A massage can sound enticing, but after booking, you may feel some nerves. “What should I wear? What do I talk about? Do I need to do any preparation? What happens afterwards?” These are all very valid and common questions! You shouldn’t let any pre-appointment anxiety drive you away. In this article, we want to highlight the answers to those questions and guide you through exactly what your expectations should be at your first massage appointment.
Pre-Massage Prep
When you are researching and booking your first massage, be sure to choose a reputable business and massage therapist (such as Muscle Anthropology). You’ll want to make sure that you are well hydrated, before and after, your massage.
Communication is Key
Be sure that your massage therapist takes the time to talk to you and understand what your wellness goals are. You can book a massage for a multitude of reasons including stress relief and relaxation, chronic pain relief, or for muscle tension. During this phase, you may be asked questions about your medical history or any injuries, current or prior. This is simply so that your massage therapist can better understand your needs, expectations, and abilities. They can also figure out which areas to pay attention to and which areas to avoid.
During Your First Massage
After some preparation, it’s finally time for your massage! After being shown to your private massage room, the therapist will advise you that, for better and direct access to your muscles, it is best that you undress to your level of comfortability. Some prefer to be completely nude during a massage while others keep their underwear on. There is never any judgement, and it’s totally, always, up to your comfort levels!
After undressing, you will lay on the massage table with fresh sheets and/or towels to cover yourself throughout the entire session. Any any given time, only the area of your body that is being massaged will be uncovered. Remember, your comfort is a top priority here! Now, the massage begins.
Different Techniques
Typically, the massage therapist will begin with light pressure to get your prepare your body for the remainder of the massage. Your muscles will begin to loosen and you will immediately start to feel relaxed! Your massage therapist will use different strokes and pressures throughout the remainder of the massage, depending on what type of massage you booked. Communication is also critical in this stage. If you want more pressure, speak up! If something hurts, definitely voice it!
At Muscle Anthropology, we offer a few different massage techniques. A Swedish massage is among the most common, generally using more gentler pressures to release tension throughout your body. If you want something more, we offer a deep tissue massage as well. This technique involves more pressure and can help with making structural changes to your body, if that’s your goal! Check out this article for an in depth comparison of Swedish versus deep tissue massages. Finally, we also offer trauma release therapy and a trigger point massage!
Hydrate, Stretch, and Book Your Next Visit!
After your massage, you’ll hopefully feel relaxed, while at the same time completely rejuvenated! Your massage therapist will once again leave the room while you get redressed. When they come back, you can share any feedback, comments, and concerns. Hopefully your first massage exceeded your expectations and you can book your next appointment! One or two massages a month is recommended at first, but of course each case and every body is different.
One of the most important things to do after your first massage appointment is to drink lots of water! You want to stay hydrated after a workout and to your muscles, a massage is no different. Water will help flush away any toxins that were massaged away.
Don’t be shy – book today with Muscle Anthropology!