Tips: What To Expect During Your Massage Appointment
What To Expect During Your Massage Appointment: Do you stay fully clothed? Does it hurt? Should you tip? Can I eat and drink before? Answers to key questions when you get your first massage.
Preparing yourself and knowing what to expect during your first massage will help you relax, feel at ease, and savor the experience.
Our experts at Key of Life Wellness & Massage compiled the following tips for you to help you before, during, and after your massage appointment.
If you have any further questions or concerns, ask us at the front desk when you arrive for your appointment or talk with your massage therapist in your treatment room beforehand.
Before Your Visit
When you book an appointment, we’ll send a form to your email address asking you to provide some health information and provide consent for treatment during your session. This routine health and consent form is an important part of how our therapists cater to your health needs and wellness goals.
If you forget or you’re unable to fill out the form online, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to your appointment and we’ll provide paper copies.
The Day of Your Massage
It’s always a good idea to reschedule if you have a fever, skin irritations, such as poison ivy or a sunburn, or if you have chronic health conditions that need to be stabilized, such as high blood sugar or diabetes. Please provide 24 hours’ notice to reschedule.
You can have a light meal two to three hours before your massage appointment. If you’re hungry, try to eat a light snack about one hour before. But do not consume alcohol or caffeine on the day of your massage.
When You Arrive
Come at least a few minutes early and relax in our waiting area. A member of our team will greet you at the front desk as you walk in. Your therapist will meet you in the waiting area.
Before your massage begins, the therapist will review any old or new health concerns so the session can be adjusted to meet your needs and keep you safe.
Because massage can affect multiple body systems, such as the cardiovascular and nervous systems, be honest with the therapist so they can assure you are safe and healthy for massage.
You will also be asked what areas you would like to have included in your session as well as any areas you would like avoided. For instance, if you do not feel comfortable with gluteal, feet, face, etc. work, then this is a good time to tell your therapist when they ask.
In addition, let the therapist know if you prefer certain techniques used or not used.
If you have any concerns or questions always feel free to ask during this time. This is your session and your comfort and privacy are of the utmost importance.
Start of Your Massage
You will be instructed to “undress to your comfort level” once the therapist leaves the room.
Don’t worry - we’ll give you time and privacy during this step and we’ll knock before re-entering the room.
Most clients either undress but leave their undergarments on or undress completely. Either choice is appropriate and perfectly OK.
Once comfortable, please lay face-down on the massage table and cover yourself with the sheet and blanket provided. At every point of your massage, you’ll be professionally draped and partially covered by the sheets, with your therapist communicating to you when to re-position if necessary.
If you are uncomfortable undressing, let your therapist know and appropriate accommodations can be made.
It’s also a good idea to take off jewelry so the therapist does not accidentally break or damage any items.
A table warmer can be adjusted to meet your desired temperature and comfort level.
During Your Massage
Tell the therapist if you are cold, want to be covered, don’t want an area of your body touched, don’t like the music, or are experiencing discomfort with a technique or how it is being applied.
Remember, you are in charge and can ask for changes or stop the session at any time. All aspects of the session such as music, lighting, temperature, pressure, or positioning on the table or of the face cradle can be customized to meet your needs.
Relax and let your thoughts go during this time. The therapist will only talk if you begin talking or unless there is a question that the therapist needs to ask to ensure your comfort.
This is your time to relax and you do not need to feel obligated to talk. However, you are also more than welcome to talk if that is more comfortable. It is perfectly acceptable to even drift off into a comfortable sleep during your session.
Remember to breathe during massage as this helps the body to relax.
Wrap Up
The therapist will instruct you to re-dress and then he or she will leave the room. Take your time when sitting up from the massage table.
Once you are clothed, open the door and the therapist will give you a bottle of water. You will be given “aftercare instructions” such as making sure to drink your normal daily intake of water, taking Epsom salt baths, or stretches to help increase the benefits of your massage.
Exiting and Check-Out
At the front desk, we will process your appointment to be checked out and help you book your next appointment.
Our experienced therapists tailor each session to address your specific needs and concerns, ensuring that you receive personalized care that delivers results. At Key of Life Wellness & Massage, we believe everyone deserves to live pain-free.
Take advantage of our $89 New Client Special for a 60-minute massage!
Call us today or book online here for a fast, secure appointment process.