So you’re ready to book your first massage experience but not so sure what to expect. I’m the Head Massage Therapist and Wellness Coach at YouTime Massage and today I’m going answer all your ‘first-time’ massage questions in detail.
Whether you’re looking to relieve muscle tension or pain, reduce stress or anxiety, or simply unwind from a hard day. My classic full-body massage, known as the ‘Precision Wellness Massage‘ or any of my YouTime Signature Massages are a great first time choice.
In today’s post I want to help you prepare for your first transformative treatment in relaxation massage. Understanding what to expect at your first massage can really make the most out of your wellness journey.
What should you expect at your first massage at YouTime or any professional massage clinic?
How to Prepare for Any Massage
Before we take a closer look at what to expect from your first massage session, it’s important to note that preparation is key! Here are some tips to help you get ready.
Hydrate
Firstly drink plenty of water before your massage to ensure your body is well-hydrated. This can help enhance the effects of the massage and aid in the removal of toxins from your system. I personally take extra care to be properly hydrated the day before I’m having a treatment.
Shower or Bathe Before Massage
It’s mostly for hygiene purposes and to ensure both you and your therapist are at ease during your session. It’s a good idea to take a quick shower or a relaxing bath is even better. Personally I will add candles and lavender essential oil if I have the time to really get into relaxed state of mind.
Alternatively, if you’re heading to your massage straight from work make sure to take a shower that morning and avoid any strenuous exercise during the day. Just a few grains of dirt or sand can turn the best relaxing massage into a scratchy experience for you and will be a distraction for your therapist.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give you time to fill out any necessary forms and use the bathroom if needed. Consequently if you’re rushing, cortisol and adrenaline are raised in the body and it will take longer for your body to calm down and relax.
Also, as with all good therapists, we will have a quick chat together about your needs for today’s massage in the consultation just prior to your treatment.
Dress Comfortably
Always try to wear loose natural fibers and comfortable clothing when traveling to and from your massage appointment.
It’s faster and easier to get in-and-out of your clothes, and much more cozy after the treatment especially. So maybe leave your favorite skinny jeans at home for another day.
Minimal To No Makeup
If you like to wear makeup, consider going light or even without makeup on the day of your massage. Just let your natural inner beauty shine for a day.
The oils and creams I use during the treatment can smudge makeup and in turn can reduce your comfort level.
Tie Up Your Hair
If you have long hair, it’s a good idea to bring a hair tie or head band to help keep hair away from your face and especially your neck.
It shouldn’t be tight though, loose and comfortable is best. This allows me to flow better with your massage and have easy access to these areas without accidentally pulling your hair and making it oily.
Remove Jewelry & Accessories
Before your massage, be sure to remove any jewelry, watches, and accessories that will interfere with the massage treatment. If they are very delicate pieces they may break or cause you discomfort during the session.
The Precision Wellness Massage includes your hands and feet, so no rings, bracelets or anklets is best. Also your head, face and ears, so no facial jewelry or earrings if possible, and the abdomen, so no belly rings is also best.
If you can’t or really don’t want to remove a piercing it’s okay don’t worry about it, I understand and will always do my best to accommodate your needs. Speaking of your needs…
Communicate Your Massage Needs
Importantly, during the consultation with your massage therapist and throughout the massage itself be sure to communicate any specific concerns, areas of tension or injuries you may have. This will allow the therapist to tailor the session to your needs and ensure your comfort and safety throughout.
I’m personally very accommodating and attentive. However, I’m unable to read peoples minds. So please never be nervous about asking me for an extra blanket if your feet are cold or more time on an area if it feels particularly good today, or if you want the bathroom during a treatment. It’s all good!
At the end of the day I’m here to serve you and help you relax and feel comfortable.
Relax Your Mind
Lastly take a few moments before your massage begins to quiet your mind and let go of any thoughts or tension if possible. Slow, deep breathing exercises or a quick meditation can help you enter a state of calm and openness. Allowing you to fully embrace the experience of the massage.
Your First Massage at YouTime
Now you know some good tips on how to be best prepared for a massage pretty much anywhere.
Here’s what to expect from your very first massage with me at YouTime Massage in Trondheim, Norway.
Arrival and Massage Intake
Upon arriving at the clinic please take a seat in the reception area and help yourself to the bottle of water waiting for you. If it’s your first time here please fill out the intake form with your contact details and point out any areas of discomfort, areas of pain or places you would like more focus and time.
It’s also very important to mark down any areas of your body you want me to avoid for any reason. Then just sit back and relax for a minute or two. I will soon come and greet you in the seating area with a friendly smile to guide you through your first treatment.
We will look through your completed intake form and I’ll take the time to inquire about your general health, any specific concerns or injuries and your desired massage goals for the day.
This information allows me to tailor the treatment to your unique needs and ensures your safety and comfort throughout the treatment.
Consultation with Coach Mark
As mentioned above, shortly after completing the intake form, you’ll have an opportunity to speak to me directly. This consultation provides a valuable opportunity for you to discuss your expectations, any areas of discomfort, areas you want me to avoid, and your desired pressure level during the session.
Bear in mind that the Precision Wellness Massage is a treatment designed for relaxation and not a ‘deep tissue’ treatment designed for performance, injuries or rehabilitation.
Remember also that open communication with me or any therapist is key to ensuring a personalized and satisfying massage experience. Ask me about anything you’re not sure of.
Preparing for the Massage
Before the massage begins, I will guide you to a private room designed to create a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Whereas many spas have multiple people separated by a curtain, YouTime is a private room just for you. Furthermore it’s situated within a very safe clinic that’s shared by top Osteopathic Doctors and Physical Therapists.
