Things to Know Before Getting your First Massage

If you’ve never had a massage before or it’s been a while since your last massage, you may be a little unsure of what to expect. That’s completely normal! We understand that for many people, it can be a little uncomfortable or awkward to get a massage at first. We hope by answering these questions up front we can help increase your comfort level so you can fully enjoy the benefits of massage.

Do I need to arrive early to my first appointment? 

We recommend you arrive about 15 minutes early the day of your first appointment with us. Because we take a scientific and therapeutic approach to massage, we have a short questionnaire that we talk through with each client before we begin. This includes questions about your medical history, such as any history of injuries, any current skin conditions we should be aware of, any allergies to lotions or oils, and whether you’re taking any medications that could affect your massage.  

How much should I undress for a massage? 

We want each of our clients to feel as comfortable as possible during their massage, which means you can undress to your level of comfort. If that means wearing shorts and a loose-fitting t-shirt, we can work with that to ensure your comfort. However, it can be challenging to fully address smaller muscle groups when clients are clothed. Each massage table has layers of sheets and a blanket to ensure your comfort and allow us the necessary access to small muscle groups for maximum treatment. 

Can I eat or drink prior to a massage? 

We recommend that you avoid eating or drinking large amounts of liquid for one to two hours before coming in for your massage. You’ll be lying down for 30 to 90 minutes during your massage, and that can slow your digestion and even result in acid reflux. Plus, getting a massage on a full stomach may feel uncomfortable and impact your ability to fully relax. You should not consume any alcohol prior to your massage.  

Can I talk during my massage? 

The amount of talking during a massage is completely a matter of personal preference! We always encourage clients to provide feedback about the amount of pressure used during the massage, and we’ll ask you a few questions along the way to ensure you’re comfortable with the level of pressure. We may be working on some knots in your muscles, but please speak up if something hurts or feels uncomfortable. Beyond providing feedback on the massage pressure, some clients like to chat during their massage. Other clients like complete silence, and some even fall asleep. If you have a preference, please let us know, and we’re happy to accommodate. 

Anything I should know for after my massage? 

Expect to feel very relaxed! We recommend that you drink plenty of water in the hours following your massage to help your body recover. We personally like to embrace the puddle feeling of complete relaxation, so we personally take it pretty easy in the hours after a massage. However, you can certainly return to work, go out with friends, or resume your normal daily activities. We don’t recommend doing anything strenuous like working out or moving furniture though. 

Have a question we didn’t answer? Call us or send us a message through our contact page, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.