Preparing for Your Massage Appointment

Indulging in self-care on a regular basis is an important part of our lives and our health and, at Resonance Mind Body Wellness, massage therapy tops our list of the best ways to practice self-care. The benefits from massage therapy are numerous, from general relaxation to targeting specific areas of stress and tension in the body.

Many clients booking their first massage are unsure of what to expect and how to prepare for their session. We are here to answer your questions and guide you through your massage appointment.

Before the appointment

There are a few things to consider as you are booking your appointment and during the time leading up it. First, set your appointment for a time when you will be able to arrive a few minutes early rather than rushing in right at your appointment time. This will create a more relaxing experience and allow for the full massage time to be used.

Think through what you most want out of your massage, whether you are needing attention in a specific area or an overall relaxing experience. Your massage therapist will ask some questions to help determine the best massage for you, so be ready to communicate your preferences. If it’s your first massage and you’re not really sure, that’s okay! Your massage therapist will talk you through some options.

Consider a warm shower or bath before your appointment. During your massage, it is best to be clean so dirt and grime are not being massaged into your skin. While it doesn’t have to be immediately before, the cleaner your skin the better. If showering right before you come to the appointment, keep your water warm rather than hot so your body temperature won’t be too high during the massage.

During the appointment

Arrive a few minutes before your appointment time. This will allow time to fill out paperwork and meet with your massage therapist to go over your preferences and communicate any requests. It also allows you to ask any questions you may have. We are happy to answer questions; don’t be embarrassed to ask even if you think the answer should be obvious.

After you meet with the massage therapist, you will be given time to undress for your massage. The level to which you undress is completely up to you, as your comfort is important, though full access to your back does help the massage therapist better address any trouble spots. Once undressed to the point you are comfortable, you’ll lie face down on the massage table with a sheet beneath you and on top of you. We can provide a blanket and turn on the table warmer if needed.

During your massage, always feel free to communicate with your therapist. We are great at our job, but every client is different and has different preferences and tolerance for pressure. We are happy to adjust to suit your needs.

After your massage

After your massage, we encourage you to relax for several minutes on the table and take your time getting up. You will be given time to dress and transition back to the rest of your day. The massage lotion used is primarily to help during the massage. Some clients prefer to leave the lotion on their skin the rest of the day, while some prefer to shower at home shortly after their massage. If you choose to shower, avoid using hot water, as it could further increase blood flow and make you feel faint or dizzy.

If you’d like to experience all massage has to offer, book an appointment today at Resonance Mind Body Wellness. We look forward to meeting you soon!