First Massage? What to Expect
Some people who have never had a professional massage are hesitant because they don't know what to expect.
Do I have to get naked?
What is a "full body" massage?
Will it hurt?
Although massage therapists may use different protocols (the routine they use to do their massages), their basic techniques are often much the same. Most massage therapists work in a warm, quiet room with soft lighting and soothing music. Aromatherapy is often available by request. Oil or lotion is usually applied to the skin. (Don't wear your best clothes to go get a massage!) A standard variety of different strokes are used, depending on what modalities the therapist is trained in and what muscle is being worked on.
Because personal comfort is essential for relaxation, the level of undress is usually left up to the client. While many people opt to leave their underwear on, especially during their first massage, doing so will limit the therapist's access to tight gluteus (buttock) muscles which are often a major factor in both low back and leg pain. Licensed Massage Therapists are trained to keep the client's body discretely draped, modestly uncovering only the area being worked on. A woman's breasts are always kept covered, as is every client's genital area.
Massage Therapy is not about sex. Most therapists will terminate a massage if the client becomes aggressive or sexually suggestive.
Therapists are not mind-readers. Saying "Right there!" or "That feels good!" will alert the therapist to the desire for further work on a particular spot. Conversely, if too much pressure on any area makes the massage treatment uncomfortable, be sure to let the therapist know immediately. Saying, "OW!" should work.
Occasional soreness, similar to that after exercise, is caused by the release of the toxic waste products of muscle metabolism. These toxins, which often get trapped within the muscles, are released by massage. The soreness should subside within 24-48 hours. The application of heat, with a heating pad or hot bath, will increase circulation to the area and relieve any soreness faster. Drinking a lot of water, which helps the kidneys remove these harmful toxins, is essential after any massage!
Above all, a professional massage should leave you feeling wonderfully peaceful and relaxed. If possible, schedule your massage when you can spend some time afterwards doing things that will further your relaxation, rather than high-energy activities. Let your body and mind REST.
Do I have to get naked?
What is a "full body" massage?
Will it hurt?
Although massage therapists may use different protocols (the routine they use to do their massages), their basic techniques are often much the same. Most massage therapists work in a warm, quiet room with soft lighting and soothing music. Aromatherapy is often available by request. Oil or lotion is usually applied to the skin. (Don't wear your best clothes to go get a massage!) A standard variety of different strokes are used, depending on what modalities the therapist is trained in and what muscle is being worked on.
Because personal comfort is essential for relaxation, the level of undress is usually left up to the client. While many people opt to leave their underwear on, especially during their first massage, doing so will limit the therapist's access to tight gluteus (buttock) muscles which are often a major factor in both low back and leg pain. Licensed Massage Therapists are trained to keep the client's body discretely draped, modestly uncovering only the area being worked on. A woman's breasts are always kept covered, as is every client's genital area.
Massage Therapy is not about sex. Most therapists will terminate a massage if the client becomes aggressive or sexually suggestive.
Therapists are not mind-readers. Saying "Right there!" or "That feels good!" will alert the therapist to the desire for further work on a particular spot. Conversely, if too much pressure on any area makes the massage treatment uncomfortable, be sure to let the therapist know immediately. Saying, "OW!" should work.
Occasional soreness, similar to that after exercise, is caused by the release of the toxic waste products of muscle metabolism. These toxins, which often get trapped within the muscles, are released by massage. The soreness should subside within 24-48 hours. The application of heat, with a heating pad or hot bath, will increase circulation to the area and relieve any soreness faster. Drinking a lot of water, which helps the kidneys remove these harmful toxins, is essential after any massage!
Above all, a professional massage should leave you feeling wonderfully peaceful and relaxed. If possible, schedule your massage when you can spend some time afterwards doing things that will further your relaxation, rather than high-energy activities. Let your body and mind REST.
