What should I expect from my very first massage?

Massage can be a wonderful thing. But it can also be a bit scary, if you've never had a professional massage before.

When you arrive at the office, I’ll have a brief intake form for you to complete, if you haven't already completed the online form that was emailed to you when the appointment was made. We’ll talk about why you’re coming in for a massage and what your goals are for the session:

Are you dealing with pain? Do you need/want to relax? A combination of both?

I’ll show you the massage room and walk you through the massage process. You can choose to undress to your underwear or you can remain fully clothed; it's completely up to you. Please feel free to discuss with me if you'd like to leave your clothes on during the session, so that I may make accommodations during your massage; everyone's session is completely customized. Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, what you wear is entirely up to you. Simply put: bottom undergarment can be left on or taken off. You will be modestly undraped throughout the massage, i.e.-the only body part that will be exposed will be the part that I am working on.

I’ll leave the room so that you may undress (if you chose to do so), get on the massage table, and get comfortable under the sheet and blanket. If you're chilly, I have a heater on the massage table and always have a blanket available. If you're large breasted or are nursing your child, I can remove the inserts in the table which will give you more space to be comfortable.

Depending on the issues we’re planning to address, I may start the massage on your face, neck and shoulders, or maybe on your back. I use either a hypoallergenic cream or a lightly scented organic coconut oil (only a coconut smell). While I have scented essential oils, I will never use them without your prior permission; please let me know if you are allergic to any scent. 

DURING THE MASSAGE

It’s great if you can let your body rest and sink into the table. If I need to move your arms or legs, etc, I’ll do all the work! This takes practice. 

It’s really important for you to tell me if any massage techniques I use cause pain. Pain is not okay. There may be a certain level of discomfort and “good ache” if we’re working on a problem area. It’s important that you tell me about that, too, so we can tailor the massage to be most effective without causing injury. 

I’ll check in with you as we go, but please speak up if you become too warm or too cool, if you aren’t comfortable on the table, need another pillow, or if you just hate the music!

AFTER THE MASSAGE

You should expect to feel mellow and rested after your massage. If we addressed pain issues, you may immediately feel a reduction in pain, or it may take a day or two before you feel that relief. If you are very sore following a massage (it’s rare, but it can happen), please call me so we can discuss the best course of action, and so that I can make notes to adjust your next massage. 

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