a massage?
Shaving before a massage is absolutely not necessary. Your therapist honestly doesn’t notice or care about body hair in any quantity or area. There’s no need to feel awkward about stubble!
What not to do during a massage?
During a massage, there are some things you should avoid doing to ensure that you have a safe and smooth experience which include engaging in distracting activities (like talking on your phone), removing the drape, or not speaking up if you feel any pain or discomfort during the massage. Remember that your therapist is a licensed professional, and any unprofessional solicitation of any kind will lead to an immediate end to the session for the therapist’s safety.
By avoiding these actions, you can help ensure that you have a comfortable and effective massage experience.
How do I not feel awkward during a massage?
It's normal to feel a bit nervous or awkward during your first massage or when receiving a massage from a new therapist. To avoid that, it is recommended to communicate with the massage therapist about any concerns or questions, focus on your breath, consciously relax your muscles, and listen to soothing music.Your therapist should create a non-judgemental safe place for you to feel comfortable and yourself.
