What to Expect for Your First Massage

If you've never been to a massage therapist before, you are in for a treat. Whether you are coming for medical reasons or just to relieve stress, massage can have an amazing curative effect. Therapeutic massage releases chronic tension and pain in muscles, improves circulation and respiration, increases flexibility in the joints, and reduces mental and physical fatigue. Also, therapeutic massage is one of the most effective means available to combat stress.

You may want to answer a few questions before you are ready to experience a therapeutic massage.

You will first be asked to fill out a confidential health form. This is necessary since there are some circumstances for which massage is not appropriate. After an initial interview, you will be left in private to undress and get on the table, covering yourself with the sheet.

For a full body massage, most people undress completely, though you may choose to wear underwear. You will always be warmly covered except for the area being worked on. In all cases, your modesty will be respected.

The massage is done with your choice of professional massage lotions or light oil that are good for your skin and absorb easily. Some forms of massage do not require the use of oil or lotion.

In some cases, the therapist may have some soothing and relaxing music playing softly in the background.

The massage begins with a contact hold. This may be at the feet or shoulders, depending on what work is being done. The work will generally start with broad flowing strokes. These have a calming effect on the nervous system and release the tension in your superficial muscles. The therapist will then work on specific muscles as needed.

Generally, the therapist will check with you several times during the session about the pressure that is being used. Remember, the more feedback that you give, the better the massage will be for you. Massage often finds "tender points" in the body.

These are areas that you may be unaware of but are tender or even painful to the touch. They may also be the cause of pain that is felt in other areas. The therapist is trained in ways of lessening or even relieving them.

Make yourself comfortable. Most people just close their eyes and relax completely during a massage. Some prefer to talk. It's not uncommon for people to fall asleep during a massage. It's your massage, and whatever feels natural for you is undoubtedly the best way to relax. Remember, YOU are paying for the massage, so you should be in charge. If something the therapist does not feel right, let them know. If it feels great, let them know so they may spend some extra time working.

If it is necessary during the session to adjust your position, the therapist will first make sure that you remain properly covered and then tell you what to do (such as turning over).

If you feel the need to use the restroom during the session, just let the therapist know.