You will be given some time to undress in complete privacy and likely will be asked to start by laying face down on the comfortable massage table.
The Number One Massage Question…
.. is what to wear during the massage itself?
So I have written a detailed blog post on the subject of what to wear during massage here.
Basically though you should undress to your own comfort level. Therapists like myself are highly skilled at preserving client modesty with strategically placed sheets and towels.
You can wear comfortable underwear or a swimsuit if it makes you feel more at ease. Opt for options that don’t have restrictive bands or irritating seams. If you’re comfortable, you can be completely nude during the massage if you prefer.
Whatever you decide you’ll want to ensure that ease of movement and relaxation are possible during the treatment.
Start Face Down
I start my all massages with a confident, medium to light effleurage massage stroke on your back. This is proven to be one of the most effective and relaxing areas for the nervous system and a great area for the clients first contact with the therapists hands.
So after undressing please start by covering up just your lower body with the laid out sheets and blanket before I enter the room to start your treatment. Depending on your personal needs you’ll be resting face down looking through the comfortable head rest.
Be assured that only the area being massaged is exposed at any given time during the treatment.
Make Sure You’re Under the Sheet
I will guide you through everything in this blog post so don’t worry about trying to remember everything. Every therapist will have a slightly different set up for sheets and towels. Below is my own procedure and it works well.
The biggest take-a-way is to make sure you’re covered, especially if you’re choosing to be nude, before the therapist enters the room.
- There are 2 fresh, clean sheets on the table and one large fluffy towel. One sheet to lay on top of and one sheet to position your self underneath covering your body from feet to waist. The towel draped across you hips as best you can.
- Lay on your front under the top sheet with your face comfortably positioned over the head rest and your ankles over the foot rest and towards the end of the table.
- There are 2 choices for where to place your arms. I recommend you to place your forearms on the arm rest directly underneath the head rest.
- Both the head rest and the arm support are adjustable. Take the time now, to tell me before we begin, if you think either is to high or to low. I’ll set them just right for you.
- Please don’t be afraid to ask for these adjustments because it will help you relax, when your head, neck and arms are comfortable.
- You can also place your arms beside the body if you wish, it’s just a little harder for me to access the sides of the back.
- Don’t worry if the top sheet or towel isn’t positioned perfectly as I will straighten and fold as necessary before I begin and continuously as needed during the session to ensure both your privacy and comfort.
- My wellness massage always starts with the back, specifically the lower to mid-back.
Massage Techniques and Duration
During the massage, I will use a variety of techniques to address your specific needs, you can read about them here. These techniques are mainly classic strokes but I may use, a little firmer technique on the one or two areas we have discussed that are challenging you.
The pressure applied can range from gentle and relaxing to firmer to aid in releasing the area. Depending on your previously discussed preference and comfort level. I will quietly check in with you regularly to ensure you are comfortable and adjust the pressure if needed.
As the massage progresses, you will likely find yourself slipping into a state of deep relaxation. It’s common to experience a range of sensations, from blissful calmness and sleepiness to occasional muscle tenderness as areas of tension are released.
Remember my wellness massage and all Swedish/Classic style massages are predominantly for relaxation and last for 90 minutes as a minimum.
(60 Minutes Express Available)
If you want a deeper more intense massage then what you’re looking for is ‘Deep Tissue Massage’, many of my Signature Massages incorporate some deeper techniques. I still start and finish with relaxation styles of massage on all my Signature Massages and you can read more about them here.
I also offer Sports and Fitness treatments and you can read about those here. But that’s a whole other level and not so relaxing.
Turning Over
Once the flow has finished on the back side of the body I will let you know and give you a few moments to turn around onto your back in private. This is also a good time to drink a little water if you’re thirsty, anytime is good for that though.
When facing up, scoot a little lower so that your head is on the actual table and not the head rest. I’ll give you a nice pillow too, if you need it. The bolster that was near your ankles should now be placed underneath your knees for support.
Use the sheet to cover yourself from toe to upper chest. Woman please be sure that your breasts are covered and men, you can have the chest exposed for the next part of the massage which is the upper chest and shoulder area.
I’ll knock before I enter and adjust the sheets and bolster if needed before I start the next flow.
In Conclusion
The only thing you really need to remember is that it’s important for both you and I to feel safe, comfortable and cared for during the whole process. And two way communication is the key for that all to happen.
During the treatment itself I would recommend to just bliss out and enjoy listening to the music as you relax and I can quietly focus on giving you the relaxing massage your body deserves.
However some people like to chat a little and that’s great too. I will follow the lead of your personality and needs.
Relaxation and Aftercare
After your massage, be sure to hydrate, nourish your body with really good food, and spend the rest of your day relaxing if you can and letting the effects of the treatment work their magic.
For the ultimate detailed guide of what to do after your massage I highly recommend my ‘Massage Aftercare’ blog post here.
And be sure to read my posts in the Essential Reading for Clients blog category.
Ready to Book Your Wellness Massage?
Let me know what you think about this article in the comment section below and share on social media.
A Poem About Self-Love
Quest
My goal out-distances the utmost star,
Yet is encompassed in my inmost Soul;
I am my goal—my quest, to know myself.
To chart and compass this unfathomed sea,
Myself must plumb the boundless universe.
My Soul contains all thought, all mystery,
All wisdom of the Great Infinite Mind:
This is to discover, I must voyage far,
At last to find it in my pulsing heart.
Author - Carrie Williams Clifford
In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, it is crucial to remember to put ourselves first. Self-care and self-discovery are essential aspects of leading a fulfilling life.
Poetry has long been a medium through which we can explore our inner selves and express our deepest emotions. Every post on my website has a thoughtful poem for you to discover, like and share with a friend.
