WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR FIRST MASSAGE

Hi friends, Dani here! As a massage therapist for over 10 years, sometimes I forget that some people have never had a massage before! So I wanted to give a breakdown of what goes on during your first massage for anyone who is nervous or just plain curious. 

BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT

A waiver and questions about your current and past health issues will be sent to you online.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Once in the treatment room, I will ask what areas you are wanting to work on - this can be things like… your neck and shoulders have been sore from working at a desk, your lower back is sore from painting a wall, you are seeking massage following a sports injury, etc. To confirm that it is safe to proceed with your massage, we will discuss some further questions, including how much pressure you prefer - it’s okay if you are not sure!

GETTING SETTLED

Something that many clients are unsure about is how much to undress! While I will let you know what is best for the treatment,it is always up to you to choose to take off as much or as little as you are comfortable with. Before I leave the room for a few minutes to let you undress in private, I will tell you the best way to get settled on the massage bed underneath the sheet provided.

THE MASSAGE

After a few minutes have passed, I will knock to make sure you are ready before re-entering the room.  After washing my hands, I expose only the parts of your body that require massage - nothing will ever be exposed that isn’t necessary. I always start with light/relaxation pressure to warm up the area before using heavier pressure. As soon as I start deepening the pressure, I will ask how it feels. Ideally, we want it to feel good but a tiny bit tender. If it hurts, let me know right away! At anytime if you feel the pressure needs to be changed, don’t hesitate to ask. I can use light pressure or deep tissue techniques; communication is the key to success. I won’t be offended - this treatment is for you!

AFTER THE MASSAGE

When our treatment time is over, we will go over how you’re feeling. We will discuss whether you should apply ice or drink water when you get home to help prevent soreness. Normally, you'll be a bit sore the next day, but if you're still sore any longer, please let me know at your next appointment so we can adjust the pressure accordingly. Depending on the situation, stretching at home or a referral to a chiropractor may be helpful to complement your massage treatments.

I will give you privacy to change back into your clothes and then meet you at the front desk to give you a receipt with all the info you need to claim your massage through insurance. 

Rebooking your next massage is up to you and what you feel is necessary. If we are treating a specific injury or issue it usually takes 2-3 massages, approximately 2 weeks apart. For regular treatment, usually every 4-6 weeks is ideal.

And that’s all there is to it! Massages are all about relaxation and I hope I have given you assurance that the process is nothing to stress about. If you have any questions, leave a comment or send me a DM. I strongly believe that everyone can benefit from massage and I’d love to see you at Salon Society.

ABOUT THE EXPERT Dani Bateman is a registered massage therapist since 2010 and was voted Regina's Best Massage Therapist in 2022 and 2017. She specializes in deep tissue, pregnancy massage, TMJ, and sports massage. Visit Dani's About Me page or Book an Appointment.